When Does Pregnancy Get Uncomfortable? | Know From a Mom

Pregnancy / By

Being pregnant is a natural yet miraculous process. Science has evolved in many ways to support women in their pregnancies. Even women considered infertile can now succeed in the rewards of pregnancy. We expect pregnancy to be a glorious time and even though it is a wonderful experience there is one question you may be asking: when does pregnancy get uncomfortable? 

when does pregnancy get uncomfortable

When Does Pregnancy Get Uncomfortable?

When does pregnancy become uncomfortable? Being uncomfortable during pregnancy can come at any stage. It is purely down to each individual when the physical limitations begin. You can expect feelings of pregnancy discomfort as you enter the third trimester but some women report them earlier. As your baby grows your body is stretching and organs move to make room which can put pressure on your body.

Your Body

You may have longed for this pregnancy or had a surprise when you received your bfp either way you are looking down a road of nine months where your body will go through some drastic transformations. 

When you think about pregnancy you may be filled with the delight of knowing you are growing a human but despite the miraculous powers from within, pregnancy can take its toll on the body. 

Discomfort is part and parcel of being pregnant ofcourse each and everyone of us have different coping mechanisms but you can guarantee at some point in your pregnancy you will feel uncomfortable.

When Do You Start Feeling Uncomfortable During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is broken down into trimesters. Each and every one has its own highs and lows but to understand exactly why you may be feeling this discomfort we need to highlight what happens in each trimester.

Stages of Pregnancy

Take a look at the trimesters below and hopefully gain a better picture of what your body goes through in each stage of pregnancy and answer the question when do you start to feel uncomfortable in pregnancy?

First Trimester

This is from the moment you realize you are pregnant up to 13 weeks of gestation. This is when many women choose to keep their pregnancy to themselves, a secret that they can be excited about and come to terms with what is happening.

Even though you don’t look different, inside there is a firework party happening. Pregnancy hormones Oestrogen and progesterone get to work to help the development of your baby. The presence of these hormones can welcome the not so glamorous first trimester symptoms. 

Nausea, sickness, fatigue and headaches are just a few symptoms to mention but these can cause extreme discomfort. Not everyone will experience the same side effects the first trimester brings.

I suffered with morning sickness on both my pregnancies so much that I pulled all my muscles whereas my sister had absolutely nothing other than feeling like she could sleep through the 13 weeks. 

Needless to say the first trimester can warrant some discomfort but not aways.

Second Trimester

From weeks 13 to 27 you are in the second trimester. The risk of miscarriage has dropped significantly and you may start to be feeling amazing. 

The hormones that left you vomiting through your nose a few weeks back have another purpose. Some women tend to glow, radiance at its best with glossy hair and an energy boost. So what’s the discomfort here you ask?

Well again there are some women who report:

  • Dizziness
  • Cramps
  • Ligament pain
  • Braxton hicks contractions 
  • Sinus issues

Before I paint pregnancy in an undesirable light I must point out that it is from around 16 weeks that you may be able to feel the flutters of your baby, which cancels out any discomfort in my book!

Again the symptoms mentioned are not definite and only happen to some women. I can remember feeling on top of the world in my second trimester so it is clear that not all women will feel the same.

Third Trimester 

The ending of your pregnancy! Filled with anxiety of the birth this is where most women feel the most uncomfortable, pregnancy is hard work on your body and you have to listen to it. Rest when you can and be kind to yourself. You have literally given up your whole self image and physical body to host you little lodger who will be soon facing eviction. 

Your baby is now nearing the size of a watermelon so the sheer effort of carrying this extra weight can put a toll on your joints, ligaments and muscles. Discomfort at this stage is very common and may leave you willing your waters to break or for contractions to start.

By now you will also be able to identify strong movements from your baby and may enjoy the guess the limb game but sometimes your little baby can get uncomfortable themselves meaning violent kicks and jabs which don’t feel that cute! 

when does pregnancy get uncomfortable

Feel Good Tips

Now I have scared you into a bottomless pit of angst the answer to when does pregnancy become uncomfortable? Depends on you as a person. All women carry differently so you may sail through the first two trimesters and only feel the real physical strain at the end. To help you through those tougher periods look at a few tips to help combat the aches and pains pregnancy can provide.

  • Nausea – eat what you can stomach! So many foods tend to have an overwhelming odour thanks to your bloodhound senses which can make nausea and sickness worse. Eat little and often to help with digestion.
  • Fatigue – the only way to combat fatigue is by resting. Take regular naps if you can. Your body is signalling to you to rest so listen to it because before long you will have a mini boss calling the shots.
  • Ligament pain- avoid standing for long periods especially in the third trimester the weight of your baby is already intense on your ligaments so standing will enhance gravity’s pull on your blooming bump.
  • Constipation – fibre is your friend! Eating foods rich in fibre will help your gut break it down and help it along your intestinal tract. Also avoid straining to poop. Straining will lead to haemorrhoids which is another battle you don’t have to face.
  • Heartburn – anyone who knows what Heartburn feels like will agree to do anything you can to avoid it! Eat early in the evenings to avoid the digestion process as you sleep. Any food classed as acidic is off the menu so say goodbye to those pickled onions! Sleep propped up if you can. If the problem persists you should talk to your doctor for a prescription safe to take during pregnancy.
  • Insomnia – exercise can help tire your body so light exercise can help alleviate strained muscles and also releases endorphins which can naturally relax your body. Unwinding the bath, meditation, literally anything you can do to lull your mind and body to rest may help. If the problem persists during the night then try to nap during the day. Any rest you get will help.
  • Back ache – hot and cold treatments work wonders with aches and pains along with soaking in the bath which can relieve your back of the pressures pregnancy is now putting on it. If the need to bend arises make sure you bend your knees not your lift from your back.

When To Seek Help

Even though what you are experiencing is a natural process there are times when consulting a doctor is needed. If you feel like something isn’t right then trust your instincts and get checked out immediately. But if you are suffering from any of the following you must seek immediate medical attention.

According to Web MD the following symptoms must be checked with a doctor to confirm all is well with your baby and you. 

  • Change in baby movements
  • Shortness of breath
  • Regular tightenings early in gestation
  • Bleeding of any kind
  • Premature rupture of your membranes.
  • Fever
  • Swelling
  • Severe Dizziness or blurred vision 
  • Burning whilst urinating 
Wrapping Up

Being pregnant is natural but it can also be a difficult time for you. Your body is made to hold and grow a baby but sometimes it can feel totally alien especially when you are suffering from many discomforts. 

The answer to when does pregnancy get uncomfortable? Lies in the body of the mom. What you feel is unbearable may be a walk in the park for other pregnant women. If you can’t cope it doesn’t mean anything is wrong. It just clarifies you have a different body with a different baby. 

I loved both my pregnancies but my sister in law had a dreadful time. She didn’t enjoy the movements or the fact her waist line was adjusting. If this happens to you and someone you know just remember to be sympathetic. No one loves a show off and anxiety is already at its peak! 

If you are finding it extremely upsetting and uncomfortable talk to your doctor who may be able to help or try some of the tips above. I know it may seem like it’s taking forever but soon you will miss your bump and being pregnant will be a distant memory. 

More to Read