Health Pregnancy


It’s normal to have a few minor health issues during pregnancy and after your baby’s been born. Here are some of the things you might experience and what you should do


Mum’s the word


When you’re pregnant, you may experience the odd ache or pain. Thankfully any symptoms that come along during pregnancy and after the birth will nearly always be a normal side effect of being pregnant and having to breastfeed. Here are some of the more common issues you might experience, and what you should do.


Before the birth:


morning sickness Also known as nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, morning sickness is very common in early pregnancy. But the symptoms don’t just affect you in the morning, they can happen at any time. The good news is that the symptoms


often ease as your pregnancy progresses. Most importantly, morning sickness won’t cause any harm to your baby.


What should you do? There are lots of things you can do to alleviate the symptoms of morning sickness – ask your local Careway pharmacist or your midwife for tips. In the meantime, here are a few you can try that may be helpful:


• Get plenty of rest • Keep your fluid levels up, sipping your drinks frequently to avoid vomiting


• Eat small, frequent meals that are low in fat rather than one or two large meals


• Go for cold meals instead of hot food if the smell of food affects you


• Avoid foods or smells that make you feel sick


Ask your local Careway pharmacist to recommend natural anti-nausea remedies that would be safe for you to try, such as acupressure wristbands or ginger biscuits.


Before the birth:


pre-eclampsia Pre-eclampsia is a condition that affects some pregnant women, usually from around week 20 of their pregnancy or soon after their baby is delivered. If you’re having regular anti- natal appointments with your GP or midwife, you’ll be screened for the early signs of pre-eclampsia, which can cause complications that may affect you and your unborn baby. Besides screening, the signs to look out for include swollen feet, ankles, face and hands, severe headache, vision problems and pain just below the ribs.


What should you do? If you notice any of the symptoms of pre-eclampsia, call your midwife, GP or NHS 111 immediately. Many cases are mild, but pre-eclampsia should be monitored and, if necessary, treated to avoid complications.


After the birth: mastitis If your breast tissue becomes painful and inflamed, it may be a sign of


36 All About health


mastitis. According to the NHS mastitis is most common in breastfeeding women, usually within the first three months of giving birth. But non- breastfeeding women can be affected by it too. As well as pain and inflammation,


mastitis – which usually only affects one breast – can cause a burning sensation, nipple discharge and sometimes also flu-like symptoms.


What should you do? If you have symptoms of mastitis, make an appointment to see your GP straight away. In the meantime, get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids and try to continue feeding your baby. Your local Careway pharmacist can also recommend over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to help reduce any pain.


Find your nearest local Careway pharmacy at www.careway.co.uk/find- a-pharmacy.


Pregnancy stretch marks


Stretch marks are narrow pink or purplish streak-like lines that develop on the surface of the skin. And while they may not cause any medical problems, stretch marks can knock your self-confidence. The good news is they should gradually fade to the point where they won’t be so noticeable. Massaging creams into your stretch


marks may be helpful – though there’s no evidence to suggest this actually works. But if you want to give it a try, ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable cream, lotion or oil.


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