Pregnancy Symptoms

Backache

• Avoid lifting heavy weights and wearing high-heeled shoes. Support your back with a cushion. Kneeling on all fours and rocking from side to side can relieve the pressure on the back.

Bloatedness

• This is because you are retaining fluid, which is a common complaint that is aggravated by prolonged standing. It is important to remember that limiting fluid intake is not the key to preventing edema. You should drink 2 litres of fluid daily and should limit your intake of tea, coffee and cola as the caffeine content of these drinks will affect the vitamins in your food, particularly vitamin C. Some women also feel better when they eat less salt and monosodium glutamate.

Constipation

• Ensure a diet of fibre and drink plenty of water.

Faintness

• This arises from low blood pressure. Avoid long periods of standing, getting up quickly and overheating, especially in the bath.

Heartburn / Indigestion

• This is a painful, burning sensation in the chest or regurgitation of acid in the throat. Eat small frequent meals and avoid spicy or fatty foods and very cold liquids. Alcohol, coffee and chocolate may aggravate the problem. Sit as upright as possible and prop yourself up with pillows at night.

Morning Sickness

• This is especially common in the early months of pregnancy. Unlike its coined term, it can occur at any time of the day and usually disappears by 14 weeks. One of the main causes includes low blood sugar; therefore take lots of carbohydrates. Eat little and often -- a piece of dry toast, a cracker or a biscuit often helps to settle the stomach. Alternatively take foods with ginger.

Piles

• These are dilated veins in your anus and can be very painful, itchy and uncomfortable, usually occurring from the third month onwards. Eat a high fibre diet and drink lots of water. Alternatively your doctor can prescribe suppositories and creams like Anusol for added help.

Sleeplessness

• This could be due to anxiety, heartburn, your baby pressing on your bladder or sheer bulk. A hot milky drink and a warm shower may help you relax.

Stretchmarks / Striae

• These are raised, red lines on your breasts, abdomen or bottom and are usually permanent and are either common with age or inherited. Certain creams or cocoa butter may help.

Tender Breasts

• Wearing a good support bra will help as your body prepares for feeding your baby.

Thrush

• This is a yeast infection affecting as many as 75% of women. It can be treated quickly with a cream or pessary.

Urinary Problems

• These are due to the extra weight and pressure of your baby pressing on your bladder and pelvic floor and can occur when you laugh, sneeze or run. Regular pelvic floor exercises during and after pregnancy will help.

Vaginal Secretions

• Increased in pregnancy and normally white and clear.

Varicose Veins

• These distended veins around your calves, back, legs or thighs may be reduced by avoiding prolonged periods of standing and exercising regularly.