Question

DISCOMFORT DURING PREGNANCY

THE FOLLOWING ARE COMMON DURING PREGNANCY. SELECT THREE OF THE FOLLOWING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS AND PROVIDE EDUCATION TO YOUR PREGNANT PATIENT ON HOW TO AVOID THEM.

Nausea and vomiting

            Syncope

            Urinary urgency and frequency

            Breast tenderness

            Increased vaginal discharge

            Nasal stuffiness

            Fatigue

            Heartburn

            Ankle edema

            Varicose veins

            Headaches

            Hemorrhoids

            Constipation

            Backache

            Leg cramps

            Shortness of breath/dyspnea

Answer 1

Nausea and vomiting

Dietary changes.

· Avoid eating too much food altogether, but keep something in the stomach. Having an empty stomach produces acids. This adds to the feelings of nausea.

· Eat snacks frequently and have multiple small meals that are high in protein or carbohydrates and low in fat.

· Drink cold, clear, and carbonated and drink these in small amounts between meals.

· Smelling fresh lemon, mint, or using an oil diffuser with these scents may be useful.

Avoid triggers

· Avoid odors and tastes that trigger nausea.

· Avoid spicy foods.

· Brushing teeth after eating may help prevent nausea.

· Avoid lying down immediately after eating and quickly changing positions.

Get plenty of rest

It is important to get a good sleep.

Keep physically and mentally active

· Include more physical activity.

· Reading a book, doing puzzles, watching television, playing cards, or going for short walks around the block will help take your mind off the feelings of nausea.

Ensure good fluid intake

· It is important to drink more fluids.

· Adding apple cider vinegar and honey to water may make it more pleasant.

Wear loose and comfortable clothing

Tight clothing may worsen the symptoms of nausea.

Avoid computer monitor flicker

A computer monitor flickers rapidly and almost unnoticeably. This may contribute to morning sickness.

Complementary treatments

· Acupuncture and acupressure

· Hypnosis and counseling – Hypnosis has been reported to be helpful in some people. Counseling may be helpful for women with a history of anxiety.

· Ginger –ginger tea may help to relieve nausea and vomiting in some women.

Heartburn

· Try eating smaller but more frequent meals.

· Avoid highly seasoned, rich and fatty foods.

· Carbonated beverages and milk can help alleviate heartburn.

· Stay upright for at least two hours after eating. Do not eat right before going to bed.

· Avoid caffeine.

· Drink fluids in between your meals

· Take your time when eating.

Constipation

· Drink plenty of fluids. Foods, such as cucumber and watermelon, carry high water content, making them good options to help increase hydration.

· Increasing fiber in your diet can help prevent or manage constipation. Good sources of fiber include bananas, oranges, apples, mangoes, spinach, beans, legumes and whole grain bread.

- Include physical activity in your daily routine. Being active can help prevent pregnancy constipation