Wednesday, 27 September 2006

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Kirsty Gallacher’s morning sickness

The TV presenter had debilitating nausea

When Kirsty Gallacher discovered that she was pregnant for the first time, she was delighted. What she hadn’t bargained for, however, was the unwelcome shock of severe morning sickness.

It meant that as she came to terms with impending motherhood, like many women before her, she also had to struggle with feeling ill most of the time.

‘A phrase I used far too often was: “I don’t feel very well,”’ said Kirsty recently. ‘I had chronic morning sickness. Actually, I should say I had sickness any time of the day.’

A surge of hormones

Morning sickness is usually suffered in the first three months of pregnancy and, despite its name, can occur at any time of day. It’s generally believed that this sickness, along with an altered sense of taste and smell, is a reaction to the surge in hormones a woman experiences.

For Kirsty, who’s used to feeling in top physical condition, this has meant something of a lifestyle adjustment. ‘It’s been particularly frustrating because I haven’t been able to exercise like I usually would – and that’s been a bit of a shock to the system,’ she says.

But despite the side effects, Kirsty, 30, who’s due to give birth in December 2006 and her rugby player boyfriend Paul Sampson, 29, are thrilled at the thought of being parents.

It's important to eat well

Morning sickness is thought to affect at least half of all pregnant women. Gabby Logan, Britney Spears and Gwyneth Paltrow are just some of the other celebrity mums who’ve spoken about suffering from nausea.

But Kirsty doesn’t think pregnancy should be a barrier to keeping fit. And she’s determined to stick to a healthy diet and keep to a gentle exercise regime.

‘Thankfully the sickness has eased off now, so I’m starting to take some light exercise,’
she says. ‘I’m not allowed to run, but it’s great to be back on the exercise bike and to be
using some light weights for general toning.’

Kirsty hopes that being disciplined now will make the birth less painful and that she’ll find it easier to get back into shape afterwards. ‘Keeping fit while pregnant isn’t just good for keeping your muscle tone – it also helps when you give birth because your body’s stronger. Plus you get your figure back faster afterwards,’ she says.

But Kirsty won’t be cutting back on food. ‘It’s important to eat well while pregnant,’ she says. ‘I’m healthier than I’ve ever been.’

How to beat it

• The Morning Sickness Survival Pack, £28, consists of Preggie Pops (lollies with
a natural flavour), a Morning Well CD (nausea is linked to the inner ear and the CD aims to interrupt the cycle to relieve sickness symptoms) and Sea Bands (based on acupressure points, they apply gentle pressure to a key point on the wrist thought to relieve feelings of nausea). Visit www.mothersbliss.co.uk.
• Ginger has long been associated with alleviating nausea. Try ginger tea, ginger ale or even capsules.
• Speak to your GP about vitamin B6, known to aid pregnancy-induced sickness.
• Have smaller meals every two hours and avoid spicy or greasy foods. Keep dry crackers by the bed to eat before you get up in the morning.

Ali Agnew