Morning sickness

It has generally been assumed hormones are the cause of the nausea - morning sickness is a misnomer because it can happen at any time of day - but recent research at Liverpool University suggests it may be due to diet. The incidence of nausea is much lower in countries with diets high in cereals and pulses.

Strong smells, such as smoke, perfume and even men, can act as triggers, and it is usually worse with an empty stomach - so nibbling dry biscuits can help.

Acupuncture is a popular alternative treatment. Alison Courtney, an acupuncturist and registered midwife, says: "There are many reasons why people are sick so, you have to look at the root cause and treat that."

Depending on the nausea, homeopathic remedies such as nux vomica, sepia or ipecacuanha can also work. If you want to go down this route, it is advisable to see a trained homeopath.

Fluid retention

"Fluid retention is a result of hormonal changes and the extra blood circulating," says Gillian Fletcher, former president of the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) and antenatal teacher. "Walking to get the legs moving is good, or sitting with your feet up and circulating the ankles. But it's not good for the baby's positioning to sit in a banana shape with your feet up." Fletcher warns against restricting fluid intake as "you need the kidneys to be working effectively for good circulation".

Reflexology can help ease the build-up of fluids.

Backache

During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin is released to soften the pelvic ligaments ready for birth. But it can also relax those around the spine, leading to slight movement or maladjustments. This, combined with the weight of the baby, can lead to extra strain on the back.

Good posture and avoiding overtilting the pelvis helps, as can steering clear of high heels, lifting heavy objects and standing for too long. Light exercise such as pregnancy yoga is also recommended. While swimming is often suggested as an ideal exercise in pregnancy, Janet Balaskas, founder of the Active Birth Movement, warns against doing breaststroke because it's "not good for the lower back".

Tiredness/Insomnia

In the first trimester you're exhausted and by the third you're suffering from insomnia. While mothers will tell you it's good preparation for after the baby's born, lying awake for hours is no joke. Tiredness may be nature's way of telling you to slow down, and Fletcher urges women not to feel guilty about resting. Simply achieving a comfy position can be tough in the latter stages. "Play with cushions and pillows to find what's comfortable, but a soft bath towel to support the bump or pillows under the bent top leg is the best thing," says Fletcher.

"For insomnia I'd work on the hypothalamus gland, on the tip of the big toe," says Ali Norell, a reflexologist working with Dr Gowri Motha in the Gentle Birth Method. "It releases melatonin which usually induces a better night's sleep. But I'd also look at what might be preventing sleep. At the 20-plus week stage women can often get very vivid, anxious dreams."

Indigestion

As with many of the symptoms of pregnancy, indigestion is a consequence of the increased level of hormones, which has the knockon effect of relaxing the valve from the stomach to the oesophagus.

Working out what the trigger foods are is a good start, says Fletcher. Eating smaller meals, especially in the evening, and drinking a glass of milk can also help. Invariably, the problem is exacerbated as the baby gets bigger. Lying down can also make it more uncomfortable. Fletcher advises sleeping with your head propped up slightly and sitting up straight, rather than slumping.

Reflexology tends to work on the colon area of the foot (around the instep) to ease the symptoms.

Leg cramps

"They're a sign of sluggish circulation and a lot of women say if they do brisk exercise with their ankles and calf muscles before bed it helps during the night," says Fletcher. The sooner cramp is stretched out the better, so lean against the wall and stretch out the calf, or wake up your partner and get them to push your foot flat with your leg extended.

Women are also are advised to drink plenty of fluids and eat bananas to keep up potassium levels.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

This is another consequence of fluid retention - the extra fluid causes compression of the median nerve as it passes through the tunnel of the wrist, resulting in pain and numbness in the fingers and hands. In severe cases wrist splints need to be worn. Physiotherapy can be used to exercise and release the area. Gentle hand massage and hand exercises, such as circulating the wrist, can be done at home to relieve the pain.

Acupuncture and osteopathy can be used to help move fluids around the body. While it's uncomfortable and debilitating at the time, the one thing to remember is that, as with all the other symptoms, once the baby is born they go away.