Common Discomforts in Pregnancy

Question 1

What are some discomforts that happen in the first trimester?

Answer 1

N/V, cramps, fatigue, tender boobs, urinary frequency, nasal congestion, etc.

Question 2

What can you tell moms to do about N/V?

Answer 2

Eat small, frequent meals. Bland foods. Drink fluids separate from meals. Keep crackers at bedside. Do not exceed 2g of dried ginger or 1g of syrup.

Question 3

What can you tell moms about urinary frequency?

Answer 3

Due to estrogen & progesterone. It relaxes their ureteres and allows pooling. Moms should build in bathroom breaks and < fluids before bed.

Question 4

What is PICA?

Answer 4

Unusual food cravings for non-food items. Pickles and garlic helps.

Question 5

What discomforts do moms usually feel during the second trimester?

Answer 5

Heartburn, fainting, heart palpitations, SOB, vena cava syndrome, round ligament pain, ^ vaginal secretions

Question 6

How to help moms with heartburn?

Answer 6

Cut back spicy foods, stop smoking and caffeine, don’t eat late at night. Sleep with extra pillow. Mylanta/Tums.

Question 7

How can we help moms with SOB?

Answer 7

Teach them exercises to increase expansion - arms behind head and push elbows back. Movement of shoulders back.

Question 8

What discomforts do moms usually feel during third trimester?

Answer 8

Carpal tunnel, ankle swelling, varicose veins, constipation and hemorrhoids, backache, leg cramps, Braxton-Hicks contractions, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, pressure

Question 9

How to help moms prevent constipation and/or hemorrhoids?

Answer 9

Increase exercise, fiber, and fluid. Encourage stool softener if taking iron.

Question 10

How to prevent backache or round ligament pain?

Answer 10

Pelvic tilt and rest. Look at posture and how to move and lift objects.

Question 11

When do braxton-hicks contractions occur?

Answer 11

3rd trimester

Question 12

What are symptoms of vena cava syndrome?

Answer 12

Lightheadedness, agitation, faint, drop in BP.

Question 13

What side is better for mom’s for vena cava syndrome?

Answer 13

Left lateral

Question 14

What are “ambivalent” feelings and when do they occur?

Answer 14

Conflicting feelings about pregnancy, usually in first trimester. Mood swings from joy to despair. Moms feel fearful and anxious.

Question 15

How does the spouse usually build role as a father?

Answer 15

From recognition as parent from parents, family, friends, coworkers.

Question 16

How to father’s adjust best?

Answer 16

If they’re excited about prospect of being a father, having a good relationship with partner, ready to nurture a child, confident in ability to parent

Question 17

How do moms usually feel in the 2nd trimester?

Answer 17

Acceptance! It becomes real through fetal movements. They become introspective & struggle with body image.

Question 18

How do fathers feel during second trimester?

Answer 18

Role is still vague, but feels stress over being “breadwinner.”

Question 19

How do moms feel in the third trimester?

Answer 19

Anticipation!! They are tired of being pregnant. Concern if baby will be “alright.”

Question 20

What are Rubin’s 4 major tasks for pregnant woman?

Answer 20

1. Seeking safe passage from pregnancy
2. Securing acceptance of this child by others
3. Seeking commitment and acceptance of herself as a mother to the infant
4. Committing self to unknown child

Question 21

What are some factors that can influence acceptance and transition in pregnancy?

Answer 21

First baby, age, culture, body image, readiness for pregnancy, relationship with own parents, relationship with partner, social support, education, economic status

Question 22

What are some barriers to prenatal care?

Answer 22

Financial barriers, limited appointments to get/scheduling, attitudinal barriers, she doesn’t know she’s pregnant!!