Normal Complaints and Problems During Pregnancy

TIPS

Nausea

• eat dry crackers, toast or cereal before getting up or when feeling sick.
• eat five or six small meals a day.
• drink lots of water between meals, but not during meals.
• avoid strong food smells.
• avoid greasy or spicy foods.

Tender Breasts

• wear a good supportive bra, it may help to wear it to bed.

Leaking Breasts

• wear nursing pads or tissues in your bra.

Frequent Urination

• Limit fluids before bedtime.
• Limit fluids when a bathroom is not nearby.
• Drink necessary fluids at other times.

Fatigue

• Fatigue is common early and late in pregnancy.
• Exercising each day may help you have more energy.
• Lie down at least once a day.

Constipation

• Eat raw fruits, vegetables, prunes and whole grain or bran cereals.
• Exercise helps.
• Walking is very good.
• Drink at least 2 quarts of fluid each day.
• A cup of hot water three times a day helps.

Hemorrhoids

• Try to keep bowel movements regular.
• Take short rests with hips lifted on a pillow.
• Sit on firm chairs or sit tailor style on the floor.
• Practice Kegel exercise.

Low Backache

• Rest often.
• Keep good posture.
• Move around rather than standing in one place too long.
• Use a footstool for your feet.
• Keep your knees higher than your hips.
• Wear low-heeled shoes.

Vaginal Discharge

(itching/discharge/odor)

• Bathe the outer vagina often.
• Use soap without perfume.
• Do not use vaginal sprays, powders or feminine hygiene products.
• Do not use colored or perfumed toilet paper.
• Wear cotton panties.
• Avoid panty hose, girdles and tight pants.
• If these tips do not help, talk to your health care provider.

Heartburn

• Stay away from greasy and spicy foods.
• Eat smaller meals but eat more often.
• Don't lie down for at least 30 minutes after eating.

Dizziness

• Change your position slowly.
• Get up slowly when you have been lying down.
• Eat regular meals.
• Do not stay in the sun too long or get too hot.
• Report ANY dizziness to your health care provider.

Varicose Veins

• Avoid stockings or girdles with elastic bands.
• You may use support hose.
• Put them on while lying down.
• Take short rests with legs raised.
• Raise your legs when you sit down.

Shooting Pains Down Legs

• Change positions.
• If you are sitting - stand up.
• If you are standing - sit down.

Lower Leg Cramps

• Elevate leg often during the day.
• Point toes upward and press down on kneecaps.
• Use a heating pad set on low or hot water bottle for relief.

Increased Secretions

(mucus-nose/throat/mouth)

• Do not use over-the-counter medicine.
• Check with your health care provider.

Trouble Sleeping

• Do not eat just before going to bed.
• Drinking milk may help.
• Try a warm bath before you go to bed.
• Practice exercises that help you relax.
• Listen to relaxing music.

Feel Faint when Lying on Back

• Lie on your left side.

Feet and Hands Swell

• Lie on your left side for 30 minutes.
• Do this 3-4 times a day.
• Exercise often.
• Drink more fluids.
• Eat three servings of protein each day.
• If you wake up in the morning with swelling, tell your health care provider.

Bleeding Gums

• Use  a soft toothbrush and brush gently.
• Drink more orange juice and eat more foods high in Vitamin C.
• Floss regularly.
• See your Dentist if problems continue.

False Labor

• Change your position and your activity.
• Drink a glass of water.
• If it is a true labor, it will not stop.
• True labor contractions will become more regular and closer together.
• If contractions continue, call your health care provider immediately.

Tell your health care provider what problems/complaints you have been having and what you have done to provide relief.

If at any time these methods don't work, call your health care provider.