Discomfort of pregnancy and it treatments Flashcards
Abdominal Pain
warm bath/shower
regular exercise will strengthen & tone abdominal muscles
avoid exercise that lay on your back for more than few minutes after first trimester, since this may decrease blood flow to developing baby
backache
keep weight under control
heat pad on back
special exercises to strengthen abdominal muscles.
girdle or elastic sling to support abdomen
wear shoe inserts designed for pregnant women
dont stand for long period of time
sit straight
sleep on firm mattress.
lie on side of pillow between your legs may provide relief
chair massage.
Breast discomfort
get bigger bra
use nursing pad for leaking bra
avoid stimulating breasts.
Breastlessness
keep weight gain w/in recommended limits and maintain good posture
sleep on side (preferably left)
Constipations
dietary fiber (fresh fruit veggies whole grain & dried food)
fiber or stool softener may be helpful “psyllium - an herbal bulk forming agent.
lots of water
exercise regularly
contractions
mild painless uterine contractions usually start after 20th week
try change position
drink water
dizziness and faintness
stand up slowly
get fresh air
lie down left side
fatigue
Get full night’s sleep and rest with feet up for at least 15 minutes.
headaches
rest eat regularly drink 6 or more glasses of water daily avoid aspirin take tylenol yoga or meditation hot bath with cold pack on forehead.
heartburn
avoid heavy meals avoid spicy greasy sugar stick to bland, high-fiber , lots of fluid exercise daily frequent small meals don't lie down right after meal raise head of bed 2-4 inches antacids can be helpful.
hemorrhoids
increase blood in your body during pregnancy and along increase blood vessels in your pelvis.
** eat high fiber diet lots of water dont strain during bm warm sitz bath ice pack or cloth soaked in witch hazel kegel exercise - to strengthen the pelvic muscles - can increase circulation in area.
leg pains/cramps
wear support hose
elevate your feet while resting
heat pad or gentle massage on the back of your thigh to ease sciatica
when leg cramp hits, straighten leg slowly –flex ankle and toes while massaging calf or soap leg with hot water.
wear sock to bed or pressing your foot against the bed board.
if painful cramps persist, CALCIUM & MAGNESIUM supplements.
Morning sickness.
**typically in first trimester** eat frequent small meals high protein & complex carbs low in sweets & fatty foods. plenty of fluids fresh fruits & veggies Vitamin B6 25mg 3 times a day Antacids helps (if heart burn is part of the problem) minimize stress.
nasal congestion or nosebleeds
vaporizer to humidify
lubricate nostril with petroleum (prevents nosebleeds)
AVOID decongestant–can constrict blood vessels
numbness
Shake them over side of the bed.
soak hand in warm water or using heating pad twice daily may help ease numbness or wearing wrist splint.
