This information is for general guidance only.

It does not replace advice from your midwife, GP or healthcare team.

Early Pregnancy Symptoms UK

Pregnancy brings a wide range of symptoms, many of which are completely normal. This guide explains when each symptom typically occurs, what causes it, and how to manage it.

Morning sickness and nausea

Weeks 4 to 16 (sometimes longer)

Nausea, with or without vomiting, is one of the most common early pregnancy symptoms. Despite the name, it can occur at any time of day. It is usually at its worst in the first trimester and improves after week 12 to 14 for most people.

Management tips

  • Eat small, frequent meals rather than large ones
  • Try ginger tea, ginger biscuits, or ginger capsules
  • Avoid strong smells that trigger nausea
  • Keep dry crackers by your bed to eat before getting up
  • Speak to your midwife or GP if vomiting is severe (hyperemesis gravidarum requires treatment)

Fatigue

Throughout pregnancy, especially first and third trimesters

Extreme tiredness is very common, particularly in the first trimester when your body is working hard to grow the placenta. It often improves in the second trimester before returning in the third as the baby grows larger.

Management tips

  • Rest whenever you can, even short naps help
  • Accept offers of help from family and friends
  • Eat iron-rich foods to prevent fatigue from anaemia
  • Gentle exercise such as walking can help maintain energy levels
  • Aim for 8 to 9 hours of sleep per night if possible

Food cravings and aversions

Weeks 4 to 8 and beyond

Strong desires for certain foods (cravings) or strong aversions to foods you normally enjoy are extremely common in pregnancy. The exact cause is unknown but is thought to be related to hormonal changes.

Management tips

  • Give in to mild cravings if the foods are safe to eat during pregnancy
  • Avoid craving non-food items (pica), which can be harmful
  • Do not force yourself to eat foods that make you feel sick
  • Try different forms of nutritious foods if aversions are affecting your diet
  • Speak to your midwife if cravings or aversions are significantly affecting your nutrition

Frequent urination

Early pregnancy and third trimester

Needing to urinate more often is caused by increased blood flow through the kidneys and, later in pregnancy, the baby pressing on the bladder. It is most noticeable in the first trimester and returns in the third.

Management tips

  • Continue drinking plenty of water, as dehydration is harmful
  • Reduce caffeine intake, which can irritate the bladder
  • Do not hold on, as this can increase the risk of urinary tract infections
  • Contact your midwife or GP if urination is painful, as this may indicate a UTI
  • Pelvic floor exercises can help with any leakage

Heartburn and indigestion

Mid-pregnancy onwards

Heartburn is caused by the pregnancy hormone progesterone relaxing the valve between the stomach and oesophagus, allowing stomach acid to rise. As the uterus grows, it also puts physical pressure on the stomach.

Management tips

  • Eat smaller meals more frequently
  • Avoid spicy, greasy, or acidic foods
  • Do not lie down immediately after eating
  • Try sleeping propped up with an extra pillow
  • Speak to your midwife about safe antacid medications

Headaches

First trimester, due to hormonal changes

Headaches are common in early pregnancy due to hormonal changes, increased blood volume, dehydration, and fatigue. They usually improve as pregnancy progresses.

Management tips

  • Stay well hydrated throughout the day
  • Rest in a quiet, dark room if needed
  • Paracetamol is safe in pregnancy; avoid ibuprofen and aspirin unless advised by your GP
  • Apply a cool compress to your forehead or neck
  • Seek urgent medical help if headaches are severe, persistent, or accompanied by visual changes

Braxton Hicks contractions

Week 20 onwards

Braxton Hicks are mild, irregular contractions of the uterus that prepare it for labour. They feel like a tightening or squeezing sensation and are usually painless, though they can be uncomfortable.

Management tips

  • Braxton Hicks are normal and not a sign of premature labour
  • Change position or take a gentle walk if they are uncomfortable
  • Stay hydrated, as dehydration can trigger them
  • Call your midwife or maternity unit if contractions become regular, painful, or are accompanied by other symptoms
  • Contact your midwife if you are unsure whether what you are experiencing is Braxton Hicks or real labour

Back pain and pelvic girdle pain

Second and third trimesters

Back pain is caused by the extra weight of pregnancy and the hormone relaxin softening the ligaments. Pelvic girdle pain (PGP), formerly called symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), causes pain in the front and back of the pelvis and can be debilitating.

Management tips

  • Maintain good posture and avoid standing for long periods
  • Wear flat, supportive footwear
  • Ask your midwife for a referral to a physiotherapist if pain is significant
  • Use a pregnancy pillow to support your bump in bed
  • Avoid activities that make the pain worse, such as climbing stairs one at a time

Related tools and guides

Due Date Calculator→ Week by Week→ NHS Appointments→ After Birth Guide→