**I’ve just found out I’m pregnant, and I’m worried about possible symptoms like morning sickness, heartburn and haemorrhoids. Can I relieve them? **Eve by email
Firstly, congratulations! Pregnancy does come with certain symptoms, the most common probably being nausea and vomiting. This can affect you at any time of the day – though it’s often in the morning – and it’s thought to be due to rising hormone levels. Ease it by getting up slowly in the morning, as sudden movement can make nausea worse. Also, don’t let your stomach get empty: eat five or six small meals every day and drink plenty of fluids.
Heartburn is caused by stomach acid passing from your stomach into your oesophagus (the tube from your mouth to your stomach). This can happen because the valve between your stomach and the oesophagus relaxes during pregnancy. Avoid caffeine and greasy, fatty and spicy foods, eat small, regular meals, and avoid bending or lying down after a meal. You can ask your GP or midwife to prescribe an antacid safe for use during pregnancy. Haemorrhoids can be the bane of pregnancy and occur because of increased pressures in your abdomen and pelvis caused by the baby. Try to eat a high-fibre diet, do light exercise regularly, and avoid long periods of standing or sitting. Your GP can prescribe creams to help soothe symptoms.