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      ✓Take the tissue salt remedies Ferrum phos and Calc sulph, and homeopathic calendula tablets, which all support skin health.

      ✓Walk briskly for 20 minutes a day to improve circulation to your skin.

      See your midwife or doctor:

      If none of the self-help measures relieve the problem.

      5.Dry or flaking skin

      To get rid of dry, flaky skin during pregnancy, you need to know what’s causing it. It could be triggered by a new skin product, a change in diet or sometimes even your vitamin supplement. If you can identify the trigger and avoid it, you should see an improvement.

      Self-help tips:

      ✓Use omega-3 plant oils and eat foods that are high in omega-3, like dates, avocados, nuts and seeds.

      ✓Apply vitamin E-enriched cream or oil that is in a hypoallergenic base.

      ✓Add a pot of rooibos tea to your bathwater and dab cooled rooibos directly onto the area.

      ✓Take homeopathic calendula tablets internally three times a day and apply calendula cream to very itchy skin.

      See your midwife or doctor:

      If you feel unwell or none of this advice helps, do see your doctor.

      COSMETIC SAFETY IN PREGNANCY

      Some chemicals in body lotions and creams can be harmful to your baby. It’s important to read the labels of every product you use, and to choose only those that specify that they’re safe for use during pregnancy. To be extra safe, avoid any products that contain these ingredients:

      •Salicylic acid: This is found in various cleansers, toners, exfoliants and chemical peels. It’s also known as beta-hydroxy acid or BHA.

      •Retinoids: These are often found in anti-aging moisturisers and tissue oils. Retinoids taken in pill form cause serious birth defects, so it’s best to avoid creams that contain these too. Other names include Retin-A, retinoic acid and tazarotene.

      •Phthalates: These are found in a variety of products including skincare products, plastics and food packaging. They’re often referred to only as “Fragrance”. It’s extremely difficult to avoid them completely, but try to limit your exposure as much as possible.

      In pregnancy, beauty treatments must be used with caution. Some are safe, some are not.

      •Chemical bleaching or peels: These chemicals are dangerous for your developing baby and should be avoided. If you have chloasma (dark patches of skin during pregnancy), avoid soy-based skincare products as they’ll only make it worse.

      •Waxing: This is safe, but go to a reputable salon and make sure the beautician knows you’re pregnant. Note that because there’s more blood flowing to your skin, a wax will be more painful than you’re used to, especially if you go for a bikini wax or Brazilian.

      •Tanning: Gentle exposure to the sun is good for you, but make sure you don’t burn, and stay out of the midday sun as Baby may overheat in the womb. Stay away from sunbeds completely. Don’t use tanning lotions or sprays as the chemicals may be harmful to Baby.

      •Hair dye and treatments: Professional products are mostly safe if used infrequently. Go to a good salon and make sure the stylist knows you’re pregnant.

      •Manicures and pedicures: Nail polish may contain toluene, dibutyl phthalate and formaldehyde, which are all dangerous for Baby. Avoid painting your nails during the first trimester, then choose nail polish that doesn’t contain any of these chemicals.

      CHAPTER 7

      Expectant health

      Most of the time pregnancy should be and is normal, uncomplicated and positive. Nonetheless, there are many niggles, some minor, some a little more aggravating, that can affect how a woman feels. Here you will find many innovative, safe and effective ways to help.

      PREGNANCY FATIGUE

      It’s quite common to be extremely tired during pregnancy. Remember, your body is a 24-hour factory with only one person working all the shifts, so some tiredness is to be expected. Fatigue mostly improves in the second trimester, but may increase again by the third trimester as a result of carrying the extra weight.

      Self-help tips:

      ✓A diet rich in fresh seasonal fruits and lightly steamed veggies is essential.

      ✓Drink plenty of water, as dehydration can cause fatigue; cool beverages can give you a bit of “pep”.

      ✓Snack on almonds, bananas, fresh berries or a cup of refreshing herbal tea if you’re in need of a quick boost.

      ✓When cooking, use cooling herbs like mint if you feel all hot and bothered. If you’re feeling cold and lethargic, warming spices like cinnamon and ginger will energise you.

      ✓Wipe your face with a refreshing cool cloth every now and then.

      ✓You may need to try a few different pregnancy supplements before finding one that agrees with your system, but this could help improve energy levels by topping up those nutrients you haven’t taken in from food.

      ✓Sleep disturbances can contribute to tiredness. Nap if you can, go to bed early because pre-midnight sleep will help you feel more rested, and take a homeopathic remedy to help induce safe, restful sleep.

      ✓Regular exercise can help improve energy levels; the more stamina you develop and the more toned your body is, the easier it will be for you to cope with the extra physical and emotional strain of pregnancy.

      ✓Go for a walk outside each day – sunlight and fresh air will do wonders for your energy levels.

      See your midwife or doctor:

      If your fatigue doesn’t improve or you are often dizzy, ask your doctor to test you for low blood pressure and anaemia.

      ACHES AND PAINS

      The fitter a woman is and the healthier her lifestyle before pregnancy, the less troubling physical discomfort is likely to be in pregnancy. First pregnancies are mostly easier. These are some important factors associated with the more minor discomforts of pregnancy:

      •Increased levels of the hormone progesterone stretch and relax ligaments that hold the bones together and organs in place, as well as smooth muscle fibres throughout the body. On the positive side, this is one way Mother Nature ensures an easier birth as the pelvic outlet can stretch and become roomier as Baby pushes through. Unfortunately, this effect happens well before birth and in places other than the pelvis!

      •By the end of pregnancy you are likely to have picked up at least 12kg and your centre of gravity will have changed significantly.

      •The shape and position of your womb may not be ideal and can cause pain.

      •Some women have generally lower pain tolerance and may feel the aches and pains more acutely.

      •Baby’s position and movements may well contribute to your discomfort.

      Tip: Taking calcium supplements can help to alleviate many of the aches and pains of pregnancy.

      There are eight main aches and pains that commonly trouble pregnant women:

      1.Ligament pain

      More about it:

      •Ligaments are fibrous tissue that connects various bones in the body to each other and also surrounds joints to help protect them and contribute to their mobility.

      •Ligament pain is common in the back, navel area, groin, hip bones, pelvis, pubic bones and thighs.

      •It may feel like a

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