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Early pregnancy challenges or concerns

Most pregnancies are medically uneventful and end happily in the successful birth of a
healthy baby. Yet, you still have 40 weeks to wonder whether certain physical and
emotional discomforts are serious enough for medical intervention or are minor problems
you can deal with on your own.

A pregnant woman is as likely as anyone to get minor illnesses. But when you're pregnant,
always keep your midwife GP or obstetric doctor informed of any illness so you get proper
treatment. Your main responsibility is keeping yourself and your baby well nourished and
cared for. That means you need a balanced diet, appropriate exercise, plenty of rest, and a
low-stress environment. Above all, don't smoke or drink alcohol while you're pregnant, and

avoid all drugs except those prescribed by your doctor.

"All Day" Sickness

Morning sickness is probably the best known of the early pregnancy symptoms, but many
people don't realise the term is inaccurate. Morning sickness can strike at any time of day,
nausea may be more common in the mornings because stomach acids build up overnight.
But most women who get morning sickness also feel nauseous at other times of day.

Treatments for sickness

Unfortunately, there's no hard and fast treatment that will work for every woman's sickness.
Every pregnancy will be different.
But there are some changes you can make to your diet and daily life to try to ease the

symptoms.
If these don't work for you or you're having more severe symptoms, your doctor or midwife
might recommend medication.
Things you can try yourself
If your sickness isn't too bad, your GP or midwife will initially recommend you try some
lifestyle changes:
• get plenty of rest (tiredness can make nausea worse)

• avoid foods or smells that make you feel sick