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Some Common Discomforts in Pregnancy
Nausea/Heartburn
Eating dry crackers, cereal, or toast before getting out of bed
or whenever your nausea usually occurs may help. Eating 5 - 6 small
meals a day rather than fewer large meals often helps. Avoid greasy
or very spicy foods. Try drinking fluids between meals rather than
with meals, and avoid caffeine. Ask your healthcare provider about
antacids such as Tums. Chamomile tea may be helpful. If you have
severe vomiting and keep little food down, call your healthcare provider.
Constipation/Hemorrhoids
Drink lots of water and other non-caffeinated fluids every day.
Eat raw fruits, dried fruits, vegetables and whole-grain cereal.
Walking 15 - 30 minutes a day is very helpful. Do not hold back the
urge to have a bowel movement, but do not strain for a bowel movement,
either. If hemorrhoids appear, elevate your hips a little with several
brief rest periods during the day. Practice Kegel exercises daily.
Witch hazel pads can be soothing, as can cool or warm baths. If constipation
is severe or if hemorrhoids are bleeding, see your healthcare provider
about a stool softener or other remedies they may recommend.
Low Backache
Do not stand in one position for too long, and be aware of good
posture. Use a footstool when sitting, keeping knees higher than
hips when possible. Wear low-heeled shoes. Balance activity and rest
during the day. Warm moist heat and/or massage may help.
Trouble Sleeping
Do not eat just before going to bed, and limit caffeine, especially
after noon. A warm bath or shower before going to bed may help. Use
extra pillows and cushions for positioning as pregnancy progresses.
Ask your healthcare provider about use of any medications such as
acetaminophen (Tylenol), to ease minor discomforts. Avoid sleeping
pills unless specifically prescribed by your obstetric healthcare
provider.
Varicose Veins
Do not wear stockings or girdles that have elastic bands. Support
hose may help. Lie down for rest periods and raise your legs. Do
not cross your legs at the knees when you sit. Do not sit or stand
for more than one hour at a time. Move around and walk.
Lower Leg Cramps
Daily walking for at least 15 - 30 minutes is helpful. Keep your
legs warm. Raise your legs a lot during the day. Use a heating pad
or hot water bottle for relief. You may want to take two Tums-style
antacids before going to bed to avoid nighttime leg cramps.
Swelling of Hands and Feet
Lie down for 30 minutes at a time, 3 - 4 times a day, especially
on your side. Raise your legs when you have to sit for long periods.
Daily walking and other gentle exercise helps circulation. Increase
your liquids, but avoid those with high sodium and/or sugar amounts.
Do not wear tight clothing, and use support hose. If you have swelling
when you wake up in the morning, call your healthcare provider.
Frequent Urination
Limit fluids a few hours before going to bed, but be sure to drink
plenty of fluids the rest of the day. Practice Kegel exercises. If
you have any burning, pain, or blood with urination, call your healthcare
provider.
Braxton-Hicks Contractions ("False Labor")
Change your position and activity. True labor tends to get stronger
when you walk around, and the contractions get more regular and stronger
as they get closer together. Braxton-Hicks contractions tend to be
more noticeable when you sit or lie down, but usually are irregular
and do not have a pattern of getting closer and stronger. Try relaxation
techniques and a warm bath. If they go away, they are not labor contractions.
Warning Signs in Pregnancy
You should report any of the following to your healthcare provider
right away:
- Vaginal bleeding (some spotting after vaginal examination or
sex is normal)
- Sudden puffiness of your face or eyes
- Severe headache late in pregnancy
- Spots before your eyes or blurring of vision
- Severe pain under your breastbone or high in your abdomen that
does not respond to a Tums-style antacid
- Urination with burning, pain or blood
- Severe nausea and vomiting for several hours
- Fever over 101 degrees f
- No fetal movement or a sudden change in the baby's movement patterns
- A gush of fluid from the vagina or continued small leaks of fluid.
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