Common Concerns during Pregnancy and Treatments

Tell your doctor what problems/complaints you have been having and what you have done to provide relief. If at any time these methods don't work CALL your doctor.

Nausea

Eat dry crackers, toast or cereal before getting up or when feeling sick. Eat 5-6 small meals a day. Drink lots of water between meals, but not during meals. Avoid strong food smells and greasy or spicy food.

Tender Breasts

Wear a good bra. It may help to wear it in bed.

Leaking Breasts

Wear nursing pads or tissues in your bra.

Frequent Urination

Limit fluids before bedtime. Limit fluids when you are not close to a bathroom. Drink necessary fluids at other times.

Fatigue

Fatigue is common early and late in pregnancy. Try to exercise each day avoid getting so tired. Lie down at least once a day.

Constipation

Eat raw fruits, vegetables, prunes, and whole grain or bran cereals. Exercise helps. Walking is very good. Never hold back a bowel movement. Drink at least two quarts of fluid each day. A cup of hot water three times a day helps.

Hemorrhoids

Try to keep bowel movements regular. Take short rests with hips lifted on a pillow.

Low Backache

Rest often. Maintain good posture. Move around rather than standing in one place too long. Use a footstool for your feet. Keep your knees higher than your hips. Wear low-heeled shoes. Use Pelvic Rock Exercise.

Vaginal Discharge

Bathe the outer vaginal area often. Use soap with out perfume. Do not use vaginal sprays, powders or feminine hygiene products. Do not use colored or perfumed toilet paper. Wear cotton panties. Avoid panty hose, girdles and tight pants. If these don't help, ask your doctor about your problems.

Heartburn

Stay away from greasy and spicy food. Eat smaller meals but eat more often. Don't lie down just after eating.

Dizziness

Change your position slowly. Get up slowly when you have been lying down. Eat regular meals. Do not stay in the sun too long. Report ANY dizziness to your health care advisor.

Varicose Veins

Avoid stocking or girdles with elastic bands. You may use support hose. Put them on while lying down. Take short rests with legs raised. Elevate your legs when you sit down.

Shooting Pains Down Legs

Change positions. If you are sitting - stand up. If you are standing - sit down.

Lower Leg Cramps

Elevate legs often during the day. Point toes upward and press down on kneecap. Use a heating pad or hot water bottle for relief. Avoid meals at bedtime. Limit milk to 2 glasses a day.

Increased Secretions (mucus - nose, throat, mouth)

Take care of these problems as best you can. Do not use over-the-counter medicine. Check with your doctor.

Trouble Sleeping

Do not eat just before sleeping. Drinking milk may help. Try a warm bath before going to bed. Practice exercises that help you relax.

Feel Faint When Lying on Back

Lying on your left side will help with this.

Swelling of Feet and Hands

Lie on your left side for 30 minutes. Do this 3 or 4 times a day. Exercise often. Drink more fluid. Eat 3 servings of protein each day. If you have swelling in the morning tell the doctor.

Bleeding Gums

Use a soft toothbrush and brush gently. Drink more orange juice and eat foods high in vitamin C.

False Labor

Change your body position and your activity. If it is true labor it will not stop. True labor contractions will become more regular and closer together. You will feel true contractions more in your back.