THE NINE-MONTH SURVIVAL GUIDE

Pregnancy can be fraught with little niggles, but M&B’s survival guide will have you floating on air

HAVING a baby growing inside you can play havoc with your body. Here are some of the pregnancy niggles most mums-to-be experience and M&B’s expert advice on how to handle them. And relax…

NAUSEA

Pregnancy sickness usually eases off after about 13 weeks, but some women suffer throughout pregnancy

Try this…

ACUPRESSURE Pressing down on the acupressure point which is known as pericardium six can reduce nausea. Find this point by measuring three fingers breadth down from your wrist crease. Zita West, UK midwife, and acupuncturist advise exerting pressure for 10 minutes, four times a day.

GINGER This boosts digestive fluids and neutralizes stomach acids. Try the ginger beer, tea, or biscuits.

HEARTBURN

Pregnancy hormones weaken the valve at the entrance to the stomach, allowing stomach fluids to creep back up, which can cause a burning acid feeling in the throat.

Try this…

EAT LITTLE AND OFTEN Have three regular-size meals during the day, rather than two small ones and one big one at night.

PEPPERMINT TEA Sip it after meals and late at night before bedtime.

GARLIC CAPSULES, Unfortunately, the odour-free versions won’t ease heartburn, so opt for the smelly ones.

PROP YOURSELF UP IN BED If you lie down flat, gravity is against you, so sleep in a semi-upright position by using pillows for added support.

ANTACIDS These neutralize stomach acid—ask your doc to recommend one that’s safe to take in pregnancy.