Q: What type of complains does a pregnant woman encounter?

1) Nausea

This is commonly known as morning sickness but one can still feel nauseous any time during the day. To lessen this, do eat small meals each time. Wholemeal bread, fruits, biscuits may be better than a heavy meal. If you have constant vomitting, it is best to consult your doctor about it.

2) Certain cravings and aversions for food among other things

At any point in your pregnancy, most women will experience this. Some may be averse to food or smells that they once like. Others might like food and smells that they once loathe. For myself, I dislike oranges before I was pregnant, during my pregnancy, I love to eat them. As long as the food is not harmful and fattening, you can indulge yourself.

3) Constipation and piles

Food like cereals, fruits, fruit juices, vegetables, wholemeal bread contain high-fibre which can help you prevent constipation and piles. If it happens that you do get piles, consult your doctor.

4) Leg cramps

You might experience leg cramps more strongly at night during the 4th to 5th month of your pregnancy. During the day, simple exercises like wriggling your toes to lessen the cramps. At night, rest your legs on pillows so that they are elevated at a higher level than your hip. Finally get your husband to massage your legs for you!

5) Stretch marks

These might occur on the abdomen and upper thighs anytime during the pregnancy. These marks can be lightened or reduced by using lanolin cream on them. It is adviseable to apply lanolin cream everyday so that one will have less or even no stretch marks after their pregnancy.

6) Heartburn

This is caused by a reflux of acid from the stomach into the oesophagus producing a burning sensation. Elevating one's head when sleeping or sitting upright will help. Try to avoid oily and spicy foods and eat smaller meals each time.

7) Backache

This may be caused by the growing uterus, stretching of the ligaments and your posture.
To prevent backache, you can:-

a) sit up straight on a chair with back support. Use a pillow to support the small of your back.
b) always bend your knees and keep your back straight when lifting or putting down heavy boxes.
c) stand straight and tall, do not slouch.
d) when getting up from a lying position, roll to your side and swing your feet down to the ground. Then get up slowly with the help of your hands.

8) Frequent visits to the bathroom

This happens during early pregnancy when the uterus is expanding and pushing against the bladder.

9) Bleeding during pregnancy

Any bleeding in pregnancy MUST be checked by your doctor. It can be due to many reasons, a threatened abortion, separation of the placenta from the uterus or a low-lying placenta.