Common complaints during pregnancy

Most health-related issues associated with pregnancy can be easily dealt with by a midwife, doctor or pharmacist. Some mothers may develop more complicated problems, which could require going to hospital or an ante-natal clinic.

Morning sickness

Feeling nauseous or sick during the early stages of pregnancy is extremely common, affecting about 80 per cent of women. Morning sickness usually occurs during the first three months of pregnancy, although for some women it may last longer. Although it is referred to as morning sickness, the symptoms can last throughout the day.

Symptoms can vary - most sufferers will feel nauseous but may not be sick, while other women find they are unable to keep any food down. Morning sickness is caused by hormones which are helping in the development of the baby and placenta. Although the symptoms are unpleasant, they won’t harm the developing baby.

You can help counter morning sickness by:

• eating small, frequent meals
• eating dry, carbohydrate snacks and nibbles throughout the day
• taking your time getting out of bed in the morning
• taking rests throughout the day
• keeping well hydrated with water or juices - avoid alcohol and caffeine

Constipation

Constipation is one of the most common complaints in pregnancy, affecting around half of pregnant women. The growing uterus puts pressure on the lower bowel (rectum) and the hormones of pregnancy slow down digestion. This means that food takes longer to travel through the body.

A diet of high fibre foods - including fresh fruit and vegetables, cereals and wholegrain bread - can help prevent constipation.

Drinking plenty of water and regular exercise is recommended to stimulate the bowel and aid digestion.

Pain management during pregnancy

Pregnant women can suffer from mild headaches and other aches and pains. However, not all painkillers can be used during pregnancy.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen are not safe to use in pregnancy. They may cause miscarriage in the early stages, or induce early labour, and may interfere with kidney function.

Aspirin is not recommended for pain relief as it can increase the risk of bleeding.

Codeine-based analgesia can cause breathing problems for the baby in the later stages of pregnancy and should only be taken in the early stages under a doctor's supervision.

However, Paracetamol is safe for short-term use throughout pregnancy.

Pharmacists will be able to advise on what is suitable.

Coughs and colds

If you come down with a cold during your pregnancy, be sure to consult your pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medication. Many will contain antihistamines or Codeine, which are not advised in pregnancy.

You can try alternative therapies such as gently inhaling a salt water steam preparation to reduce congestion, or taking linctus for persistent coughs. Paracetamol will help to relieve headaches.

Skin changes and rashes

Many women will experience changes in their skin during pregnancy - most of these changes are termed 'physiological', which means they are entirely normal and associated with being pregnant.

These include:

• hyperpigmentation - or darkening - of the nipples and genital area
• Linea Nigra - a dark, sometimes hairy, line which runs from the belly button to the pubic area
• Striae Gravidarum - stretch marks around the abdomen as it expands, usually starting off pink and becoming white or shiny after delivery
• varicose veins on the legs

Pregnant women can also be affected by rashes such as eczema and psoriasis. Moisturising creams such as calamine lotion are safe to use to soothe the skin. Your doctor will advise you on using steroid creams.

There are a few rashes which occur only in pregnancy, called specific dermatoses of pregnancy.

It's the most common skin condition in pregnancy and the name refers to the red, raised itchy bumps which appear on the abdomen and thighs. It usually occurs late in pregnancy, but causes no harm to mother or baby.

This rash appears as red itchy dots mostly spread across the arms, legs and torso. The rash can appear in mid or late pregnancy. Simple antihistamine therapy will relieve the itch and the rash will disappear within a few weeks after delivery.

Women can also suffer from itching without a rash - this is called pruritis and can occur as a result of mild jaundice.

Symptoms include yellow discolouration of the eyes and skin. This is due to intrahepatic cholestasis - the liver does not process bile quite so efficiently in pregnancy and so the breakdown products can build up in the skin, causing jaundice and itch.

It is important that you seek medical advice if you have any of these symptoms in relation to an itchy rash.

If you have any unusual rashes or skin changes it is always best to seek medical attention.