The following extract is from a series of motherhood articles, videos tips and information about healthy pregnancy …

While being pregnant should be an exciting time of your life, it's mostly one where your body changes and a growing baby ends up causing a great deal of complaints about discomforts you'd rather not have to deal with. Take heart, as many of the headaches and back pains will pass, but in the meantime, try out some of these quick rescue tips to get some relief and bring back that serene glow to your cheeks. Also, feel free to ask around and find if other mothers have some helping ideas to get you through the next few months.

Morning sickness is one of the main discomforts you may have to deal with. Mostly, it passes after the sixteenth week but there are ways to reduce the symptoms. Eating smaller meal portions on a more frequent basis can help, as well as staying away from spicy foods or other favourites you know will end up making you feel ill. If you do suffer from morning sickness, make sure to carry water with you during the day and sip at it constantly, as dehydration commonly goes hand-in-hand with being sick and vomiting.

Headaches are another common pregnancy complaint and you can have some killer migraines. Try to lie down in a dark room and close your eyes to rest. Some women find a cool cloth on their forehead to be helpful in easing the pain. You can take some acetaminophen safely, following the recommended dosage.

Heartburn is a complaint of the later months, when your growing baby puts more pressure on your stomach and causes acid reflux. You can try propping yourself up when you lie down, so that your upper body is above your tummy. The foods you eat can affect whether you get heartburn or not and meal size can be a significant factor as well. A full stomach and a baby don't go well together at all. Should you need medication to ease the discomfort, Maalox is the recommended choice, or your doctor can provide you with a prescription.

Feeling hotter than normal is a condition that many expectant mothers experience. Dress comfortably and in layers so that if you do start feeling too warm, you can take some clothing off. Summertime is harder on pregnant women, and the heat can make you feel quite uncomfortable, so stay near a fan or a pool and feel free to shed as many clothes as you want. It's better to not cover yourself up and expose your skin to the air so your body can cool itself down more efficiently.

Every woman is different and there are more complaints that you might have during your gestation period. Backaches can ease with a massage from your spouse or partner, and swollen feet might like a cool bath followed by elevation. Tender breasts can be soothed with silky, loose clothing instead of garments made from rough materials. Yeast infections require over-the-counter medication, so consult your pharmacist on the best brand to use. For other tips and tricks, surf the internet to find parenting websites that provide more information or community forums where other pregnant women or mothers share their advice. You can also ask your doctor or natural heal practitioner if they have any good ideas to get that relief you need!

For more information on parenthood, visit: Morning Sickness

Tags: stage of pregnancy, pregnancy stages, pregnancy symptoms