Common Discomforts of Pregnancy

Nausea/Vomiting

• Eat 5-6 small meals daily so your stomach does not become empty. Eat dry crackers, toast, or cereal before getting out of bed in the morning. Plain potato chips and lemonade may also work.
• Eat ginger, crackers, dry toast, bland diet.
• Limit liquid intake with meals, but drink water freely between meals.
• Avoid greasy, spicy , or strong smelling foods.
• Use SEA BANDS if you have no relief from your prescription medications.
• If you can not keep anything down for 24 hour or longer, please contact the office or physician on call.

Tender Breasts

• Wear well fitted, supportive bra at all times. Wear snug sports bras during exercise and at night.
• Cool cloth to the breasts.
• Avoid breast stimulation, pat breasts dry after bathing.

Urinary Frequency

• Avoid known bladder irritants like caffeine and carbonated beverages.
• Urinate regularly, every 2-3 hours.
• Reduce fluid intake in the later evening hours. It is important you do not become dehydrated. Make sure you are drinking plenty of fluid at other times of the day.

Fatigue

• Take a nap during the day or rest, especially in the last 2 months of pregnancy.
• Engage in 30 mintues of light, daily exercise throughout pregnancy.
• Eat every few hours to prevent low blood glucose. Eat a diet adequate in protein and iron.

Constipation

• Increase fiber in diet (raw fruits, vegetables, prunes, whole grains).
• Drink adequate fluids, at least 2 quarts of fluid a day. Drink a cup of hot water 3 times a day.
• Regular exercise, like walking can help stimulate the bowels.
• Do not ignore the urge to have a bowel movement.
• If problem persists, try Metamucil, Fibercon, Citrucel 1-3 times daily or Colace 1-2 times daily.

Hemorrhoids

• Avoid constipation, straining with bowel movements, or diarrhea.
• Rest throughout the day with your hips and legs elevated.
• Sit only on firm surfaces.
• Kegel exercises daily.
• Preparation H or Anusol after bowel movements as directed.
• Witch hazel medicated wipes.

Low Backache

• Maintain good posture and use proper body mechanics when lifting.
• Avoid standing for long periods of time, rest frequently.
• If standing for prolonged periods, place one foot on a footstool to keep knees higher than hips.
• Sleep on a firm mattress, on your side with pillows propped under your uterus and between your knees.
• Wear low-heeled shoes.
• Pelvic tilt/pelvic rock exercises.
• Wear a supportive maternity belt.
• Warm pack to back. Do not place on abdomen.

Vaginal Discharge

• Bathe the vaginal area frequently with cool water and mild, nonscented soap.
• Wear white, cotton panties; avoid pantyhose, panty girdles, and tight fitting pants.
• Avoid any products on the vaginal area with color, fragrance, or deodorant.
• If discharge continues, has an odor, or causes irritation please contact the office.

Heartburn

• Eat 5-6 small meals daily. Avoid drinking large amounts of fluid with meals, drink fluids between meals.
• Avoid spicy, greasy, fatty, or spicy foods, caffeine, and avoid eating large meals.
• Do not lay down right after eating, stay upright for 30-60 minutes.
• Wear nonrestrictive clothing around the abdomen.
• Elevate the upper body on pillows when lying down.

Dizziness

• Move slowly when changing positions, especially if you have been lying down.
• Eat regular meals and snacks. Five or six small meals daily is best and stay well hydrated.
• Avoid long exposure to the sun.

Leg Cramps

• Regular exercise like walking promotes circulation and keeps leg muscles stretched.
• Stay well hydrated and take a long bath before bed.
• Avoid sitting or standing for long periods.
• Stretch calf muscles before bed each night.

Round Ligament Pain

• Avoid sudden movement from sitting to standing. Arise slowly from bed in the morning.
• Support the uterus with a pillow under the abdomen and between the knees when lying down.
• Wear an abdominal support garment or belt.
• During an episode of pain, sit and flex the knees to the abdomen to shorten the ligaments.