PREGNANCY marks the start of an exciting new stage of life, but it can also be daunting for mums-to-be.
While some women swan through nine months with little more than a growing bump, others will suffer everything from sickness and stretchmarks to health complications, sleep issues and emotional ups and downs.
Jessie Wiltshire, 31, from Portsmouth, had so many questions when she found out she was pregnant she didn’t know where to turn.
“When I saw those two blue lines on the test kit, I panicked,” she says. “I had no idea what I could and couldn’t do.
“I didn’t know if I could eat normally or colour my hair. There is so much information to take in.
“I found myself turning to the internet with questions like ‘Can I eat fish while pregnant?’ and all my friends and relatives had their own opinions and sometimes strange advice.
For NHS tips, advice and support at every stage of pregnancy and beyond, sign up to the really useful, free Start for Life emails. You’ll receive regular personalised emails tailored to your stage of pregnancy or your child’s age.
So here we are to help with some common pregnancy concerns.
How can I ease pregnancy sickness?
Eight in ten women suffer sickness during pregnancy, often in the early stages. It’s not always in the morning and can happen throughout the day.
If you suffer, try eating little and often (such as six small meals a day), get lots of rest and follow a healthy diet.
Some women find ginger helps, such as ginger tea or ginger biscuits. You could also try eating bland foods like jacket potatoes, pasta, dry bread or toast.
Keep hydrated with lots of water. If you can’t keep any food or drink down, you may have a severe form of pregnancy sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum, which can be serious but you can get help, so talk to your doctor or midwife as soon as you can.
Listen to your body … if your nausea is severe, talk to your doctor or midwife
Can I dye my hair while pregnant?
Most research suggests it’s safe to dye or colour hair while expecting. Although hair dyes contain chemicals, it will only cause harm in very high doses.
It is a good idea to do a strand test first as your hair may react differently during pregnancy. Tell your hairdresser you are pregnant and ask them for a patch test, even if it’s a dye they have used on you previously.
Should I be eating for two?
No, this is a myth! You may feel hungrier than usual, but even if you are expecting twins or more, you don’t need to eat bigger portions.
In the final three months, you only need an extra 200 calories a day, which is equivalent to two slices of wholemeal toast and margarine.
How can I take care of my mental health?
Being pregnant is a big life event and can lead to lots of different emotions.
Talk about your feelings to a friend, relative, doctor or midwife and try calming breathing exercises if you feel overwhelmed.
Do physical activity if you can as this will improve your mood and help you sleep, but don’t overwork yourself.
Eat a healthy diet with regular meals and try to attend antenatal classes to meet other mums-to-be. Sharing experiences and knowing you’re not the only one going through this can really help.
Charlotte: ‘I take time out by having a relaxing bath a few times a week’
Charlotte Smith, 38, a support worker from Durham, is expecting her third child, a boy, in January.
“I have never struggled with my mental health before but I’ve suffered a lot of anxieties this time around,” she says.
“I swim once a week and try to stay active, and I take a bit of time out by having a relaxing bath a few times a week.”
Why am I struggling to walk?
Some women may develop pelvic pain during pregnancy, which is sometimes called pelvic girdle pain or symphysis pubis dysfunction.
It’s basically a collection of uncomfortable symptoms caused by stiffness in your pelvic joints or the joints moving unevenly at either the back or front of your pelvis.
It won’t harm your baby, but it can make it difficult to get around.
Hannah Harding, 39, from Kent, is due to have her third baby in May.
Hannah: ‘You do have to take care of your body while pregnant’
“With my first pregnancy I struggled with pelvic girdle pain from around 20 weeks,” she says. “As someone who was super-active and enjoyed working out, I found it quite debilitating.
“With the second pregnancy, I focused on building strength around my hips with a personal trainer and I saw an osteopath. As a result, I felt so much more comfortable in my second pregnancy and so far so good in my third pregnancy.
“You do have to take care of your body while pregnant – it really changes.”
Is it normal to feel tired during pregnancy?
It’s very common to feel tired or even exhausted, especially in the first 12 weeks.
Hormonal changes can make you feel tired, nauseous and emotional, so it’s important to rest as much as possible.
Make time to sit with your feet up during the day and accept any offers of help from colleagues and family.
Later in pregnancy, you may feel tired because of the extra weight you’re carrying and, as your bump grows, it can be hard to get a good night’s sleep. Lying down may feel uncomfortable and you may need to use the loo a lot.
Limit tea, coffee or other caffeinated drinks in the day, and avoid these in the evening, as they may make it harder for you to sleep.
Sweet dreams … a bolster or pillow can help pregnant women sleep on their side
You should also try to relax before bedtime, with a book or a warm (but not hot) bath, or you could try a pregnancy relaxation app.
How should I sleep while pregnant?
It’s safest to sleep on your side, either left or right.
Research suggests that falling asleep on your back after 28 weeks can double the risk of stillbirth. This may be to do with the flow of blood and oxygen to the baby.
Don’t worry if you wake up on your back as the research looked at the position pregnant women fell asleep in. If you wake up on your back, just turn over and go to sleep on your side again.
You can try supporting your bump with pillows and putting a pillow between your knees – this can make it much easier to get comfortable!
‘Look after yourself’
Marley Hall, a midwife and a mum of five, says, “It can be overwhelming to think about how to keep yourself as well and as healthy as possible during pregnancy.
“You can make a start by taking the recommended folic acid and vitamin D supplements as soon as you find out you’re pregnant, or while actively trying to conceive.
“For more information and helpful advice, head over to Start for Life.”
From eating eggs to dyeing your hair, you’ll find lots of easy to read advice and tips on the Start for Life pregnancy hub
Sign up for the free Start for Life emails, packed with trusted NHS advice for every stage of pregnancy and beyond