Common Complaints in Pregnancy

Pregnancy comes with a lot of changes, and not all of them are comfortable. Many symptoms are common and expected. Some deserve a closer look. Below are some of the most common complaints we hear in pregnancy, along with simple tips and medications that are generally safe to use.

If you have questions about something that is not listed here, call Calhoun Women’s Center.

Allergies

Common options include:

  • Benadryl

  • Zyrtec

  • Claritin

  • Allegra

  • Flonase

  • saline nasal spray

Avoid pseudoephedrine and Afrin unless your OB/GYN has specifically told you otherwise.

Backache

Things that may help:

  • heating pad to the back only

  • warm bath or shower

  • Biofreeze

  • good posture

  • avoiding heavy lifting

  • Tylenol as needed, following the directions on the bottle

Cold and flu symptoms

Common options include:

  • Tylenol

  • plain Mucinex

  • plain Robitussin

  • saline nasal spray

  • humidifier

  • increased water intake

Please call if your temperature is over 100.4 after taking Tylenol.

Constipation

Things that may help:

  • increase water intake

  • increase fiber

  • leafy green vegetables

  • fruit

  • whole grains

  • Colace

  • Miralax

Cough or sore throat

Things that may help:

  • plain Robitussin

  • Tylenol

  • throat lozenges

  • salt water gargles

Please call if the cough lasts longer than a week or if your temperature is over 100.4 after taking Tylenol.

Cramping or contractions

For mild period-like cramps or Braxton Hicks contractions:

  • lie down on your left side

  • drink water

  • rest for a bit

If you are less than 37 weeks and symptoms do not improve, get worse, or keep coming, call us.

If you are over 37 weeks, call if you are having painful contractions every 5–10 minutes for over an hour.

Unfortunately, Google cannot check your cervix. If something feels off, call us.

Diarrhea

Things that may help:

  • BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, toast

  • increase fluids

  • Imodium

Please call if diarrhea lasts longer than 24 hours.

Fever

Things that may help:

  • Tylenol

  • increased fluids

Please call if your temperature is over 100.4 after taking Tylenol.

Headaches

Things that may help:

  • Tylenol as needed, following the directions on the bottle

  • hydration

  • rest

Please call right away if:

  • the headache is severe

  • you are not getting relief with Tylenol

  • you have vision changes

  • you have severe swelling of the feet, hands, or face

Hemorrhoids

Things that may help:

  • Anusol

  • Preparation H

  • Tucks pads

  • increased water intake

  • more fiber

  • stool softeners such as Colace or Miralax

Indigestion or heartburn

Common options include:

  • Tums

  • Pepcid

  • omeprazole

Smaller meals may also help. Avoid lying down right after eating.

Leg cramps

Things that may help:

  • compression stockings

  • stretching

  • massage

  • elevating your feet

  • calcium-rich foods

  • hydration

Nausea

Things that may help:

  • keep a dry, salty snack at the bedside

  • eat before getting out of bed

  • small, frequent meals

  • ginger

  • vitamin B6

Please call if:

  • you feel like you need prescription medication

  • you cannot keep food or fluids down

Pain

Tylenol is the only over-the-counter pain medication we recommend in pregnancy unless your OB/GYN specifically tells you otherwise.

Please:

  • take it only when needed

  • follow the directions on the bottle carefully

Avoid NSAIDs in pregnancy unless your OB/GYN has specifically told you otherwise. Common NSAIDs include:

  • ibuprofen

  • naproxen

  • aspirin

  • diclofenac

  • meloxicam

  • ketorolac

Spotting

Please call the office.

Until you have spoken with us:

  • rest

  • avoid intercourse

If you have cramping or bleeding as heavy as a period, seek urgent evaluation right away.

Swelling

Things that may help:

  • compression socks

  • elevating your feet

  • increasing water intake

  • avoiding excess salt and heavily processed foods

Please call right away if you suddenly have severe swelling in your feet, hands, or face, especially if you also have headache or vision changes.

Vaginal discharge

An increase in discharge is common in pregnancy.

Please call if:

  • there is a foul odor

  • you have itching or burning

  • there is blood

  • there is a sudden change that concerns you

  • you think you may be leaking fluid

When should I call Calhoun Women’s Center?

Please call if:

  • a symptom is getting worse instead of better

  • you cannot eat or drink normally

  • you think you may be leaking fluid

  • you are having bleeding

  • you are having painful or regular contractions

  • you have a fever over 100.4 after taking Tylenol

  • you notice decreased fetal movement

  • you have a severe headache

  • something just feels off

When should I seek urgent care right away?

Please seek urgent evaluation right away if:

  • you have heavy bleeding

  • you think your water may have broken

  • you are having regular painful contractions

  • you have severe abdominal pain

  • you have severe shortness of breath

  • you have chest pain

  • you have a severe headache with vision changes

  • you notice decreased fetal movement

  • you feel faint, confused, or significantly unwell

Final thoughts

Most pregnancy complaints are normal. Some are not. If you are not sure, call us.

Professional reference

  • Patient education material adapted for Calhoun Women’s Center from prior practice resources

This is publishable. My one small polish would be changing the title to Common Pregnancy Complaints if you want it to feel slightly more searchable and a little less formal.

Call for consultation