10/02/2023
PREGNANCY SICKNESS
Backache
As your baby grows thereβs more strain on your pelvis and spine. This can give you backache, which can get worse as your pregnancy progresses.
Managing backaches
If you have backache:
do some gentle exercises
take care when youβre lifting
wear flat shoes or shoes with a low heel
try sitting and standing with your back straight and shoulders relaxed
bend your knees when lifting lighter things and ask someone else to lift heavy things for you
Morning sickness
Around 4 in 5 women feel sick or are sick (vomit) at some point in their pregnancy.
Morning sickness usually:
starts between the 4th and 17th week
is at its worst around week 9
stops by the 20th week
Managing morning sickness
Sickness can normally be managed by taking care about what and when you eat, and making sure you have plenty of fluids.
You can get antacids from your pharmacist or your GP can prescribe anti-sickness tablets if you need them. Severe symptoms may need to be managed by an obstetrician.
Severe morning sickness
About 3 in 100 women get severe morning sickness.
It can happen for different reasons, including:
sensitivity to changes in hormones
having a multiple pregnancy
Sometimes morning sickness can be so bad that you may not be able to keep any food or fluids down.
If this happens you may need to have fluids given via a drip in your arm, which may mean a stay in hospital.