1. Morning sickness

Although nausea is more common in the morning and early stages of pregnancy, it can happen at any time of the day, or any stage of the pregnancy.

Remedy – Eat small and frequent meals. Manage portion control. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Avoid spicy or strong-smelling foods that may trigger your nausea. 

2. Constipation

Pregnancy hormones can slow down the muscles in the bowel causing constipation in some women.

Remedy – Include plenty of fiber in your diet. Take plenty of water and fluid. Exercise regularly. You can also take supplements.

3. Heartburn

Heartburn is a burning feeling in your chest, accompanied by a bitter taste of fluid in the mouth.

Remedy – Eat small meals more frequently and slowly. Avoid fatty fried or spicy food. Sleep semi-upright, well supported by plenty of pillows.

4. Tiredness and difficulty sleeping

Most pregnant women experience difficulty sleeping in late pregnancy. At this stage, sleep is easily disturbed by visits to the toilet, heartburn, a kick from the baby or a feeling of discomfort lying down.

Remedy - Lie on one side with a pillow under your tummy and another between your knees. Avoid stimulants such as tea, coffee and alcohol before bedtime. Only get into your bed when you are tired.

5. Piles

These are swollen veins around the rectum and anus (back passage) that may itch, ache or feel sore. Piles may bleed a little and make going to the toilet uncomfortable.

Remedy – Avoid standing for long periods. Include plenty of fiber in your diet. Avoid straining when sitting on the toilet.

6. Cramps

Muscle cramps in the foot, leg or thigh are very common during pregnancy, especially at night. The cause of cramps is unclear.

Remedy - Massage and stretch the affected limb or muscle during the cramp often gives relief.

7. Swollen ankles

If you stand for long periods of time, especially in hot weather, body fluid can cause swelling in the ankles and feet. It is more noticeable towards the end of the day and usually goes down at night while you sleep.

Remedy - Avoid prolonged standing. Rest frequently with feet elevated. Wear comfortable/loose shoes.

8. Backache

Most women experience backache at some stage during their pregnancy. The causes include altered posture as the baby grows and hormonal changes leading to loosening of ligaments and greater water retention in the tissues.

Remedy – Avoid prolonged standing. Avoid heavy lifting. Use chairs with good back support for sitting. Take breaks from your chores and rest for some time.

9. Food cravings

Some women experience food cravings during pregnancy like dairy products, sweets, chalk or clay. 

10. Taste changes

Women sometimes find that foods taste different or they don’t feel any taste in food items.

11. Vaginal discharge

Almost all women have increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy. If the discharge smells unpleasant, causes soreness, itching or is discolored, it is a sign of vaginal infection. Do consult the doctor.

12. Frequent urination

In early pregnancy, frequent urination is caused by hormonal changes, but in later pregnancy, it can be related to the increasing size of the baby pressing on your bladder.

Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be taken as professional medical advice.  Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other health professionals for any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.