1. Backache
Is because of the combination of softened ligaments and the increasing weight of a growing baby which alters your posture. And strains your back. To reduce backache, avoid lifting heavy weights, wearing high-heeled shoes or standing for too long. The following are some tips that may help to alleviate backaches; Support your back with a cushion. Kneeling on all fours and rocking from side to side. Sleep on your side with a pillow between your legs. Sit with your back straight and well-supported. Use a hot or cold pack on the sore part of your back with a gentle massage

2. Bloatedness
This is because of fluid retention, is a common complaint that is aggravated by prolonged standing. One should at least 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.

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3. Constipation
It is quite common to become constipated in

pregnancy (this is when your bowel motions are hard and difficult to pass). If not treated, constipation can lead to hemorrhoids (piles), which are swollen veins around your anus (bottom). These measures will help you to prevent and relieve constipation.

Increase the fibre in your diet by eating plenty of whole-grain bread and cereals, fresh and dried fruit, vegetables, nuts and cooked dried beans and lentils - you
should be aiming to eat 30 - 40 grams of fibre every day. Drink at least 6 - 8 glasses of water each day. Get plenty of gentle, regular exercise - walking is a
great choice. If you need anything else, talk with your doctor. If you do become constipated and develop hemorrhoids, try these things to help relieve the discomfort. Apply a cold pack or an ice cube wrapped in a tissue
on your anus to reduce the swelling and irritation. Keep your anal area very clean by gently washing after each bowel motion. There are also hemorrhoid creams that can help to relieve your discomfort and are suitable to use during
pregnancy, hence talk to your doctor if you have this problem.

4. Dizziness
Is due to the rising of hormones that cause blood vessels to relax and widen. This helps increase the blood flow to the baby but slows the return of the blood in the
veins to the mother, which can reduce the blood flow to the brain, temporarily causing dizziness temporarily Avoid standing for long periods or make sure you
keep your feet is moving to help increase circulation Get up slowly from either sitting or lying down Eat regularly. Avoid long periods between meals Avoid lying on your back once you reach the middle of your second trimester Wear loose, comfortable clothing to avoid restricting circulation.

5. Heartburn / Indigestion
The symptoms of indigestion, including heartburn, are common during pregnancy and are caused by hormonal changes and the growing womb pressing on
the stomach. This is a painful, burning sensation in the chest caused by the regurgitation of stomach acid into the throat.

> Heartburn can be worse if you lie down after a big meal.
> Raising the head of your bed by about 15 cm may help with heartburn at night.
> Sometimes, drinking a glass of milk or eating some yoghurt may help prevent and relieve heartburn.
> You can also try to avoid heartburn by eating small meals, and avoiding fatty and spicy foods, also Alcohol, coffee and chocolate
> Sometimes, drinking a glass of milk or eating some yoghurt may help prevent and relieve heartburn.
> Talk to your doctor if heartburn becomes a continuing problem, you might be prescribed an antacid solution or tablets.

6. Urinary frequency - needing to pass urine often

Urinary frequency is when you need to urinate (pass urine) more often than usual. This can be a problem in the
first 12–14 weeks of pregnancy and also the last weeks of pregnancy when the baby's head sinks lower into the pelvis ready for delivery.

> Urinary frequency is normal during pregnancy, and you can't really do anything to relieve it.
> It's really important not to limit the amount of water and other fluids you drink - you and your baby still need plenty of water.
> Talk to your doctor if you have any feelings of burning, stinging or back pain when you pass urine. These could be signs of a urinary tract infection, which should be treated quickly to avoid any complications.

7. Incontinence

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

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8. Leg Aches and Cramps
The extra weight which you carry during the pregnancy can cause your legs to ache. Leg and foot cramps are most common during the second half of your pregnancy and usually happen at night. If you get a cramp, keep your leg straight on the mattress and pull your toes back towards your knee. This will stretch your calf muscle and should help the pain. If this doesn't work try standing up and stepping forward with the other foot to stretch the cramped muscle. Keeping the foot flat on the floor will increase the stretch. When the pain eases, you can massage the area or place a hot water bottle or heat pack on the area. You may be able to prevent calf muscle cramps at night by stretching your calf muscles before you go to bed.

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9. Morning Sickness
This is especially common in the early months of pregnancy and can occur at any time of the day. It usually disappears in 14 weeks.

> Make sure you get enough rest.
> Stay away from odors that upset your stomach.
> Instead of eating three large meals each day, eat five to six smaller meals throughout the day.
> Before getting out of bed, eat a few crackers to calm your stomach.
> Snack on protein-rich foods, such as yogurt.
> Skip foods that are greasy or high in fat.

10. Sleeplessness and Tiredness
It is common to feel tired and exhausted during your pregnancy. This could be due to anxiety, heartburn, and your baby pressing on your bladder or sheer bulk, making it difficult to get a good night's sleep. A hot milky drink and a warm shower may help you relax and try to get as much rest as possible. Avoid caffeinated drinks as caffeine can make it harder to go to sleep.

11. Stretch marks / Striae
These are raised, red lines on your breasts, abdomen, thighs or bottoms and are usually permanent. Stretch marks happen whenever the skin is stretched and affect
up to around 80% of the pregnant women. The likelihood of getting stretch marks increases if your weight gain is more than average during your pregnancy. Certain
creams or cocoa butter may help lighten the marks. Over time, the skin will shrink and the stretch marks will fade into white-coloured scars.

12. Swollen Ankles, Feet and Fingers
During pregnancy, you may experience swelling of the ankles, feet and fingers as you are retaining more fluid than usual. It is due to oedema, the retention of fluids in the body tissues. Under the force of gravity, the retained fluid tends to sink down the body and collect in the feet. To avoid and ease the swollen ankles, sit with feet raised as often as possible, to allow the fluid to be absorbed back into the circulatory system, refrain from standing for prolonged periods, try to wear comfortable shoes and put your feet up as much as you can. Swelling of the ankles
and feet often occurs at the end of the day, after a day of walking and standing. This gradual swelling is not harmful to you or your baby. However, if you experience sudden swelling of the face, feet and fingers, do contact your doctor immediately.

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13. Vaginal discharge/Thrush
Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is normal. The discharge is usually clear and white, and should not smell unpleasant. If the discharge is coloured or smells strange, or you feel itchy or sore, you will need to consult a doctor as you may be having a vaginal infection called thrush. · Thrush is a yeast infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans. This fungus commonly lives in the vagina, but doesn't cause problems unless it starts growing too fast. · When you are pregnant, there is lots of glycogen (a type of sugar) in your vagina that encourages thrush to grow. This means that you are 10 times more likely to get thrush when you are pregnant.
If you think you may have an infection, talk with your doctor Depending on your symptoms and the stage of your pregnancy, your doctor may prescribe some
pessaries or cream to use.

 

These ideas may help to relieve your symptoms:
· apply a cold compress to the itchy, inflamed area · eat natural yoghurt that contains cultures such as acidophilus and Bifidus - these cultures help to restore the balance of ‘good' bacteria in your vagina and stop the overgrowth of thrush,
· wear cotton underwear.

 

Varicose veins - swollen leg veins

Varicose veins usually appear as swollen, knotty, bluish veins that may develop on your legs during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones are thought to make you more likely to develop these veins. 

These measures may help to prevent varicose veins from developing (or at least not as badly) and will help to relieve the aching that often happens. Avoid standing for long periods Avoid crossing your legs and sitting Rest with your feet and legs higher than the rest of your body Do gentle, regular exercise such as walking or swimming Wear supportive stockings or pantyhose Tell your doctor, if you develop any reddened, swollen or painful areas on your legs.

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