Common Problems during Pregnancy 69
When you are pregnant your body changes and you may
have some of the following common problems. But remember,
most of these problems are normal in pregnancy.
Common
Problems
during
Sick stomach (nausea)
Pregnancy
Although it is often called ‘morning sickness’, during
pregnancy you may feel sick to your stomach at any time during
the day or even all day long. It usually goes away by the end of
the 3rd or 4th month.
What to do:
To help with morning sickness...
• Drink a cup of ginger or cinnamon tea
2 or 3 times a day, before meals.
• Eat small meals often, and avoid foods
that are oily or hard to digest.
• Lick a lemon.
• Ask the midwives in your community for
good local plant medicines or remedies.
...try eating a biscuit, a tortilla, a piece of
bread, a chapati, or a little rice or porridge
when you wake up in the morning.
IMPORTANT See a health worker if you vomit so much that you
cannot keep any food down, or if you are losing weight. Also watch
for signs of dehydration (see page 298).
Heartburn or indigestion
Heartburn causes a burning feeling in the throat and chest.
It is most common in later pregnancy, after eating or when lying
down.
What to do:
• Eat several small meals instead of one large meal.
• Avoid spicy or oily foods.
• Drink plenty of water and other clear liquids.
• Try not to lie down right after eating.
• Sleep with your head higher than your stomach.
• Take a cup of milk or yogurt, some bicarbonate of soda
in a glass of water, or calcium carbonate (antacid).
Discharge from the vagina
During pregnancy, it is normal to have more white discharge
than usual from the vagina. But if the discharge itches, burns, or
has a bad smell, you may have an infection of the genitals, which
should be treated. If the discharge is bloody or has mucus in it,
or if there is a lot and it looks like water, see a health worker.
You may be starting labor too early.
265
infections of the
genitals
Where Women Have No Doctor 2012