Minor Discomforts of Pregnancy Flashcards
Hormones before and after 12 weeks
<12 weeks mom produces hormones to keep pregnancy
12+ weeks placenta is responsible
- Dramatic rise in hormone levels
Back Pain - Physiology
- Poor posture
- Relaxation of joints due to increasing levels of relaxin
- Increased breast size
Back Pain - Interventions
- Supportive bra
- Low heeled shoes
- Correct posture
- Pelvic tilt
- Ice packs to lower back
- Belly belt abdominal support
Sore Feet - Physiology
- Increased weight due to pregnancy
- Increased hormone levels
- Circulation changes
Sore Feet - Interventions
- Well-fitting shoes with arch support
- Frequent rests with legs elevated
- Foot massage with lotions: peppermint or citrus
Dizziness and Fainting - Physiology
- Circulation changes related to relaxed vascularity
- Increased pressure in pelvis due to increasing weight of uterus causing slower venous return to heart
Dizziness and Fainting - Interventions
- Avoid sudden changes in position
- Avoid prolonged supine positions which put pressure on aorta
Nose Bleeds and Bleeding Gums - Physiology
- Hormone changes related to higher level of estrogen and progesterone
- Mucous membranes become more fragile and sensitive
Nose Bleeds and Bleeding Gums - Interventions
- Increased humidity especially at night
- Soft toothbrush
Difficult Breathing - Physiology
- Pressure against lungs and sternum
- Increased circulation changes
Difficult Breathing - Interventions
- Good posture
- Pillows to elevate head while sleeping
- Exercise
Heartburn - Physiology
- Food sets in longer because of pressure of baby and acidity in stomach increases
- Decreased gastric motility
- Growing baby puts pressure on internal organs
Heartburn - Intervention
- Antacid tablets can cause gall stones and kidney stones
- Small frequent meals
- Papaya tables, fruit, or juice as needed if heartburn is mild (persons with latex allergies or allergies to bananas or kiwi may also be allergic to papaya)
- Bromelain tablets (2) 20 minutes before meals; derivative of pineapple core
Heaviness in Pelvis - Physiology
- Pressure of baby in pelvis
- Increased pressure
Heaviness in Pelvis - Interventions
- Side-lying with legs supported
- Pelvic tilt exercise
- Frequent rest periods with legs elevated
- Belly belt abdominal support
Hemorrhoids and Varicose Veins - Physiology
- Increased pressure on vessels in lower extremities
- Higher incidence if there’s family history
- Low-lying baby with constant pelvic pressure
- Constipation due to pressure of baby on colon
Hemorrhoids and Varicose Veins - Interventions
- Support hose
- Frequent rests with legs elevated
- Sitz baths - witch hazel may be added to water
- Rutin (300-600mg daily) or horse chestnut supplements
- Witch Hazel pads can be applied directly
- Green cabbage leaves if swelling is persisten
Stress Incontinence - Physiology
- Pressure on bladder due to position of baby’s head
- Poor bladder control due to previous pregnancy or other problems
Stress Incontinence - Intervention
- Kegel exercise
- Pelvic tilt to alleviate pressure of baby’s head
Leg Fatigue - Physiology
- Pressure of uterus on blood vessels
- Increase weight gain
Leg Fatigue - Interventions
- Support hose and frequent rests
- Adequate calcium intake/proper balance of calcium and magnesium
- Walk minimum of 10 minutes every hour
- Massage
Ankle Edema - Physiology
- Pressure from increased weight of uterus
- Poor blood return from lower extremities
Ankle Edema - Interventions
- Elevate legs and feet
- Fresh green cabbage leaves to ankles
- Increased fluid in diet
- Ankle exercises - pumps and circles
Increased Vaginal Discharge - Physiology
- Increased watery cervical mucous from changing hormonal levels
- Possible vaginal infection if drainage has foul odor, itches, or color
Increased Vaginal Discharge - Interventions
- Wear cotton underwear
- Avoid bubble bath and heavily perfumed bath gels
- Evaluate for infection
Round Ligament Pain - Physiology
- Sudden stretching or spasms of round ligaments
- Increased strain on ligaments from increasing size and weight of uterus
Round Ligament Pain - Intervention
- Avoid sudden movements that place pressure on ligaments
- Warm compressed to ligaments
- Arnica oil massaged into ligaments several time daily
- Bend knee and hip up toward chest when pain occurs
- Rebozo abdominal support
Leg Pain and Charlie Horses - Physiology
- Incorrect balance of calcium, magnesium, and/or phosphorus levels
- May be optimal to take calcium and magnesium at separate times
- Hormonal changes
Leg Pain and Charlie Horses - Interventions
- Increased fluids
- Correct imbalance of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus
- Massage
- Stand firmly on foot and pull toes toward head to relieve cramp
Morning Sickness - Physiology
- Low blood sugar
- Changes in hormone levels
- Vitamin b6 deficiency
- Sensitivity to taste and smell
- Initial movement in morning
Morning Sickness - Interventions
- Carbs need to be followed by protein
- Instead opt for small amount of protein
- Readily available by bedside
- Protein every other time mom eats
- Small amount to be eaten every 2 hours
- Acupressure bands
- Correct vitamin deficiencies
- Aromatherapy (Spearmint oil)
- Zofran, preemesis
- Evaluate progesterone levels
- Ginger
Carpel Tunnel Syndrome - Physiology
- Persistent irritation of wrists
- Increased pressure on nerves in hand and wrists from increased fluid volume
- Poor alignment of wrists while sleeping
Carpel Tunnel Syndrome - Interventions
- Wrist splints
- Chiropractic or physical therapy treatments
- Exercise
- Increased oral fluids
Sleep Disorders - Physiology
- Urinary frequency
- Increased hormonal levels
- Lack of comfort as pregnancy progresses
Sleep Disorders - Interventions
- Relaxation prior to going to bed
- Maintain consistent bedtime
- Pelvic tilt just prior to bed
- Chamomile tea, sleepy time tea, or Valerian at bedtime
- Warm bath
Restless Leg Syndrome - Physiology
- Deficiency in Vitamin B
- irritability of nerves in lower extremities
Restless Leg Syndrome - Interventions
- Vitamin B supplements
- Folic acid supplements
- Iron supplements if anemia is present
Dry Itchy Skin - Physiology
- Increased hormonal levels
- Inadequate fluid intake
Dry Itchy Skin - Interventions
- Soothing lubricating lotions - preferably non-perfumed
- Oatmeal baths
- Increased fluid intake
Dry Itchy Skin - PUPPS Rash
- Puritic Uriticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy
- Thought is that mom’s liver isn’t functioning properly
- Pregnancy rash caused by increased demands on liver and body’s delayed ability to clear biliruben
- Biliruber causes skin irritation and rash
- Rash resolves with birth of baby
- Compounded prescription lotion relieves symptoms: Lidex 60gms, Menthol 240ml, Lubriderm 420gms
- Apis mellifica 30c dose - works well for shingles as well
