Pregnancy Symptom Soothers

Not sleeping? Is your back killing you? Can't stand those cankles? Here, easy solutions for the 13 most common side effects.

By Lauren Wiener

Alexandra Grablewski

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Morning sickness, sure. But the bleeding gums, leg cramps, carpal tunnel -- you certainly weren't, uh, expecting those. Your growing bump may bring on a whole slew of lesser-known (and downright strange) pregnancy symptoms. But don't worry too much. "As uncomfortable as these conditions may be, many actually indicate a normal, healthy pregnancy because they're simply triggered by your expanding uterus or changing hormones," says Russell Fothergill, MD, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine. But these days you don't have to sit back and suffer: "Luckily, we've found that small lifestyle changes can go a long way in relieving the most common complaints," he says. Ease those preggo pains by tonight with this expert advice.

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Comments (41)

athaliahatty wrote:

hi am 18wks am on progesterone shots this is my 5th pregnancy had 4 miscarriages so its been really tough i am monitored weekly and test for infections am really scared and excited at the same time. good luck to all others.

2/2/2012 03:55:56 PM Report Abuse

earthaur wrote:

i am 13 weeks and my sleep is usually interupted with frequent urinaion and spitting... what is currently getting me sick is intermittent headaches, i can't wait to see this wonderful gift. i am sure his smiles will wipe away all these memories of discomfort.i'm proud to be an expecting mother.. yay

1/12/2012 02:16:16 PM Report Abuse

belenv1123 wrote:

First pregnancy and utterly excited! I'm 21 weeks so far in this new wonderful experience. I'll admit though, I love to have a good nights rest (I mean, who doesn't?) but that's the time this baby is the most active. I dislike taking naps during the day, so its kind of unsettling but I'm sure I'll manage and get use to it. Besides, I hear that once the baby is out that's when you really get sleep deprived. I'll enjoy and take advantage for now;)

1/5/2012 08:27:01 PM Report Abuse

firstladybdw191 wrote:

Hello I'm new on here. I'm almost 19 weeks I don't sleep very well and holding down food is still a problem... lol. I can feel her moving around in my tummy more and more every week, its amazing. My leg cramps and other uncomfortable things happening to my body not so wonderful. I can wait t meet her though.

11/9/2011 11:44:06 AM Report Abuse

mrzmcdonald wrote:

Preggo Carpal Tunnel is no fun at all (37 weeks).. Mine started with numbness that woke me up, to pain up and down my arms that left me doing exercises in the living room floor to try to get blood flowing again.. now I have almost 24 hr numbness in my fingertips..Relief? Sleep sitting up with pillows on either side and have plenty of cheese on hand for those midnight grilled cheese cravings..Good Luck!

7/5/2011 10:57:42 PM Report Abuse