Discomfort of Pregnancy Overview

Study Notes

Discomfort of Pregnancy

Nausea and Vomiting:
- Caused by increased human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)
- Interventions:
  - Eat crackers or dry toast in the morning before getting up
  - Drink fluids separate from meals
- Avoid:
  - Odors that increase nausea
  - Fried, high-fat, greasy, and spicy food
Ptyalism:
- Excessive salivation caused by elevated estrogen
- Intervention:
  - Use mouthwash
Heartburn (Pyrosis):
- Reflux of stomach content into the esophagus, caused by delayed stomach emptying
- Interventions:
  - Remain upright for at least an hour after eating
  - Eat small, frequent meals
  - Use antacids
- Avoid:
  - Eating or drinking at bedtime
  - Caffeine
Hyperemesis Gravidarum:
- Excessive nausea and vomiting resulting in metabolic alkalosis and fluid & electrolyte imbalances
- Interventions:
  - Replace fluids and monitor intake and output
  - Complete bed rest
  - Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)
Backache:
- Interventions:
  - Maintain correct posture
  - Use foot support, arm rest, and pillow support when sitting
  - Exercise: tailor sitting, shoulder circling, squatting, pelvic rocking, and maternity back binder
- ** Avoid:**
  - High-heeled shoes
  - Bending
Round Ligament Pain:
- A tickle or snap in the chest, vaginal, or groin area
- Interventions:
  - When getting out of bed, turn to the side first and then get up slowly
  - Bend toward the pain, squat, or bring knees up to the chest
  - Place a heating pad on the affected area
  - Use good body mechanics and avoid strenuous exercise
- Avoid: Stretching and twisting at the same time
Urinary Frequency and Loss of Urine:
- Caused by pressure of the enlarged uterus on the bladder
- Interventions:
  - Do Kegel's exercises to maintain bladder control (contract muscles for 10 seconds, relax for 10 seconds, repeat 30 times daily)
Varicosities:
- Prevent pooling of blood in the large veins of the legs
- Interventions:
  - Apply support hose or elastic stockings (compression stockings)
- Avoid:
  - Constricting clothing or crossing the legs at the knees that impede blood vessels
Hemorrhoids:
- Caused by hypoperistalsis, lack of fluid, low fiber intake, and progesterone-induced effects on muscles
- Interventions:
  - Establish a regular pattern of bowel elimination
  - Gently push any external hemorrhoid back into the rectum
  - If pain or bleeding persists, call a healthcare provider
  - Hot sitz bath for control
Constipation:
- Interventions:
  - Drink plenty of water (avoid coffee, tea, and carbonated drinks - they have a diuretic effect)
  - Eat fiber-rich foods: papaya, suha, pineapple
- Avoid:
  - Cheese
  - Sweets (increase flatulence)
Leg Cramps:
- Interventions:
  - 70mg/day of Vitamin C to enhance iron absorption
  - Note: This text does not provide information about the cause of Leg Cramps.