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Pre-eclampsia
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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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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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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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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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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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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To help beat morning sickness, as soon as you wake up - eat a piece of dry toast.
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Drink ginger tea to beat morning sickness - it really works!Jenny, pregnant with baby no.1
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It can affect both the mother and the unborn baby, and can happen at any time from around 20 weeks of pregnancy until a few days after delivery. If undetected, it can be life-threatening to mum and baby.
Scientists have recently started to understand more about pre-eclampsia and what causes it - it's linked to changes in the placenta which then cause high blood pressure. The new research means that doctors will hopefully be able to find new ways to treat and prevent pre-eclampsia.
Pre-eclampsia affects 1 in 10 pregnancies in some form, but affects 1 in 100 first pregnancies severely - so check ups are very important.
Here, midwife Anne Richley answers your questions on pre-eclampsia.
Can I tell if I'll get it?
Pre-eclampsia can't be predicted, but some women are more at risk. They are:- First-time mothers
- Very overweight women
- Women over 40
- Women with a family history of pre-eclampsia
- Mothers who've left a gap of 10 years or more between babies
- Women with high blood pressure, diabetes or kidney disease
- Women with multiple pregnancies
- Women who've suffered from pre-eclampsia before
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Where to next?
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Pregnancy -
'I had morning sickness morning, noon and night' -
Bleeding during pregnancy -
Pregnancy -
Will you need a C Section? -
Premature labour -
Gestational diabetes -
Common pregnancy worries -
Junk food warning for pregnant mums -
Group B Strep -
Take caution with pre-eclampsia -
'A really bad headache can mean pre-eclampsia'
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