Common Discomforts During Pregnancy

Question 1

Nausea and vomiting

a. also known as?
b. During what trimester?
c. Cause/s

Answer 1

a. morning sickness
b. 1st trimester
c. due to increasing levels of HCG and progesterone

Question 2

Nausea and vomiting management (diet)

Answer 2

• eat crackers or dry toast one half to 1 hr before rising in the morning to relieve discomfort.
• avoid an empty stomach, spicy, greasy, or gas-forming foods.
• drink fluids between meal

Question 3

Breast tenderness

a. During what trimester?
b. Cause/s

Answer 3

a. 1st trimester

b. due to increasing levels of estrogen and beginning of milk production

Question 4

Breast tenderness management

Answer 4

• Wear a bra that provides adequate support.
• Apply warm compress.
• Express milk if possible.

Question 5

Urinary Frequency

a. During what trimesters?
b. Cause/s

Answer 5

a. 1st and 3rd trimesters

b. due to increasing and decreasing level of the gravid uterus compressing the urinary bladder

Question 6

Urinary Frequency Management

Answer 6

• empty her bladder frequently
• Limit fluid intake before bedtime
• Wear perineal pads.
• Perform Kegel exercises to reduce stress incontinence.

Question 7

UTI

a. During what trimesters?
b. Cause/s

Answer 7

a. common all throughout during pregnancy

b. due to renal changes and the vaginal flora becoming more alkaline.

Question 8

UTI Management (hygiene and clothing)

Answer 8

• wipe the perineal area from front to back after voiding
• use soft, absorbent, white, unscented toilet tissue.
• Avoid bubble baths.
• Wearing cotton underpants.
• Avoiding tight-fitting pants;
• Urinate before and after intercourse to flush bacteria from the urethra.

Question 9

UTI Management (diet and s/sx to report)

Answer 9

• Consuming plenty of water.
• Yogurt and acidophilus milk acidify the pH of urine and the vaginal flora.
• Cranberry juice lowers the pH of urine and aids in UTI prevention or treatment.
• Notify primary care provider if urine is malodorous or contains blood or pus.

Question 10

Fatigue

a. During what trimesters?
b. Cause/s

Answer 10

a. 1st and 3rd trimesters

b. due to hormonal changes and increased level of metabolism

Question 11

Fatigue Management

Answer 11

• engage in frequent rest periods.

- adequate nutrition for energy sources.

Question 12

Heartburn

a. also known as?
b. During what trimesters?
c. Cause/s

Answer 12

a. Pyrosis
b. 2nd and 3rd trimesters
c. due to the stomach displacement by the enlarging uterus and a slowing of the gastrointestinal tract motility and digestion brought about by increased progesterone levels.

Question 13

Heartburn Management

Answer 13

• eat small frequent meals.
• Not allow the stomach to get too empty or too full
• Sit up for 30 min after meals.
• Check with her primary care provider prior to using any over-the-counter antacids.

Question 14

Constipation

a. During what trimesters?
b. Cause/s

Answer 14

a. 2nd and 3rd trimester

b. due to relaxation of abdominal muscles because of increased levels of progesterone slowing down peristalsis

Question 15

Constipation Management

Answer 15

• drink plenty of fluids.
• Eat a diet high in fiber
• exercise regularly

Question 16

Hemorrhoids

a. During what trimesters?
b. Cause/s

Answer 16

a. 2nd and 3rd trimesters

b. due to prolapse of rectal muscle/tissue due to pressure of gravid uterus

Question 17

Hemorrhoids Management (relief of discomfort)

Answer 17

• A warm sitz bath or witch hazel pads applied to the area will help relieve discomfort.

Question 18

Backaches

a. During what trimesters?
b. Cause/s

Answer 18

a. 2nd and 3rd trimester

b. due to weight of gravid uterus and increased level of progesterone

Question 19

Kegel exercises

a. Purpose
b. How does it work?

Answer 19

a. to reduce stress incontinence; to address urinary frequency
b. alternate tightening and relaxation of pubococcygeal muscles

Question 20

Pelvic tilt exercises

a. Purpose
b. How does it work?

Answer 20

a. For backaches

b. alternately arching and straightening the back

Question 21

Backaches Management (physical aspect)

Answer 21

• exercise regularly
• pelvic tilt exercises
• Utilize proper body mechanics using the legs to lift rather than the back
• Maintain good posture
• Lie with legs slightly elevated.

Question 22

Shortness of breath & Dyspnea

a. % off pregnant women who experience this
b. During what trimester?
c. Cause/s

Answer 22

a. occur in 60% of pregnant women on the…
b. 3rd trimester
c. related to the diaphragm being elevated about 4 cm by the enlarging of the uterus. This limits diaphragm expansion on inspiration.

Question 23

Shortness of breath & Dyspnea Management

Answer 23

• maintain good posture.
• Sleep with extra pillows
• Avoid overloading the stomach.

Question 24

Leg cramps

a. During what trimester?
b. Cause/s

Answer 24

a. 3rd trimester
b. due to the compression of lower extremity nerves and blood vessels by the enlarging uterus. This can result in poor peripheral circulation as well as an imbalance in the calcium/ phosphorus ratio.

Question 25

Leg cramps Management

Answer 25

• Check Homan’s sign
• Evaluate diay and calcium intake.
• The client can hold onto the back of a chair and lean forward with one leg in front and one leg behind.

Question 26

Homan’s sign

a. Procedure
b. Meaning of findings (positive /negative)

Answer 26

a. Have the client extend the leg keeping the knee straight and dorsiflexing the foot (toes toward head).
b. Positive = presence of calf pain; deep venous thrombosis off the leg

Negative = normal; no suspected thrombosis

Question 27

Varicose veins & Lower extremity edema

a. During what trimesters?
b. Cause/s

Answer 27

a. 2nd and 3rd trimesters

b. due to sluggish venous return since blood is more viscous due to high levels of hormones and fibrinogen

Question 28

Varicose veins & Lower extremity edema Management

Answer 28

• Rest with her legs elevated.
• Avoid constricting clothing, wear support hose.
• Avoid sitting or standing in one position for extended periods of time, and not sit with her legs crossed at the knees.
• Drink adequate fluids for the natural diuretic effect

5. Exercise moderately with frequent walking to stimulate venous return.