1. FATIGUE - You will suffer from tiredness and more especially in the first three months. Remember your body is making new adjustments to accommodate your unborn baby. Make sure you get enough sleep. Lie down during the day if possible, preferably about the middle of the afternoon. Even if you don’t sleep it is important to take time out and rest your body.

2. FREQUENT URINATION - The uterus is getting bigger and is putting pressure against the bladder. This is why you get the urge to go to the toilet more often. If these symptoms become extreme or you suffer a burning sensation when you pass urine tell your doctor about it.

3. FOOD CRAVINGS - Women complain about all sorts of food cravings when they are pregnant. It is very normal to have such cravings but don’t put anything harmful in your mouth that may affect you or your unborn child.

4. MORNING SICKNESS - As I have explained above vomiting occurs during the first three months of pregnancy. Your doctor can give you something to help relieve the symptoms. Some women find it helpful to drink a cup of tea or nibble on a plain biscuit before getting out of bed in the mornings. Do not take over the counter medicine to stop the vomiting rather ask your doctor for something.

Some cases of morning sickness can be very extreme where the expectant mother is unable to keep anything down and she begins to lose weight.

5. HEARTBURN - During the latter part of pregnancy the pressure of the large uterus against the digestive organs may interfere with their normal function, causing a pain in the lower chest or near the heart.

6. HEMORRHOIDS - The enlargement of the veins inside the anus is more common during pregnancy that at other times. The reason for this is that the pressure of the uterus on the veins interferes with the return of blood from the legs. Watch your diet and eat fiber and try not to strain when going to the toilet.

7. MUSCLE CRAMPS - It is very common to get cramps in your legs whilst you are pregnant. The cramps occur because of the reduced circulation of blood in the legs. Give your legs a good massage when you get cramps.

8. BACK PAIN - Pain in your back is also very common when you are pregnant. The reason being is because of the change in your posture. It can often be relieved by changing to low-heeled shoes. Pamper yourself by having a nice, long soak in the bath. Add plenty of oils and scents and you’re sure to feel much better.

9. VARICOSE VEINS -  Some women suffer from varicose veins when they are pregnant and they may even become a problem later on too. To avoid too much strain on your legs rest at short intervals throughout the day. Avoid crossing your legs and keep them elevated when ever you can. In extreme cases it may be necessary to wear elastic stockings.

10. VAGINAL DISCHARGE - The tissues of the vagina become more elastic during pregnancy in preparation for the birth. The glands located in the vagina and cervix become more active and a muscous discharge may issue from the vagina.

11. CHANGES IN THE SKIN - It is common for the colour of your skin to change during pregnancy. Pale, red streaks appear commonly on the abdomen and breasts because of the changes to these body parts when you are pregnant. Due to the stretching of the skin, after childbirth, the red colour fades. You may also get blotches on the nose and breasts but they will disappear after you give birth.

12. TOXEMIAS OF PREGNANCY(INCLUDING ECLAMPSIA) - The toxemias of pregnancy are serious illnesses which sometimes occur during the latter part of your pregnancy. These symptoms include a rise in your blood pressure. An increase in the amount of tissue fluid, manifested by a sudden gain in weight. The tissues beneath the skin especially of the face and fingers become swollen. There will be evidence of protein in your urine.

Some of these symptoms occur in 5 to 10 per cent of all pregnancies. The condition is described as "PREECLAMPSIA" Unless there is high blood pressure or disease of the kidneys the symptoms will disappear soon after childbirth. Without proper care, PREECLAMPSIA may deteriorate to the more serious condition called ECLAMPSIA with headache, disturbances of vision, vomiting, pain in the stomach and possibly convulsions or coma. Fortunately this condition is now very rare.

13. MISCARRIAGE - This is the spontaneous delivery of the fetus before it has developed sufficiently to survive outside the mother's womb. Miscarriages usually occur before the 5th month of pregnancy. Bleeding from the vagina will usually be an indicator that you are miscarrying. If this happens phone your doctor at once or get yourself to the nearest hospital emergency room as quickly as possible.

14. PREMATURE BIRTH - A newborn baby is usually considered premature if it weighs less than two and a half kilograms. Premature babies are kept in incubators to help them to survive. Here they will be given special care and be monitored around the clock.