Pregnancy rules

With pregnancy comes confusing, and often conflicting, health information - find our more and learn about side effects during gestation

Pregnant women experience a range of potentially embarrassing health concerns, including increased body hair, sweating and constipation, according to a poll out today.

Some are also confused about what food to eat and whether it is safe to have sex, drink alcohol or get on a plane during pregnancy.

The survey of 1,303 mothers and pregnant women found that almost half (42%) had experienced memory loss while 41% had suffered bladder weakness.

Four in 10 (40%) had experienced mood swings, 34% constipation, 32% pregnancy-related wind, 25% random breast leakage, 21% increased body hair and 14% excessive sweating.

Suffering from side effects

A total of 13% had developed acne during pregnancy, 12% had had stronger body odour than normal and 9% had suffered hair loss.

The survey, for the charity Tommy's and Johnson's Baby, also found that 45% of women had received conflicting advice about pregnancy.

Four in 10 (40%) were confused about what foods were safe to eat, 29% were unsure if they could dye their hair, 31% did not know which prescription drugs were safe to take and 22% were unaware of safe exercises.

A total of 15% were confused by how much alcohol, if any, they could drink while pregnant, 15% did not know if it was safe to fly and 7% were unsure about sex in pregnancy.

One in 20 women (5%) did not understand why they needed to take folic acid in the first 12 weeks.

Body changes

Overall, 34% of women felt embarrassed by elements of their pregnancy. Tommy's is launching a new campaign - Let's Talk Baby - with the aim of helping women overcome their embarrassment.

Tommy's midwife, Sharon Simms, said: "Being pregnant is one of the biggest changes the body goes through, bringing with it a wealth of new and sometimes unexpected experiences.

"Whilst most are harmless, it is important that women are paying attention to these changes, as they can provide vital early warning signs if something is wrong.

"Changes such as itching, bleeding or pain should never be ignored, and you must always contact a health professional if you have any concerns.

Putting your mind at rest

"No question is ever too small or too trivial when it comes to pregnancy. It is always better to ask even if it is just to put your mind at rest."

Actress and mother-of-two, Angela Griffin, who is backing the campaign, said: "Finding out you are going to be a mum is just the most fantastic feeling, but pregnancy itself can be a complete minefield.

"You want to do the best for your baby and with that comes about a million questions of whether or not you're doing the right thing, what's normal and what isn't.

"There is so much conflicting information out there, and everyone from your work colleagues to random people in the street has an opinion.

"I think it's great that with Tommy's you know that the information you're getting is coming straight from the professionals, and is an answer you can trust."

Other celebrities supporting the campaign include actresses Julia Haworth, Lucy Benjamin and Debra Stephenson.