Indigestion/heartburn is caused by hormonal changes, and the womb pressing on your stomach as your baby grows. There are plenty of home remedies you can try. Milk and/or antacids can help ease symptoms.
If indigestion remedies don’t work and/or you have other symptoms, read the Heart health in pregnancy section and talk to your midwife or GP.
Headaches may increase due to hormonal changes. Drink plenty of water, rest and take paracetamol (1g) if required.
Contact your midwife/doctor if you experience severe headaches (with/without problems with vision) that do not resolve with hydration, rest and paracetamol.
It is common to feel faint or lightheaded in pregnancy and this is often caused by standing up too quickly or lying flat on your back. Always stand up gently and when lying down try to stay on your side, particularly after 28 weeks gestation.
Keeping well hydrated can reduce feeling faint.
If symptoms persist, talk to your midwife or doctor. 
Incontinence can affect women during and immediately after pregnancy, due to the effect of hormones on the pelvic floor, and the pressure from the growing baby. Women may leak a small amount of urine when coughing, laughing, sneezing or moving suddenly.
Should this happen, the first thing to do is to start your pelvic floor exercises daily. It is also helpful to contract your pelvic floor just before you cough, sneeze, lift, laugh or do an activity that causes a leak.
Should the symptoms persist during pregnancy or more than six weeks after the pregnancy, ask your GP to refer you for specialist support. It is recommended that all women strengthen their pelvic floor during pregnancy to prevent and/or treat incontinence.
These are more common in pregnancy. You should look out for the signs and symptoms, and contact your GP or midwife urgently if you think you could have an infection. Symptoms include pain on passing urine, passing small amounts of urine more often than usual, or urine that is cloudy and strange smelling.
Signs that you might have bacterial vaginosis (BV) are:
If you are travelling to countries that require specific vaccinations please speak to your practice nurse. Some vaccines that use live bacteria or viruses are not recommended during pregnancy because of concerns they could harm the baby in the womb. Inactivated vaccines are safe in pregnancy.
Flying is not harmful to you or your baby, but it is important to discuss your pregnancy with your midwife or doctor before travelling by plane.
The likelihood of going into labour is higher after 37 weeks and some airlines will not let you fly towards the end of pregnancy. Check with the airline directly about this. After week 28 of pregnancy, the airline may ask for a letter from your GP confirming your due date, and that you aren’t at risk of complications.
Long-distance travel carries a small risk of blood clots (known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT). Discuss any long-haul travel with your doctor as you may require DVT preventative medication, particularly if you have other risk factors.
When in the air, drink plenty of water and move around the cabin regularly. You can buy a pair of compression stockings from a pharmacy, which will help reduce the risk of DVT.
On long car journeys it is important to stop regularly for a break and to stretch your legs. Wear your seatbelt with the cross strap between your breasts and the lap strap across your pelvis under your bump, not across your bump. Road accidents are among the most common causes of injury in pregnant women. Avoid making long trips on your own and share the driving with others when possible. 
Riding a bicycle in pregnancy should be approached with caution, due to the risk of falling which may harm you or your baby. In pregnancy your joints are less stable, your centre of gravity is altered and your reactions are slower. It might be best to avoid cycling unless you are used to cycling regularly. 
Travelling by tube, train and bus during pregnancy can be tricky, but ordering a free Baby on board! badge can help make it easier. Always travel with a bottle of water and sit down when possible.
