Chapter 13: Adaptations to Pregnancy: Common Discomforts of Pregnancy

Question 1

take a tablespoon of cream before meals if problem is not already present

Answer 1

heartburn

Question 2

drink at least 8 glasses of liquids each day (water, juice, milk but not coffee, tea, carbonated drinks). after drinking diuretic beverages, add a glass of water

Answer 2

constipation

Question 3

to relieve problem, extend the affected leg, keeping the knee straight. bend the foot toward the body or ask someone to assist. if alone, stand and apply pressure on the affected leg with the knee straight

Answer 3

leg cramps

Question 4

eat small meals every 2-3 hours, and avoid fatty, acidic, or spicy foods

Answer 4

heartburn

Question 5

avoid constipation to prevent straining that causes or worsens problem

Answer 5

hemorrhoids

Question 6

use self-care measures that generally are as effective as using laxatives, but do not interfere with absorption of nutrients or lead to laxative dependency

Answer 6

constipation

Question 7

decrease fluids in the evening but drink adequate amounts during the day

Answer 7

urinary frequency

Question 8

rest frequently with the legs elevated above the level of the hips

Answer 8

varicosities

Question 9

drink fluids separately from meals. try small amounts of ice chips, water, and clear liquids like gelatin or popsicles. avoid coffee.

Answer 9

nausea and vomiting

Question 10

to pick up objects, squat rather than bend at the waist

Answer 10

backache

Question 11

perform exercises such as tailor sitting, shoulder circling, and pelvic rocking, which strengthen the back and prepare for labor

Answer 11

backache

Question 12

lie on your side with the hips elevated on a pillow

Answer 12

hemorrhoids

Question 13

apply heat and lie on the right side to relieve the pain

Answer 13

round ligament pain

Question 14

bend toward the pain, squat, or bring the knees up to the chest to relieve pain by relaxing the ligament

Answer 14

round ligament pain

Question 15

try swimming, riding a stationary bicycle, or taking a brisk walk of at least 1 mile per day to stimulate peristalsis and improve muscle tone

Answer 15

constipation

Question 16

restrict cheese consumption

Answer 16

constipation

Question 17

avoid high-heeled shoes because they increase lordosis

Answer 17

backache

Question 18

eliminate or curtail smoking and drinking coffee and carbonated beverages

Answer 18

heartburn

Question 19

avoid constricting clothing and crossing the legs at the knees, which impedes blood return from the legs

Answer 19

varicosities

Question 20

establish regular pattern for elimination at same time each day. one hour after meals is ideal to take advantage of gastrocolic reflex.

Answer 20

constipation

Question 21

take deep breaths and sip water to help relieve the burning sensation

Answer 21

heartburn

Question 22

do not make sudden movements or position changes

Answer 22

round ligament pain

Question 23

wear support hose or elastic stockings that reach above the problem. apply them before getting out of bed each morning

Answer 23

varicosities

Question 24

use only antacids suggested by your care provider, but avoid those that are high in sodium, which cause fluid retention. antacids high in calcium provide relief but may cause rebound hyperacidity. liquid antacids may be more effective.

Answer 24

heartburn

Question 25

maintain correct posture: head up, shoulders back

Answer 25

backache

Question 26

if working in one position for prolonged periods, walk around for a few minutes at least every 2 hours

Answer 26

varicosities

Question 27

walk or sit upright for 1-2 hours after meals

Answer 27

heartburn

Question 28

use a footrest or place your feet on a folded towel during elimination to provide comfort and decrease straining

Answer 28

constipation

Question 29

ask your healthcare provider if vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) would be helpful

Answer 29

nausea and vomiting

Question 30

avoid bending over

Answer 30

heartburn

Question 31

to relieve existing discomfort, take frequent, tepid baths. apply cool witch hazel compresses or anesthetic ointments

Answer 31

hemorrhoids

Question 32

try foods containing ginger or peppermint, or combine salty and tart foods like potato chips and lemonade.

Answer 32

nausea and vomiting

Question 33

if pain persists or bleeding occurs, call your healthcare provider

Answer 33

hemorrhoids

Question 34

eat small amounts of carbohydrate and protein foods every 2-3 hours and a total of 5 or 6 small meals

Answer 34

nausea and vomiting

Question 35

try chewing gum

Answer 35

heartburn

Question 36

avoid excessive amounts of foods high in phosphorus. check with your healthcare provider about taking additional calcium or magnesium

Answer 36

leg cramps

Question 37

add foods high in fiber (unpeeled fresh fruits and vegetables, whole-grain bread or cereals, bran muffins, oatmeal, baked potatoes with skins, dried beans, fruit juices). four pieces of fruit plus a large salad provide enough fiber for 1 day.

Answer 37

constipation

Question 38

take prenatal vitamins at bedtime because may increase problem if taken in the morning

Answer 38

nausea and vomiting

Question 39

reduce intake of sweets, which increase bacterial growth in the intestine and can lead to flatulence

Answer 39

constipation

Question 40

avoid caffeine, which is a natural diuretic

Answer 40

urinary frequency

Question 41

increase protein intake and eat a protein snack before bedtime

Answer 41

nausea and vomiting

Question 42

avoid stretching and twisting at the same time. when getting out of bed, turn to the side without twisting and then get up slowly

Answer 42

round ligament pain

Question 43

when sitting, use foot supports, arm rests, and pillows behind the back

Answer 43

backache

Question 44

use good body mechanics, and avoid strenuous exercise

Answer 44

round ligament pain

Question 45

notify your healthcare provider for severe (problem) or signs of dehydration (dry, cracked lips; elevated pulse; fever; concentrated urine)

Answer 45

nausea and vomiting

Question 46

rest more frequently and take naps, if possible

Answer 46

nausea and vomiting

Question 47

do not lift heavy objects

Answer 47

backache

Question 48

wear loose-fitting clothes

Answer 48

heartburn

Question 49

avoid fried, greasy, fatty, or spicy foods or those with strong odors. instead try bland foods, which may be more easily tolerated.

Answer 49

nausea and vomiting

Question 50

do not gain excess weight

Answer 50

backache

Question 51

check with your primary caregiver before taking any herbal remedies

Answer 51

nausea and vomiting

Question 52

use an acupressure band that applies pressure over a point approximately three fingerbreadths above the wrist crease on the inner arm

Answer 52

nausea and vomiting

Question 53

Eat dry crackers or toast before arising in the morning; then get out of bed slowly.

Answer 53

nausea and vomiting

Question 54

perform Kegel exercises, repeating the contraction-relaxation cycle 30 times per day

Answer 54

urinary frequency

Question 55

do not eat or drink just before bedtime, and sleep with an extra pillow

Answer 55

heartburn

Question 56

do not discontinue taking iron supplements if prescribed. if problem persists, consult your healthcare provider

Answer 56

constipation

Question 57

to prevent problem, elevate the legs often during the day to improve circulation

Answer 57

leg cramps