How to cope with pregnancy discomforts.

1. Constipation is a common problem
Especially in the last trimester of pregnancy, Fibre, fluids and exercise are essential partners in managing it.
Drink lots of water and eat fibre-rick foods (fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, legumes, dried peas, beans, lentils, chickpeas, etc.)
Maintain an active lifestyle by walking or swimming regularly, for example, Regular physical activity (if your health care professional gives it the OK) can help by increasing blood flow to the abdominal area.
Try prune juice or a small bowl of fibre-rich bran cereal at breakfast.

2. Morning sickness and nausea
Nausea is very common at the beginning of pregnancy, but usually disappears around the 14th week. Everyone copes differently, but the following may help:
Eat dry foods (crackers, dry cereal, etc) just before getting out of bed in the morning
Eat smaller, more frequent meals so you never leave your stomach empty
Eat cold meals wit a milder aroma
Drink between meals, rather than at meals
Get someone to prepare meals - so you can avoid the strong odour of cooking

3. Heartburn
Heartburn can become very frequent in the last months of pregnancy. Not surprising, since your growing baby and expanding uterus are now putting more pressure on your stomach. For relief, try the following:
Eat smaller, lower-fat meals more frequently and drink fluids between rather than with meals
Limit spicy as well as acidic foods such as citrus fruits and tomatoes
Avoid Fatty foods
Avoid coffee, tea, cola and chocolate
Wait 2 hours after meals before lying down
Choose foods that are peppermint-free (including chewing gum, candies, herbal teas). Other flavours of these foods are fine.
Check with your health care professional for other solutions if your heartburn continues.

4. Fluid Retention
Some swelling, especially in the ankles and legs, is typical during pregnancy. Surprisingly for many women, drinking lots of water actually helps combat bloating and swelling. Milk, soup and juice are some other healthy sources of fluids that can help too.

Article by Nestlebaby Pregnancy Magazine