Hi ausmum,
you're probably to close to the end of your pregnancy to worry about relief methods now, but here are a few things that helped me.
for leg cramps i found magnesium phosphate to be of some use (also good for bloaty feelings in the stomach, upset stomach etc). Mag Phos is available from health food shops. they could also recommend other suitable natural treatments.
i suffered with several conditions over my 3 pregnanices, 1, a condition called symphysis pubis dysfunction. 2, weak sacro iliac joints, 3. Hyperemesis (severe morning sickness).
In my last pregnancy my baby also was very low, from about 32 weeks, which caused even more pain in the pubis area. My physio recommended the use of an elastic pelvic belt (for the symphysis pubis and the sacro iliac joints) but i found this to be very uncomfortable, and also rocking on my hands and knees to relieve the preassure of the baby on my pubic bone and pelvis. Unfortunately there was no other treatment available, and i had to persevere with it until after birth.
Have you tried jelly beans or something sugary for the dizziness and fainting. You could try carrying around a bag of jelly beans and a bottle of water. Whenever you feel yourself getting giddy, sit down, have a jelly bean or 2 and a couple of sips of water and see if it passes.
I think i'm allergic to pregnancy.
Unfortunately, after 3 pregnancies suffering with these things, i still haven't found any cures.
For anyone else reading this who is planning a pregnancy, or has just become pregnant, this is the best advise i can offer:
*if possible make sure you are fit (as in strong muscles - especially those required during pregnancy and birth) and healthy before you fall pregnant
*take those ante natal classes (i took one with my 3rd pregnancy and found it very informative),
*see a physiotherapist if you think you need to - as early as possible,
*Try not to gain to much weight during pregnancy (often easier said than done), this can lead to a multitude of problems, from muscular probs such as mine to gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.
*aqua aerobics can be great excercise throughout the pregnancy without putting to much strain on your bones and muscles (make sure your instructor is aware of your pregnancy if it isn't already obvious), and
*whilst its ok to eat junk food every now and then, try to follow a nutritious diet - not only for the development of your baby, but also for energy, strength and healing.
I think my 2nd and 3rd pregnancies could have been a lot more enjoyable and pain free if i'd done these things.
goodluck, and let us know how you go.
P.S An old wives tale is that if you suffer with painful Braxton Hicks your labour may be shorter and less painfull, because your body has been preparing for it over a period of time with the braxton hicks contractions.
Here's hoping.
Mel, mum of Joshua 8, Maddison 5, Hailey 5 mths