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• vomiting
These could be symptoms of a condition called pre-eclampsia, which can lead to serious
complications for both mother and baby if it's not monitored and treated.

Read more about the symptoms of pre-eclampsia

Causes of swelling during pregnancy
Swelling is caused by your body holding more water than usual when you are pregnant.
Throughout the day the extra water tends to gather in the lowest parts of the body,
especially if the weather is hot or if you have been standing a lot.
The pressure of your growing womb can also affect the blood flow in your legs. This can

cause fluid to build up in your legs, ankles and feet.

Things you can do to avoid and ease swelling

Try to:
• avoid standing for long periods

• wear comfortable shoes and socks – avoid tight straps or anything that might pinch
if your feet swell
• try to rest with your feet up as much as you can
• drink plenty of water – this helps your body get rid of excess water
• exercise – try to take regular walks during the day or try doing foot exercises

Foot exercises
You can do foot exercises sitting or standing. They improve blood circulation, reduce

swelling in the ankles, and prevent cramp in the calf muscles:
• bend and stretch your foot up and down 30 times
• rotate each foot in a circle 8 times one way and 8 times the other way

Vaginal bleeding in mid to late pregnancy

Cervical changes
These can lead to bleeding, particularly after sex.

Vaginal infections
Your midwife or doctor can discuss tests and treatment with you.

A "show"
This is when the plug of mucus that has been in the cervix during pregnancy comes away,
signalling that the cervix is getting ready for labour to start. It may happen a few days
before contractions start or during labour itself.