Common Discomforts of Pregnancy (exam 1) Flashcards
Morning Sickness (N/V)
Trimester: 1st
- contrast with hyperemesis, which continues past the 1st trimester
Intervention
- Dry toast or crackers before arising
- Small, frequent meals (avoid long periods without food)
- Avoid greasy/fried foods
- Peppermint tea or peppermint candies
- Unisom 1/2 tablet and vitamin B6 25 mg bid
- Avoid strong odors
Fatigue
Trimester: 1st
Intervention:
- Plan a rest period during the day
Urinary frequency
Trimester: 1st, end of 3rd
Intervention:
- Increase daytime fluid intake
- Decrease evening fluid intake
- Empty bladder as soon as urge is felt
- Report any urgency or dysuria
Heartburn (pyrosis)
Trimester: 2nd, 3rd
Intervention:
- Gum, mint, hard candy
- Remain in sitting position after sitting
- Avoid fatty, fried, spicy foods, and overeating
- Walk after eating
- Only drink between meals
- Choose proteins from lower fat list
- Antacid: Tums w/ Ca, Mallow (Aloh +mg) ok but can become a habit
Hemorrhoids
3rd trimester
Varicosities
Trimester: 3rd
Interventions:
- Support stockings
- Belly belt
can be seen on legs and labia
Backache
Trimester: 3rd
Interventions:
- Pelvic tilt exercises to strengthen lower back and prevent LBP
Insomnia
3rd trimester
Leg Cramps
Trimester: 3rd
Interventions:
- Straighten leg and dorsiflex foot
- Avoid pointing (extending) the toes
- Stand and put foot on floor (not walk)
- Massage and warm packs
- Dr. may recommend decrease in milk to no more than 1 pint/day with Ca carbonate supplement -or- quart/day with AL hydroxide gel
(the gel absorbs phosphorus and eliminates it directly from go tract)
Supine Hypotensive Syndrome
Trimester: 3rd
Intervention: Avoid sleeping on back
vaginal discharge
2nd trimester
Skin changes (itching)
all trimesters
Nasal stuffiness
- Use cool air vaporizer
- Avoid nasal sprays that contain oxytocin to constrict blood vessels
