Pregnancy ailments

The morning sickness and vomiting occur in 74% of pregnant women. 80% of affected women report that their symptoms last all day, and only 1.8% report them only in the morning... [1] In nearly 3% of cases, it is possible to experience a severe form of nausea and vomiting, which ishyperemesis gravidarum.

For 50% of women, nausea and vomiting disappear by the 14th week of pregnancy, and for 90% of women by the 22nd week [2].

The precise causes of nausea during pregnancy are still unknown. Studies show that a history of motion sickness or migraines may increase the risk of experiencing it.

Scientists have several theories: an effect of hormones, a lack of B vitamins, a way for the body to protect itself from harmful foods (toxins or bacteria), and even a thyroid issue.

There is also a link between: hypersalivation during pregnancy and nausea. Hypersalivation can trigger nausea, and nausea can also lead to excess saliva.

Diet to limit nausea and vomiting: 
- Have small, frequent snacks rather than large meals.
- Eat slowly and mindfully.
- Eat only when you are hungry.
- Avoid drinking during meals and drink plenty outside mealtimes (ideally 30 minutes before and 1 hour after).
- Limit foods that are too fatty.
- Carbohydrates are easy to digest, so if you are vomiting a lot, they may help you get some calories nonetheless, but be careful as fluctuations in blood sugar levels can worsen nausea.
- Prioritise protein, which reduces disturbances in stomach activity and nausea. Include it in every meal, including breakfast.
- Liquid meals reduce stomach disturbances more than solid meals.

To help you, the food supplement for nausea during pregnancy Bye Bye Nausea, made with ginger and cardamom, can be your ally in reducing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. 

Among natural solutions, acupressure and aromatherapy may also help with nausea. 
 

To find out more, read our full article on morning sickness and on acupuncture during pregnancy.

The incidence of reflux oesophagitis and heartburn symptoms is increased during pregnancy, affecting between 50 and 80% of pregnant women. Acid reflux can occur throughout pregnancy, but it is more common in the second and third trimesters [6].

Gastric acidity increases due to the increased production of gastrin (a hormone that stimulates acid secretion) by the placenta. The hormone progesterone reduces the tone of the oesophageal sphincter.

Several factors can contribute to acid reflux: 
The baby is pressing on the stomach.
Progesterone hormone levels rise, causing the muscles around the stomach to relax and encouraging acid reflux.
Reduced intestinal motility.

Lifestyle changes can really help with acid reflux. Women are often advised to chew chewing gum (increased saliva can neutralise rising acids), to avoid eating late in the evening, to elevate the head of the bed (by 15 to 20 cm) and to avoid foods and medications that trigger heartburn.

It is generally recommended to: 
- Opt for small meals rather than eating large quantities at once. 
- Wear loose-fitting clothing.
- Sleep on your left side. 
- Pay attention to blood sugar levels, favouring carbohydrates with a low glycaemic index (brown rice, oats, certain fruits (apple, pear), nuts and seeds, vegetables, etc.). 
- Limit inflammatory foods that increase reflux (refined sugar, caffeine (tea or coffee), chocolate, dairy products and gluten).
- Avoid antacids: reducing acidity in the stomach can lead to digestive problems and nutritional deficiencies. Occasional use, or use on prescription, is possible, but it is best to avoid making antacids part of your daily routine.

To find out more, read our full article acid reflux in pregnancy. 

Constipation is when stools are dry and difficult to pass. Having a bowel movement fewer than three times a week is also associated with constipation. It is estimated that around 10 to 40% of women experience constipation during pregnancy, and one third of them experience haemorrhoids [7]...

Constipation during pregnancy has multiple causes [8].

Gastrointestinal responses to hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone slow the movement of food through the intestine, which increases water absorption and promotes constipation. Other causes include reduced physical activity, lower levels of motilin (a gastric hormone that controls intestinal motility), and increased absorption of sodium and water by the colon.

