Common Pregnancy & Postnatal Symptoms

Poor Sleep

In pregnancy, sleep can be disturbed by rising progesterone (hormone), more frequent trips to the toilet, physical discomfort, and vivid dreams. Later in pregnancy, your body naturally produces more adrenaline at night — this is thought to be nature’s way of preparing you for night-time baby care.
After birth, hormone shifts, feeding patterns, and anxiety can also disrupt sleep, even when you're exhausted.

Pelvic Girdle Pain / Back & Hip Pain

The hormone relaxin softens the ligaments around your joints to help your pelvis open for birth. While helpful, it also makes the pelvis less stable. As your bump grows, your centre of gravity changes, straining the lower back, hips, and pelvis. Pain may also radiate down the legs or into the groin (sciatica).

Sciatica

The sciatic nerve runs from your lower spine down your legs. As the uterus grows, it can press against this nerve, especially if your baby sits low in the pelvis. This may cause shooting pains, tingling, or numbness in the buttock or down the leg.

Nausea & Vomiting

In the first trimester, high levels of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin - the pregnancy hormone detected on the pregnancy test) and oestrogen affect the digestive system and your sense of smell. This can lead to nausea, especially when tired or hungry. It often improves after the placenta takes over hormone production (around 12–16 weeks).

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

During pregnancy, your body holds onto more fluid, especially in the third trimester. This can compress the median nerve in your wrist, causing tingling or numbness in the hands — often worse at night. It usually improves after birth when swelling reduces.

Anxiety, Overwhelm and Mood Changes

Pregnancy and new motherhood involve huge emotional and hormonal shifts. Cortisol (stress hormone) can rise with anxiety, and oxytocin (the hormone of love and bonding) may be harder to access if you're tense, tired, or unsupported. Past experiences and fear of the unknown can also add to emotional strain.

Indigestion & Heartburn

Progesterone hormone relaxes the valve between your stomach and oesophagus, making it easier for acid to escape upwards. As your womb grows, it presses up on the stomach, increasing pressure and the chance of acid reflux — especially after eating or when lying down.

Constipation & Piles

Progesterone hormone slows gut movement by relaxing the smooth muscle of your digestive tract. This can lead to constipation. The pressure of the growing uterus on pelvic veins also reduces blood fl ow, increasing the risk of haemorrhoids (piles) — swollen veins around the rectum.

Sinus Congestion

Pregnancy increases blood volume and oestrogen levels, which can swell the mucous membranes lining your nose and sinuses. This causes a blocked nose, pressure, or even snoring. It usually resolves after birth.

General Aches, Swelling & Heavy Legs

Increased body weight, slower circulation, and changes to posture can cause fatigue and aches — especially in the lower back, legs, and shoulders. Fluid retention can also affect how heavy or swollen your limbs feel, particularly later in the day.

Prolonged Pregnancy (Overdue)

It’s normal for labour to start any time between 37–42 weeks. Hormones like oxytocin and prostaglandins naturally rise to trigger labour. If baby hasn’t arrived, gentle therapies like acupressure, reflexology, aromatherapy, and relaxing massage may help encourage this process, especially by reducing stress and promoting oxytocin.

Breech Baby (Bottom Down)

Most babies turn head-down by 36 weeks, but some stay breech. This can be influenced by uterine shape, muscle tone, or position. Therapies like moxibustion, gentle massage, and optimal maternal positioning may encourage turning if baby still has room and time.