12 of the most common weird and wonderful side effects of pregnancy...

12 of the most common weird and wonderful side effects of pregnancy...What did you experience?

1. **Morning Sickness** Typical early pregnancy symptoms include nausea and vomiting, especially in the morning.  However, if your body is really unkind to you, it can occur at any time of day!

2. **Fatigue**

As your body's normal hormonal rollercoaster is changing and you have increased blood production, you can be left feeling drained. Be kind to yourself and all hail the Nana Naps!

3. **Breast Changes**

Your boobs may become tender, swollen, or more sensitive, think menstruation on steroids! Your areolas will also get much darker for a while - so your baby can find them to feed.

4. **Frequent Urination**

As your womb is growing, it puts pressure on your organs, particularly your bladder, leading to more frequent trips to the loo, best to drink plenty of water and get used to the regular bathroom trips to avoid any pesky UTI's!

5. **Food Aversions and Cravings**

Another delightful side effect of that hormonal rollercoaster is changes to your taste buds. You might find certain foods repulsive or have some quirky cravings...these can sometimes be non food items like chalk or coal!!

6. **Mood Swings**

We can blame those hormones again for wreaking havoc with your emotions. Feeling weepy, irritable, or elated!  All are part of the journey.

7. **Heightened Sense of Smell**

Some pregnant ladies become super sensitive to smells, which can trigger nausea (TOP TIP - Gingernuts are great for nausea!)

8. **Constipation**

Additional weight and pressure on the internal organs as well as hormonal changes can slow down digestion, leading to constipation. Fibre rich foods and lots of water can help reduce this uncomfortable side effect. 

9. **Heartburn**

Pressure from the growing uterus can cause acid reflux and heartburn, breathwork, stretching and being active can help alleviate that upper tummy compression.

10. **Spotting or Light Bleeding**

Occasionally ladies experience some light spotting around the time of their first expected period after conception. This is called implantation bleeding, its very normal, but if its a large quantity of bright red bleeding, it's best to check with your midwife.

11. **Back Pain**

As your belly grows, your centre of gravity shifts, leading to backaches.  Being mindful of leaning your weight back into your heels as you stand / walk can really help with this often unpleasant symptom

12. **Swollen Feet and Ankles**

Fluid retention is common during pregnancy - Hydration and keeping active, as well as putting those feet up to rest when you're seated can make this more bearable.