A few tips for constipation: 
- Eat fibre, which can help speed up intestinal transit. The recommended fibre intake for pregnant women is at least 25 g/day, with an adequate intake set at 30 g of total dietary fibre per day (berries, chia seeds, psyllium, etc.).  
- Drink enough water. Low water intake has been associated with a significant increase in constipation. 
- Eat healthy fats that can help lubricate the intestines (avocados, nut butters, oils, etc.). 
- When using the toilet, one tip is to raise your feet on a small stool or footrest and/or lean backwards.

Read our full article on constipation during pregnancy.

On top of nausea, bloating, gas and flatulence are very often added to the mix… in short, between the uterus gradually growing heavier over the months, compressing the organs and disrupting digestion, and the hormones adding fuel to the fire, it's not easy to escape these little pregnancy discomforts!

Here are a few tips to put into practice every day: 
Upon waking: opt for a high-fibre breakfast to support your digestion: a bowl of oat flakes with plant-based milk, sprinkled with chia seeds, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds… accompanied by a piece of fresh fruit.
At lunch: keep your portions small and have light snacks throughout the day — this will make digestion easier. A bone broth organic as a starter, will be your ally for digestion! The bone broth Mama Poule, made from chicken bones, or Mama beef made from beef bones, will be there for you.
Afternoon snack: enjoy some nuts or smoothies, which are easy to digest. 
At dinner: favour a plate of low glycaemic index starchy foods such as basmati rice with cooked vegetables and a drizzle of olive oil. In the evening, prepare yourself a small chamomile infusion. Chamomile has the benefit of being both easy to digest and calming.

If you struggle to sleep, the sleep food supplement Mama Dreams, with chamomile among other ingredients, will be beneficial for digestion and sleep!

Find all our advice in our article on pregnancy and digestive issues.

The symptom of heavy legs during pregnancy is quite common. The percentage of women experiencing symptoms and clinical signs of venous insufficiency increases significantly during pregnancy [9].

There are many causes: changes in venous pressure, increased blood clotting and blood volume, hormones and even genetics. A reduction in blood flow becomes increasingly pronounced as pregnancy progresses.

Therefore, eating foods that can naturally boost your blood flow may help reduce the feeling of heavy legs. These foods include pomegranate, blackcurrant, blueberry, cinnamon, turmeric and omega-3.

It is also important to do some physical activity every day (at least 30 minutes of walking per day) to improve blood circulation. Contraction of the calf muscles helps propel blood and therefore promotes venous return. Walking, water walking, swimming and cycling are recommended. To find out more, read our article on sport and pregnancy.

Good hydration is essential for all aspects of health, including blood circulation. Dehydration can damage endothelial cells and promote inflammation in your body, thereby limiting blood circulation.

And for a helping hand, the food supplement for heavy legs Light Legs, made with 100% natural ingredients, can help relieve your legs, reduce swelling and ease discomfort. 

Find all our advice heavy legs during pregnancy in our dedicated article. 

Nausea, vomiting, heavy legs and constipation are common and well-known symptoms of pregnancy. But there are also other symptoms that can be added to this list!

In the first trimester, it is common to crave carbohydrates, such as pasta, even for women who followed a low-carb diet before pregnancy. This is the body's way of building up fat reserves for the end of pregnancy and breastfeeding.

The craving for non-food items, also known as pica syndrome (such as chalk, plastic, soil, etc.), can occur during pregnancy. This syndrome may appear primarily in cases of iron, zinc and calcium deficiency.

The change in taste in the mouth is called dysgeusia. It can feel "metallic" or "bitter". This change is fairly common during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester.

There is a direct link between pregnancy and bleeding gums. With hormonal changes, you need to pay even more attention to your teeth and gum health.

Have you noticed your hearing seems less sharp since becoming pregnant? Don't worry, this can be normal. Otological symptoms (conditions related to the ear) are frequently observed in pregnant women due to alterations in hormonal levels involving oestrogen and progesterone.

All our tips and advice for managing pregnancy symptoms in our full article on the subject. 

You now have several tools to help you experience your pregnancy as peacefully as possible! 

Our last piece of advice:

Trusting yourself: "We are the ONLY mammalian species that doubts its ability to give birth. It is important to become aware of this." - Ina May Gaskin

Our bodies are built to procreate, and women have been carrying life for millennia — we have that strength within us.