QUESTION

Dear Midwife,
I am 15 1/2 weeks pregnant and I feel awful. This is not my first pregnancy. I am tired, extra tired, super morning sickness all day long and all I want to do is lay in bed. I have heartburn and zero energy. I have a hard time standing for long, I get dizzy.

I am 28 and the doctor says feeling awful is a good sign. Is the doctor right? How can I get some relief?

Thanks for your time.
Jessie

Heartburn, also known as acid indigestion or acid reflux, is the burning sensation that often extends from the bottom of the breastbone to the lower throat. Even women who have never experienced it before may have their first contact with the nasty burning sensation during pregnancy.

QUESTION

Dear Nutritionist,
Can I really not eat garlic or hot peppers while I'm pregnant? I love both and would really miss them as part of my diet...

I have already noticed I can't drink any of my teas, either. Is there a tea I can drink other than Green Tea?

I think my body's getting me ready for a newborn's crazy sleep schedule. I went to bed at midnight and woke up every hour on the hour, and was finally up for the day at 6 a.m.! Now, mind you, this is very unusual behavior for me. I would sleep all day if life didn't get in the way!

During a major bout of heartburn accompanied with acid reflux during my second pregnancy, I became pretty crafty about coming up with dinners that wouldn't leave my chest feeling like an open pit of lava. Read on and learn how you can eat well during pregnancy, without dying from heartburn.

Breast Changes tenderness, fullness, darkening of the areola

• A well-fitted bra with cotton straps that support the breasts may prevent much of the discomfort associated with pregnancy changes

Frequent Urination

• Omit or decrease the amount of caffeine coffee, tea, colas, and chocolate)
• Decrease fluid intake 2-3 hours before bedtime
• Drink at least 8-10 glasses of fluid daily
• Do your Kegel exercises

Constipation

• Maintain an adequate fluid intake
• Include fiber in your diet

Even though you've been anticipating the birth of your baby for several months, it may be difficult to tell when labor actually begins. People say, "you'll just know", but that's hardly reassuring. In fact you might feel like rolling your eyes! You will need to interpret your body's changes as labor approaches. Although every woman's pregnancy is unique there are a number of signals your body is gearing up for labor.

Heartburn is a common complaint during pregnancy. Although it has nothing to do with the heart, heartburn involves a burning sensation in the center of the chest.