Pregnancy Ailments

Anaemia

What Is Anaemia?

Anaemia is a condition where the blood does not carry enough oxygen. There are many types of anaemia with various causes. Iron deficiency is one common cause.

What Can I Do?

• increase your vitamin C intake (Vitamin C helps the absorption of iron)
• iron is found in red meat, green leafy vegetables
• your GP can check your iron levels and recommend that you take an iron supplement

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

CTS is pins and needles in the hands. This is caused by pressure on the nerve running along the wrist to the hand

What Can I Do?

• try acupuncture
• avoid tiny movements of the wrist such as typing which puts pressure on the area

Diarrhoea

What Is Diarrhoea?

This is regular movement of loose stools, and is caused by a bacterial infection or a virus

What Can I Do?

• drink lots of fluid to prevent dehydration and to flush the bacteria out quickly
• try drinking camomile tea and eating bilberries, plenty of fresh vegetables and yoghurt

Hypertension

What Is Hypertension?

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a condition associated with narrowing of the arteries. It causes blood to be pumped with excessive force against the artery walls. It is a sign that the heart and blood vessels are being overworked. It’s symptoms can include headaches and vomiting.

What Can I Do?

• visit your GP regularly for blood pressure checks
• be aware the hypertension can be a sign of pre-eclampsia, an exclusively pregnant condition that can reduce the blood supply to the placenta and slow the babies growth.

Morning Sickness

What Is Morning Sickness?

Morning sickness is the nausea and vomiting you may experience during pregnancy. Although it’s called morning sickness it can occur at anytime during the day.

What Can I Do?

• avoid strong smells, tastes and flavours
• eat little and often
• drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine
• keep hard boiled sweets at bay and suck on one whenever you feel sick
• eat a plain biscuit or cracker first thing in the morning
• keep a stock of Ginger beer, ginger tea and ginger nut biscuits. Ginger has been shown to reduce morning sickness

Click on this link to read our related article about Morning Sickness

Thrush

What Is Thrush?

The yeast candida albicans occurs naturally in the body. If there is an inbalance it produces an irritiating thick white discharge. Thrush is common in the later stages of pregnancy and it is believed that it could be due to increased blood flow to the vagina.

What Can I Do?

• yeast thrives in warm moist climates so try to avoid tight fitting clothes and synthetic underwear
• if thrush persists, your GP will be able to prescribe a pessary or cream

Oedema

What Is Oedema?

Oedema is water retention. It can cause the hands, feet and face to swell up.

What Can I Do?

• avoid standing for too long. Try to get plenty of rest and put your feet up
• hot climates can worsen the condition so try to keep cool and sit in the shade
• have regular blood pressure checks with your GP. Oedema can be linked to high blood pressure.
• avoid salty food as sodium in the kidneys can cause fluid retention