Discomfort Of Pregnancy

Mercado, Ray CN 363

Ms. Mary Joyce P. Corvera, RN, M.A.N. NCM 2

Discomfort of Pregnancy & Relief Measures •

1. Morning Sickness

2.Heartburn

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4. Constipation

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5.Hemorrhoids

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3. Flatulence

6.Fatigue

7. Faintness

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• 8. Leg Cramps

9.Varicose Veins

10. Backache

11. Pedal Edema

12.Shortness of Breath

13.Frequency of Urination

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Dry crackers or toast in the morning; 30 minutes before getting up Small frequent meals Adequate fluids between meals Avoid highly spicy, fatty foods Small frequent meals; no overeating Avoid fatty, highly seasoned foods Maintain upright position always Bend at the knees and not at the waist when picking things from the floor. Remain upright 3-4 hours after eating Avoid taking sodium bicarbonate Small frequent meals Avoid gas-forming foods Increased fluid intake (6-8 glasses per day) Increase roughage in the diet (daily fruits and vegetables) Avoid constipation and other forms of straining. Promote comfort; sitz bath; warm compresses Reinsert hemorrhoids with physician’s recommendation Have adequate rest & sleep (8 hours average night sleep) Avoid prolonged standing Good body mechanics (posture) Avoid sudden changes in position Arise from a bed from a lateral position and gradually Avoid staying in one position for a long time Assume frequent left lateral position in bed Adequate calcium in the diet (Ca imbalance is the recognized most important cause) Avoid prolonged standing and sitting Dorsiflex the foot with extension of the leg (this hyperextends the involved muscles causing relief) No round garters Avoid prolonged standing No leg-crossing Wear supportive hose Frequent elevation of legs Maintain good posture Wear flat shoes Avoid prolonged standing Pelvic rock exercise, tailor sitting Supportive mattress Use maternity girdle in selected situations Assume left lateral position Avoid prolonged standing Frequent elevation of legs and hips No round/constriction garters Rule out edema of hands and feet Maintain good posture Avoid fatigue Have head elevated by several pillows in sleep Avoid constriction bra, clothes Increase fluids to replace losses Regular voiding Frequent flushing Report any burning sensation, blood, dysuria, or cloudy urine