Common Concerns During Pregnancy

Pregnancy comes with changes that can cause discomfort or questions. These practical tips can help you stay comfortable and informed. For severe symptoms, contact your provider.

Nausea

• Eat dry crackers, toast, or cereal before getting up or when feeling sick.
• Eat five or six small meals a day.
• Try bland foods. The BRATT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, and tea) is low in fat and easy to digest.
• Avoid strong food smells.
• Avoid greasy or spicy foods.
• Take an over-the-counter Unisom half tablet in the evening.
• Vitamin B6 (25mg) up to three times daily.

Tender Breasts

• Wear a support bra.
• It may help to wear a bra 24 hours a day.

Leaking Breasts

• Wear nursing pads or tissues in your bra.

Frequent Urination

• Limit fluids before bedtime.

Fatigue

• Fatigue is common early and late in pregnancy.
• If advised, try to exercise each day to keep from getting so tired.
• Nap and go to bed earlier.

Constipation

• Eat raw fruits and vegetables, prunes, and whole grain or bran cereals.
• Exercise helps; walking is very good.
• Never hold back a bowel movement.
• Drink at least 64 ounces of fluid each day.
• A cup of hot water three times a day may help.
• May use Metamucil, Colace, Fibercon, Miralax, Citrucil, Milk of Magnesia, or Benefiber if necessary.

Hemorrhoids

• Try to keep bowel movements regular.
• Take short rests with hips lifted on a pillow.
• Sit on firm chairs or sit with your legs crossed.
• Practice the Kegel exercises.
• May use Preparation H or Tucks.

Low Backache

• Rest often.
• Use good posture.
• Move around; do not stand in one place too long.
• Use a footstool for your feet.
• Place a pillow between your knees while sleeping.
• Keep your knees higher than your hips.
• Wear low-heeled shoes.
• Use the pelvic rock exercise.
• Callf or information about prenatal cradle (maternity support garment)

Vaginal Discharge

• Bathe the outer vaginal area often with warm water only.
• Use non-perfumed soap only occasionally.
• Do not use vaginal sprays, powders, or feminine hygiene products.
• Never douche during pregnancy.
• do. not use colored or perfumed toilet paper.
• Wear cotton panties.
• Avoid pantyhose, girdles, and tight pants.
• If these hints do not help, talk with your healthcare provider.

Heartburn

• Stay away from greasy or spicy food.
• Eat smaller meals, but eat more often.
• Do not lie down just after eating.
• Elevate the head of the bed (with pillows) while sleeping.
• May use Tums, Maalox, Mylanta, Pepcid AC

Dizziness

• Change your position slowly.
• Get up slowly after you have been lying down.
• Eat regular meals/drink plenty of liquids.
• Do not stay in the sun.
• Report to your healthcare provider if dizziness is persistent.

Varicose Veins

• Avoid stockings or girdles with elastic bands.
• You may use a support hose.
• Put support hose on while lying down.
• Take short rests with legs raised.
• Raise your legs when you sit down; do not cross your legs.

Shooting Pain Down Legs

• Change positions. If you are sitting, stand up; if you are standing, sit down.

Lower Leg Cramp

• Elevate legs often during the day.
• Point toes upward and press down on the kneecap.
• Apply a heating pad or hot water bottle for relief.
• Avoid heavy meals at bedtime.

Trouble Sleeping

• Do not eat just before sleep.
• To help you relax, try drinking milk.
• Take a warm bath before you go to bed or practice relaxation exercises.

Feel Faint When Lying on Back

• Lie on your left side.

Feet and Hands Swelling

• Lie on your left side for 30 minutes, three to four times a day.
• Exercise often. 
• Drink more fluid.
• Eat three servings of protein each day.
• If you wake up in the morning with swellings, tell your healthcare provider. 

Bleeding Gums

• Use a soft toothbrush and brush gently.
• Drink more orange juice and eat more foods high in Vitamin C.

False Labor

• Change your position and your activity. If it is true labor, it will not stop.
• True labor contractions will become more regular and closer together.
• You usually feel true contraction more in your back and lower front.