London :

Carrying a baby is not all glowing skin and maternal calm. Here are some advice on alleviating the downside.

Morning sickness :

It has been assumed hormones are the cause of nausea, but recent research at Liverpool University suggests it may be due to diet. The incidence of nausea is much lower in countries with diets high in cereals and pulses. Strong smells like smoke, perfume and even men, can act as triggers, and it is usually worse with an empty stomach — so nibbling dry biscuits can help.

Acupuncture and homeopathic remedies help. However, it is advisable to see a trained homeopath.

Fluid retention :

“Fluid retention is a result of hormonal changes and extra blood circulating,’’ says Gillian Fletcher, former president of National Childbirth Trust. “Walking to get the legs moving is good, or sitting with your feet up and circulating the ankles.’’ Fletcher warns against restricting fluid intake as “you need the kidneys to be working effectively for good circulation”.

Backache :

The hormone relaxin is released to soften the pelvic ligaments ready for birth. But it can also relax those around the spine, leading to slight movement or maladjustments. This, combined with the weight of the baby, can lead to extra strain on the back.

Good posture and avoiding over-tilting the pelvis helps, as can steering clear of high heels, lifting heavy objects and standing for too long. Light exercise like pregnancy yoga is recommended.

Tiredness/insomnia :

Tiredness may be nature’s way of telling you to slow down, and Fletcher urges women not to feel guilty about resting. Simply achieving a comfy position can be tough in the latter stages. “Play with cushions and pillows to find what’s comfortable, but a soft towel to support the bump or pillows under the bent top leg is the best thing.”

“For insomnia I’d work on the hypothalamus gland, on the tip of the big toe,’’ says Ali Norell, a reflexologist. “It releases melatonin which usually induces a better night’s sleep.’’

Indigestion :

Working out what the trigger foods are is a good start, says Fletcher. Eating smaller meals, especially in the evening, and drinking a glass of milk can also help. Lying down can make it more uncomfortable. Fletcher advises sleeping with your head propped up slightly and sitting up straight, rather than slumping.

Leg cramps :

“They’re a sign of sluggish circulation and a lot of women say if they do brisk exercise with their ankles and calf muscles before bed it helps during the night,’’ says Fletcher. The sooner cramp is stretched out the better, so lean against the wall and stretch out the calf, or wake up your partner and get them to push your foot flat with your leg extended. Women are also are advised to drink plenty of fluids and eat bananas to keep up potassium levels.

Carpal tunnel syndrome :

This is another consequence of fluid retention — the extra fluid causes compression of the median nerve as it passes through the tunnel of the wrist, resulting in pain and numbness in fingers and hands. Physiotherapy can be used to exercise and release the area. Gentle hand massage and hand exercises, such as circulating the wrist, can be done to relieve the pain.

The one thing to remember is that, as with all the other symptoms, once the baby is born they go away.