Pregnancy symptoms — and the warning signs to never ignore

Common, normal symptoms

These are part of most pregnancies, and there's usually plenty you can do to feel better:

• Nausea — small, frequent meals and staying hydrated help
• Tiredness — rest when you can
• Heartburn — smaller meals, avoid lying down soon after eating
• Constipation — fibre, fluids and gentle movement
• Back ache — good posture and side-sleeping
• Mild swelling of feet and ankles — put your feet up

When it's more than normal — red flags

Contact your doctor or come in straight away for any of these:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• A severe or persistent headache
• Blurred vision or flashing lights
• Sudden swelling of the face and hands
• Severe abdominal pain
• Reduced or absent baby movements
• High fever
• A gush or steady leak of fluid
• Burning or pain passing urine
• Vomiting so severe you can't keep fluids down

Trust your instinct

You know your body. If something feels wrong — even if it isn't on any list — it's always right to call. No good doctor will ever mind you checking, and catching things early is exactly the point of your antenatal care.