Aches and pains

Pregnancy is not an illness. However, it can cause side effects, some of which can be unpleasant.

Anxiety

Anxiety is normal. You wonder whether your baby is healthy, whether they will be normal, what they will look like, and so on. You worry about the birth. Talk to your partner and your gynaecologist. Above all, do not let your anxiety consume you.

Heartburn

Heartburn occurs when stomach acid travels up from the stomach into the oesophagus. This acidity can reach the back of your throat, and occurs mainly when you are lying on your back or leaning forward. Avoid eating large and overly acidic meals, particularly in the evening. When sleeping, try to keep the upper half of your body elevated.

Constipation

Many pregnant women suffer from constipation. Constipation is due, in part, to hormonal changes. To encourage healthy digestion, drink plenty of water, eat foods which are rich in fibre and incorporate exercise into your routine.

If you suffer from constipation, you may find yourself developing haemorrhoids as a result. If you have persistent constipation, see your doctor.

Cramp

Cramp, particularly in the legs, is common in the late stages of pregnancy. It tends to happen at night, or when you wake up in the morning.

When cramp comes on: draw your foot towards you, or stand up and lean on your leg with your bare foot flat on the floor, ideally on cold tiles. If you suffer from cramp very frequently, see your doctor for advice.

Lumbar pain

Pain in the lumbar region, at the base of the spine, is fairly common. As your belly swells, your spinal column has to adapt to your changing posture.

Rest as often as possible, and avoid standing for prolonged periods.

By all means, do some gentle stretches, to allow your body to relax and release tension.

Exercise

Lie down on the floor. Bend your knees, and plant your feet on the ground. Try to press the whole of your spinal column into the floor. Repeat this exercise morning and night.

Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids are a common occurrence during pregnancy – particularly in late pregnancy and around the time of birth. They are caused by swelling in the veins around the anus, due to pressure from the weight of the belly, and constipation.

Haemorrhoids can lead to itching and pain, and sometimes even bleeding. Ask your doctor to prescribe you some haemorrhoid cream.

Insomnia

It is common to experience insomnia during pregnancy. As pregnancy goes on, it becomes increasingly difficult to find a 'good position', as the bump gets bigger and bigger! Things are not made easier by heartburn and cramp.

Try and take naps during the day to catch up on sleep.

Nausea

Not every woman suffers nausea during pregnancy. Some women, though, may experience intense nausea, sometimes even leading to vomiting. This is linked, in part, to the dramatic hormonal changes occurring in your body. Nausea tends to occur mainly during the first three months of pregnancy, and then eases or disappears altogether.

Sweats

It is common to find yourself sweating more than usual when you are pregnant. There is no real cure for this condition. This unpleasant side effect will disappear once the baby is born. Have patience.

Stretch marks

Stretch marks are small 'breaks' in the elastic fibres of the skin. They are coloured purple or pink, but will fade to white over time. They result in scarring in the form of striations.

Not all women will get stretch marks during their pregnancy. Above all, stretch marks appear on the belly, buttocks, thighs and breasts.

To limit the appearance of stretch marks, use moisturising creams to ensure your skin is well hydrated, and keep an eye on your weight gain during pregnancy.

Sex life

Pregnancy is not a barrier to having sexual relations. Unless otherwise advised by your gynaecologist, you can have a 'normal' sex life when pregnant.

That said, while your sex life could continue just as before, your sexual appetite might change. Some women experience a very powerful sex drive while other women have the opposite experience. Hormonal changes will also influence these fluctuations.

Certain men are afraid of having sex with their pregnant partners. Their libido can also be affected. Have no fear! You cannot hurt your baby, even during penetration. The penis cannot reach the baby.

As the pregnant belly gets rounder, you may find it getting in the way or causing discomfort in certain positions. You simply need to find a more comfortable position.

After birth, there is nothing to prevent you from returning to sexual activity after a few days. Note, though, that the desire to do so may vary from one person to another.

Be careful to use contraception after birth, even if you are breastfeeding. Breastfeeding your baby does stop you from having periods, but it does not stop you from ovulating. You must use contraception if you wish to avoid falling pregnant again. Speak to your gynaecologist to decide on a suitable method of contraception for as soon as possible after birth.

Sun

Unprotected sun exposure may cause melasma ('mask of pregnancy'): brown spots that appear in certain areas of the face after exposure to the sun. This is caused by hyperpigmentation of the skin, linked to hormonal changes. To avoid, or avoid exacerbating, melasma, it is advisable to limit your sun exposure.

Melasma should generally disappear after birth, but in some cases it might not. Ask your dermatologist about ways of treating it.

Travel

Pregnancy need not stop you from travelling. However, if you plan to travel to a country in which conditions are difficult, it is advisable to discuss it with your gynaecologist first.

Car travel

In late pregnancy, sitting in the same position for many hours could be highly uncomfortable.

To prevent discomfort:

• Take regular breaks.
• Restore blood circulation to your legs with some stretching exercises.
• Position your seatbelt below your bump.

Train travel

Travelling by train is less tiring and more comfortable than travelling by car: on the train, you can get up and walk around when you need to, and there are few uncomfortable vibrations.

For long distances, take the train where possible.

Air travel

There are no specific contraindications for pregnant women. However, for safety reasons, most airlines refuse to allow women who are over 7 months pregnant to travel.

To reduce the risks when flying:

• Wear support stockings.
• Move around the aircraft regularly when possible.
• Every 30 minutes, restore the blood flow to your legs with small stretching exercises.
• Drink plenty of water.

Vaccination

Certain vaccinations carry contraindications for pregnant women.

Pregnant women are advised not to travel to countries where there is a risk of yellow fever, malaria or other infectious diseases.