Skin changes: Skin changes include patches on the face, darkening of the nipples and the development of a dark vertical line slicing your tummy - which may never completely vanish.Silvery stretch lines invade your breasts, stomach and thighs, because of your burgeoning body. The more weight you gain, the more the marks, which cannot be prevented. Expensive creamy concoctions are of little use. However, plain coconut oil can prevent the surrounding skin from drying out.Tiny red 'spiders' also radiate on the face, neck, upper chest and arms and are caused by a high concentration of hormones. These, with the facial patches, will disappear after delivery.

Sleeplessness: In late pregnancy, your bump, the incessant kicking from within, the urgency to visit the toilet and vague worries may keep you awake. Take a short walk, a warm shower, and a glass of warm milk before going to bed. Lie on your side. Place pillows between your legs and another one behind your back. Try yoga.

Tingling and numbness: This may attack your hands and feet when you wake up, because there is pressure on the nerves and tendons due to lots of accumulated fluid.

Varicose veins: You may feel a dull ache in your legs after which the veins stand out. This is because your growing womb presses hard on the arteries and veins in the lower half of the body. Circulation slows, the blood pools, the veins must work harder to return the blood to the heart. Sit rather than stand. Prop your feet on another chair. Don't cross your legs. Sleep with your feet on a cushion. Gently massage upwards to empty the swollen veins. Lie on your back, feet in the air, and circle your legs as if you were riding a bicycle. Or write imaginary alphabets with your toes.