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The superfood pregnancy diet
Mum Knows Best
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If you're uncomfortable in bed, or suffer backache, tuck one end of a v-shaped pillow between your knees to get your hips level, put the 'v' under your bump and cuddle the top. It was my midwife's idea - it also cured my insomnia.Isabelle Jacobs, 34, from Edinburgh, mum to Paul, 3 months
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I started getting really bad headaches when I was about 12 weeks pregnant, but forcing myself to drink two litres of water every day really helped.Jennifer Shepherd, London
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If you have trouble sleeping in pregnancy, read a baby names' book. The monotony of the list means that by the time you reach 'D', you'll be gone!Emily Gale, 31, from London, mum to Madeleine, 2, and 35 weeks pregnant
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To help beat morning sickness, as soon as you wake up - eat a piece of dry toast.
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I was convinced the TENS machine I used wasn't working because labour still felt very painful. However, it was only when I took it off that I realised it had been effective, as I could feel the difference. It got me through the first few hours until I got in the pool, where my baby was born. Michelle, mum to Sam, 6 weeks
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Before you go out and buy lots of expensive maternity clothes, have a good rummage through your wardrobe. You'll probably be surprised at how much stuff can be adapted or worn a little differently to still fit you!Natalie, mum to Bobby
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Drink ginger tea to beat morning sickness - it really works!Jenny, pregnant with baby no.1
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Ditch as much of your housework as possible and don't stress because the house is a mess or there's ironing to do. Your baby will sense you're calm and, with luck, he'll be calm, too. I know it worked for me - Daniel is a chilled-out, happy baby!
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If you're set on having a natural birth, read up on visualisation and breathing techniques so you feel strong when the time comes. It really helped me when I was having Honey.SJ Drew, Paignton
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French researcher Dr Schaal, who carried out the 10-year research, suggested that a varied diet during pregnancy, could even help mums-to-be avoid having a fussy eater, as babies in the womb can smell and taste what their mother eats.
As well as variety, a good pregnancy diet should include foods rich in folic acid to prevent birth defects, B vitamins for your baby's nervous system and blood cells, calcium for bones and teeth, and magnesium for heart muscles and the nervous system. Protein builds tissue, essential fatty acids build your baby's brain, vitamins A, C and E aid growth and immunity and beta-carotene helps visual and hearing development. Plus iron prevents you from getting anaemia and fibre prevents constipation.
The superfood pregnancy diet meal plan
Day 1
Breakfast: Unsweetened muesli with natural yogurt and fresh berriesLunch: Winter vegetable soup with pulses and a wholemeal brown roll
Dinner: Grilled lamb chops with dhal (made with red lentils) and steamed spring greens
Day 2
Breakfast: Porridge with milk, sliced apple and a sprinkling of seedsLunch: Wholemeal penne pasta with tomato and basil sauce served with green salad
Dinner: Grilled mackerel with brown rice served with stir-fried vegetables
Day 3
Breakfast: Boiled egg served with a slice of wholemeal or rye toastLunch: Three-bean salad (if tinned, rinse well) with tuna, tomatoes, raw carrot, red onion & celery
Dinner: Turkey stir-fry with brown rice & stir-fried veg (broccoli, ginger, red pepper & mushroom)
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