Regular dental check ups and use a soft toothbrush regularly during pregnancy.
Small frequent meals of carbohydrates
Rest
Acupressure (use of the wrist bands available for travel sickness).
Acupuncture (by a qualified therapist only).
Vitamin B6.
Ginger tea*
(* considered a useful treatment for nausea in pregnancy: Vutyavanich T, Kraisarin T Ruangsri R Obstet Gynecol. 2001 apr.97(4):577-82 )
Avoid E Additives in the range of E200-E276.
Self-administered Shiatsu (acupressure) - find the point four fingers above the umbilicus, pressing with two fingers for periods of 10 seconds at a time over 10 minutes.
Avoid fatty and spicy foods, bending and lying flat after meals.
Avoid smoking, alcohol, coffee and chocolate.
Ask you pharmacist which antacids are suitable in pregnancy.
Sleep propped up with extra pillows.
Increase fluid and fibre intake (good source of fibre include wholemeal bread, wholegrain cereals, fruit and vegetables).
Regular exercise - walking, swimming.
Do not use liquid paraffin or other lubricants as a laxative during pregnancy as they can inhibit the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Firm massage of the abdomen in a clock wise direction may help.
Shiatsu - possibly following massage, involves placing intermittent pressure on, for 10 second, at a point midway between the symphysis pubis and the umbilicus for a period of 5 minutes.
Ask your pharmacist, midwife or medical officer which laxatives are suitable in pregnancy.
Effective prevention and treatment of constipation will aid in reducing the occurrence and severity of haemorrhoids. Rest and elevate the legs above the hips. Ice packs to the anal area may also help. Women should be reassured that most cases resolve shortly after birth. Mild, local anaesthetic creams may be of some help.
Should be referred to a Medical Officer to check for possible medical causes. When the above have been excluded, calamine lotion may help along with a mild antihistamine. Ask your medical officer or pharmacist about this.
Occurs in up to 75% of pregnant women, due to altered posture and the effect of hormonal influences, softening/loosening of ligaments.
Sit on chairs with good back support, avoid heavy lifting, lift objects close to the body and bend the knees. Wear low-heeled shoes and have adequate rest in bed. Lie on your side with a pillow to support the knees and the abdomen and apply heat to the area. Alternatively, lie on the floor with feet elevated and supported approximately 60cm above the ground. This should be done 4 times a day for a few minutes at a time.
Roll onto your side before trying to sit up, as this reduces lower back strain.
Massage of the lower back with the heel of the hand in a circular motion may also alleviate symptoms - avoid using the essential oils lavender and camomile during early pregnancy.
Occur mainly at night and cause is not clearly understood. There has been no evidence to support the use of calcium supplements except for a placebo effect.
Relief of night cramps may also be aided by massaging the calves before going to bed and by elevating the foot of the bed by 20-25cm.
Caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist usually during the latter part of pregnancy. Some help may be found from the application of a light-weight splint from a physiotherapist. This should be worn particularly at night to support the wrist.
Caused by swelling within the joint, separation of the pubic bone or of unknown cause. Usual onset is late in the latter part of pregnancy and frequently comes on gradually. Symptoms include pain in the public bone and groin and may radiate to the lower back and inner thighs. May affect walking and weight-bearing. Referral to a physiotherapist is recommended.
Often experienced during late pregnancy. Ask your midwife for advice on sleeping positions - supporting pillows.
Camomile tea may be helpful as well as bathing in a bath of lavender and camomile essential oils mixed with a base oil (4 drops of essential oil to 5ml base in late pregnancy only).
Support stockings appears to be the most effective relief for varicosities during pregnancy. Correct size is essential. Ask for guidance from your midwife or pharmacist.
Elevation and ankle exercises.
Australia. Beischer, N.A., Mackay, E.V. & Colditz, P.B. Obstetrics and the newborn: an illustrated textbook (3rd edn) [book].
Other languages