Hi,
I found out I was pregnant when I went to the doc for a nasty head cold and broncitus(sp?). My Doc gave me meds that where low alcohol and safe for the baby. During my 4th month I had the stomach flu again she gave me meds that where appropriate. You got to keep in mind some people have to take meds all the time and they have to have alternatives in most cases.
But if your midwife is insistant that you dont take anything, try something along these lines to help relive some of the problems. (I use thes on my husband who has nasty sinus issues.)
Boil some water, place the water into a bowl, lean over the bowl, place a towel over your head and the bowl. Relax and breathe in the steam.
Also if you can sew, stitch 2 washclothes together all but one corner. Fill the wash clothes with uncooked regular rice. Stitch the corner closed. Place this in the microwave for 1 minute. Lie down and place this on your face, it will be warm but not hot enough to burn you. The heat will help relax the sinus passages in your face and provide some relief.
(do not microwave for more then 1 minute cause it can and will burn.)
I also use the washcloth thing on my son 20 months, when he doesn't feel well or has an earache, reduce the microwave time to 30-45 sec. He loves to cuddle with it because it is warm.
Hope these help.