Discomfort of Pregnancy Overview

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.