Finding out you are pregnant can be one of the greatest moments of your life. You can’t wait to share the news and revel in the excitement with your friends and family. But those joyous moments can come to a screeching halt when faced with some of the most common symptoms.

There are enough possible pregnancy complications to make your head spin. It is important to remember that you’re acting for two and anything ingested or applied to your body will also affect your baby. Ideally, you want to use products that are natural and tested so you know they will not harm your child. When dealing with common ailments of pregnancy, there are plenty of natural solutions.

Morning Sickness

Morning sickness is a complete misnomer as it lasts not only all day, but sometimes through the entire pregnancy. More than half of women experience some form of morning sickness. Often, it is can be remedied with some simple changes. Be sure to eat and hydrate often. You may have been fine skipping breakfast, but baby disagrees and it’s important to provide the nutrients. Keeping gum and crackers on hand can help quell nausea. Ginger naturally aids in digestion and nausea and is even available in gum format. Acupressure bracelets may also help ease the symptoms.

Acne

Pregnancy causes a dramatic shift in hormones and for many women this means unsightly acne. Unfortunately, many products contain chemicals that could be harmful, such as benzoyl peroxide, so many doctors advise against most OTC treatments. Look for natural cleansers and make sure you keep all hair off of your face. A paste of baking soda and water rubbed gently into the skin works very well and has no harmful effects. If you wear cosmetics, make sure they are oil-free.

Swelling & Blood Clots

Believe it or not, swelling is actually your body’s way of nurturing you and the baby, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t come with some painful side effects. Spending long periods of sitting or standing can cause a lot of pain in the ankles so rotate often and keep your legs lifted. Excessive swelling can lead to preeclampsia so contact your OB-GYN if symptoms persist. You may want to look into an anti embolism stocking, which can help prevent blood clots from forming as well.

Back Pain

All of these physiological changes cause a complete shift in how we carry our bodies and often times this leads to back pains. Wear comfortable shoes with a slight heal and maintain correct posture. Side sleeping can alleviate pain and use pillows on high pressure points. Exercise is a vital aspect of a healthy pregnancy. Make sure your activities won’t harm the baby. Yoga is great for stretching and relaxation. Many professionals also recommend prenatal massage and chiropractic care.

Constipation

Constipation is a subject no one enjoys talking about, but it is very common in pregnancies and can exacerbate hemorrhoids. Most problems are caused by dehydration and bad eating habits. Drink at least 1.5 liters of water a day and eat high fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Avoid diuretics like tea or soda. Smaller and more frequent meals may help with digestion. Physical activity such as light walking or swimming may also help.

The best way to treat pregnancy symptoms is proactively. Proper diet and exercise will alleviate most problems without the need for potentially harmful medications. Taking care of you means your baby will be properly taken care of as well.