Common Discomforts of Pregnancy

To receive automatic updates of Nursing News, Nursing Care Plans, Case Studies and the November 2008 Nursing Board Exam Result: click Subscribe to NursingCrib.com by Email or via RSS. If you have other topics to discuss, make a post on our Nursing Crib Forum. Thanks for visiting and enjoy your stay!

Pregnancy is a time of both physical and emotional changes. Aside from the obvious changes in your body shape and the size of your uterus, shifts in hormonal levels and metabolism can contribute to various physical and emotional discomforts.

Although the pregnancy discomforts mentioned below are common, they are not experienced by all pregnant women and may not be a part of your pregnancy. It is important to remember:

• You may need to try more than one remedy before you find one that works for you.
• Good nutrition is especially important for a comfortable and healthy pregnancy. Eating well can minimize discomforts and help your body cope with the stress of daily life.
• If you have a physical discomfort that is severe or does not go away, contact your health care provider.
• If you have a chronic health condition, such as diabetes or asthma, it is very important that you see your health care provider throughout your pregnancy.

DISCOMFORT	SOLUTION
Ankle Edema	Rest with your feet elevated. Avoid standing for long periods. Avoid restrictive garments on the lower half of your body.
Backache	Apply local heat. Avoid long periods of standing. Stoop to pick up objects. Tylenol in usual adult dose may help. Wear low-heeled shoes.
Breast Tenderness	Wear a supportive bra. Decrease the amount of caffeine and carbonated beverages ingested.
Constipation	Increase fiber in your diet. Drink additional fluids. Have a regular time for bowel movements.
Difficulty Sleeping	Drink a warm, caffeine-free drink before bed and practice relaxation techniques.
Fatigue	Schedule a rest period daily. Have a regular bedtime routine. Use extra pillows for comfort.
Faintness	Move slowly. Avoid crowds. Remain in a cool environment. Lie on your left side when at rest.
Headache	Avoid eye strain. Visit your eye doctor. Rest with a cool cloth on your forehead. Take Tylenol in regular adult dose, as needed. Report frequent or persistent headaches to your primary care provider.
Heartburn	Eat small, frequent meals each day. Avoid overeating, as well as spicy, fatty, and fried foods.
Hemorrhoids	Avoid constipation and straining with a bowel movement. Take a sitz bath. Apply a witch hazel compress.
Leg cramps	Avoid pointing your toes. Straighten your leg and dorsiflex your ankle.
Nausea	Eat six small meals per day rather than three. Eat a piece of dry toast or some crackers before getting out of bed. Avoid foods or situations that worsen the nausea. If it persists, report this problem to your primary care provider.
Nasal stuffiness	Use cool air vaporizer or humidifier, increase fluid intake, place moist towel on the sinuses, and massage the sinuses.
Ptyalism	Use mouthwash as needed. Chew gum or suck on hard candy.
Round ligament pain	Avoid twisting motions. Rise to standing position slowly and use your hands to support the abdomen. Bend forward to relieve discomfort.
Shortness of breath	Use proper posture. Use pillows behind head and shoulders at night.
Urinary frequency	Void as necessary, at least every 2 hours. Increase fluid intake. Avoid caffeine. Practice Kegel exercise.
Vaginal discharge	Wear cotton underwear. Bathe daily. Avoid tight pantyhose.
Varicose veins	Walk regularly. Rest with feet elevated. Avoid long periods of standing. Rest with feet elevated. Avoid long periods of standing. Do not cross your legs when sitting. Avoid knee-high stockings. Wear support hosiery.

Resources:

California Pacific Medical Center

Maternal and Child Health Nursing by Adele Pillitteri 3rd Ed

Other Nursing Articles you may want to look at:

• Family Planning and Contraception Family Planning is the conscious process by which a couple decides on the number and spacing of children and the timing of births. Specific Objectives of Family Planning: Avoiding unwanted pregnancies through contraception Regulating intervals between pregnancies Deciding on the number of children that will be in the family Controlling the time at which births occur Preventing pregnancy for women
• Physiology of Menstruation Menstruation - is the periodic discharge of blood, mucus and epithelial cells from the uterus. Menstrual Cycle - periodic uterine bleeding in response to cyclic hormonal changes. A process that allows for conception and implantation of new life. It is usually determined by counting as day 1 the 1st day of a menstrual period until the
• Newborn Reflexes Reflexes are involuntary movements or actions. Some movements are spontaneous, occurring as part of the baby’s usual activity. Others are responses to certain actions. Reflexes help identify normal brain and nerve activity. Some reflexes occur only in specific periods of development. Primitive reflexes are reflex actions originating in the central nervous system that are exhibited
• Female Reproductive System A. External Structures: Mons Veneris/Pubis - Pad of fat which lies over the symphysis pubis where dark and curly hair grow in triangular shape that begins 1-2 years before the onset of menstruation. It protects the surrounding delicate tissues from trauma. Labia Majora - Two (2) lengthwise fatty folds of skin extending from mons veneris to the
• Male Reproductive System The Male Reproductive System is consists of: testes ducts: epididymis, vas deferens, urethra accessory glands: seminal vesicles, prostate glands, Cowper’s gland supporting structures: scrotum, penis External Structures: Penis - comprised of 3 columns of erectile tissues (2 corpus cavernosa on the sides of the shaft; 1 corpus spongiosum around the urethra). Consists of the Shaft and the Glans Penis Shaft - contains the