Pregnancy hormones have a relaxing effect on your muscles, so your bowels don't work as well as they normally would to push the food through your body. Your digestive system absorbs more water from the food and this makes your faeces harder and more difficult to pass. You should make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids and eating plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and high-fibre foods such as cereals.

Morning sickness is probably the most common symptom of pregnancy. "Morning sickness" is somewhat of a misnomer, since the nausea can occur at any time of the day. To help prevent nausea in the morning, get out of bed slowly. Try eating some plain crackers or dry cereal before getting out of bed. Avoid warm temperatures as heat can increase feelings of nausea. Keep fresh air flowing by opening windows, or by turning on exhaust fans.Odors can also stimulate nausea. Cooking in the microwave will emit fewer odors than cooking in the oven or on the stovetop. Try eating something salty before meals; avoid greasy or spicy foods, and try not to drink fluids with your meals. Also, spread your meals out throughout the day, into about six smaller meals. Try taking your prenatals later in the day, and ask your doctor about vitamin B6 and ginger supplements. Sipping fizzy water with lemon, or non-caffeinated teas like peppermint and ginger, may help calm nausea.

Throughout your pregnancy, you may experience some swelling. Wearing support hose can help control weight gain in your legs and ankles. Avoid standing for long periods of time. Wear well-fitting shoes, or buy inserts designed especially for pregnant women. Avoid diuretics, as these will lead to increased swelling. Stay off your feet as much as possible, and elevate your legs when sitting. Lying down is usually better than sitting.

Fatigue can come from sleepless nights due to aches and pains, restless sleeping, or simply too much stress. The most effective method for dealing with fatigue is to get plenty of rest. Take several naps during the day. Eat a well balanced diet, including at least 300 extra calories per day. Iron deficiency is a leading cause of fatigue, so be sure to get enough (talk to your doctor). Although it may seem counter-productive, fatigue can often be relieved by exercising. Exercise will be refreshing and will leave you feeling energized.

Having enough rest, eating small meals regularly and drinking eight glasses of water daily can help prevent headaches. If there is headache, try taking a hot bath with a cold pack on the forehead. Avoid painkillers except for acetaminophen.

Leg cramps often strike during the night. When that happens, keep the leg straight and flex the ankle and toes while massaging the calf. Some women find relief in soaking their legs in hot water. Regular exercise also improves circulation and reduces cramping. Calcium and magnesium supplements have also been found to be helpful in dealing with leg cramps.

These are swollen veins which are usually found in the legs but occasionally appear around the vulva (the area around the opening to the vagina). They are very common in the legs and are due to pregnancy hormones making your circulation slower. You should try not to stand for long periods of time. Compression stockings may help prevent existing varicose veins in your legs getting worse.