Handout # 8 Varicose Veins
 Management for Leg Varicosities:
Common Discomforts in
Pregnancy
Nausea & Vomiting
 Nausea & vomiting, also known as morning
sickness because it usually occur in the morning
 Commence 6 weeks after the last menstrual
period & disappears by the end of the 1st
trimester.
Management:
1. Eat dry toast or crackers before rising from bed
2. Eat small frequent meals rather than 3 large ones
Frequent Urination
Management:
1. Limit fluid intake before bedtime
2. Kegel’s exercise to improve tone of muscles that
controls urination
Fatigue
Management:
1. Take at least 8 hours of sleep at night &
frequent rest periods during the day
2. Wear supportive maternity brassiere
Leukorrhea
Management:
1. Proper perineal hygiene, flush perineum w/
water after each voiding, no douching is necessary
2. Use of sanitary pad for excessive vaginal
discharge
Nasal Stuffiness
Management:
1. Avoid allergens & smoke filled rooms
2. Normal saline nose drops (1/4 tsp salt in 1
cup water)
3. Breathe steam from pot of boiling water
Heartburn or Pyrosis
Management:
1. Take small meals rather than 3 large ones
2. Bend at knees not at waist when picking
objects from the floor, avoid lying flat.
1. Periodic rest w/ elevation of the legs, lie w/
feet against the wall
2. Avoid prolonged sitting or standing,
constricting garters, knee high socks
3. Wear support hose
4. Apply elastic bandage before getting up in
the morning starting at the distal ends but don’t wrap
toes
Management for Vulvar Varicosities:
1. Rest w/ pillows under the hips
2. Modified knee chest position
Management for Anal Varicosities/Hemorrhoids
1. Sim’s position several times a day
2. Avoid constipation
3. Hot sitz bath 15 to 20 min
4. Avoid bearing down
5. Observe good bowel habits
6. Use of topically applied anesthetics, use of stool
softeners & warm soaks
Leg Cramps
• Also known as Charley Horse, is thought to be
caused by the pressure of the uterus against
nerve supplying the lower extremities.
• It may also be due to fatigue, chilling,
insufficient calcium & excessive phosphorus in
the diet.
Management:
• 1. For immediate relief, push toe upward while
applying pressure on the knee to straightened
the leg
• 2. One quart of milk day meets calcium needs or
oral calcium supplements as prescribed by
physician
• 3. Exercise regularly but avoid pointing of toes
Headache
• Normal headache of pregnancy is common
during the 1st trimester.
• Some cases lead to sinusitis
• The cause is unknown.
• By mid-pregnancy, these headaches have
decrease in severity or are gone.
• Headache in the 3rd trimester, especially if
frontal & accompanied by visual disturbances
should be investigated as this may be caused by
pregnancy induced hypertension.

Danger Signs to Report Immediately:

• Vaginal bleeding of any amount
• Severe/persistent vomiting
• Chills & fever
• Frequent, severe headache
• Epigastric pain
• Fluid discharge from vagina
• Fetal movement changes or cessation after
quickening
• Swelling of the fingers or face
• Vision disturbances (blurring of vision, spots
before the eyes)
• Signs of vaginal or urinary tract infection
• Painful urination or dysuria
• Unusual or severe abdominal pain
• Seizures or muscular irritability
• Preterm signs of labor such as rhythmic
contractions (abdominal pain)

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