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DISCOMFORTS OF PREGNANCY

Nausea and vomiting

 Occurs in the first trimester


 Caused by elevated level of HCG and changes in carbohydrate metabolism

Health teaching:

 Eating dry cracker before arising


 Avoid brushing teeth immediately after arising
 Drinking liquids between meals rather than at meals
 Avoiding fried foods and spicy foods

Syncope

 Usually occurs in the first trimester; supine hypotension occurs particularly in the second and
third trimester
 May be triggered hormonally or caused by increased blood volume , anemia, fatigue, sudden
position changes, or lying supine.

Health teaching:

 Sitting with feet elevated


 Changing position slowly
 Changing the position to the lateral recumbent to relieve the pressure of the uterus on the
inferior vena cava

Urinary urgency and frequency

 Usually occurs in the 1st and 3rd trimester


 Caused by pressure of the uterus on the bladder

Health teaching:

 Drinking adequate amounts of fluid during the day


 Limiting fluid intake in the evening
 Voiding at regular intervals
 Sleeping side lying at night
 Wearing perineal pads, if necessary
 Performing kegel’s exercise
Breast tenderness

 Can occur in the first through the third trimester


 Caused by increased level of estrogen and progesterone

Health teaching:

 Encourage wearing supportive bra


 Avoiding the use of soaps on the nipples and areola area to prevent drying

Increase vaginal discharge

 Can occur from the 1st to the 3rd trimester


 Caused by hyperplasia of vaginal mucosa and increased mucous production

Health teaching:

 Proper vaginal hygiene


 Wearing cotton underwear
 Avoid douching
 Advise the patient to consult the physician if infection is suspected

Nasal stuffiness

 Occurs during the 1st to 3rd trimester


 Result from increase in estrogen, which causes swelling of the nasal tissues and dryness

Health teaching:

 Encouraging the use of humidifiers


 Avoiding the use of nasal sprays or antihistamines

Fatigue

 Occurs usually in the 1st and 3rd trimesters


 Usually result from hormonal changes

Health teaching:

 Arranging frequent rest periods throughout the day


 Using correct body mechanics
 Obtaining regular exercise
 Performing muscle relaxation and strengthening exercise for the legs and hip joints
 Avoiding eating and drinking foods containing stimulants throughout the entire pregnancy

Heartburn

 Occurs in the 2nd and 3rd trimester


 Result from increase in progesterone levels, decreased gastrointestinal motility, and esophageal
reflux, and displacement of the stomach by the enlarging uterus

Health teaching:

 Eating small; frequent meals


 Sitting upright for 30 mins following a meal
 Drinking milk between meals
 Avoiding fatty and spicy food
 Performing tailor-sitting exercises
 Taking antacids (if recommended by the physician)

Ankle edema

 Occurs in 2nd and 3rd trimester


 Results from vasodilation, venous stasis, and increased venous pressure below the uterus
 Health teaching:
 Elevating the legs at least twice a day
 Sleeping on the side
 Wearing supportive stockings
 Avoiding sitting or standing in one position for long periods of time

Varicose veins

 Usually occurs in 2nd and 3rd trimester


 Result from weakening walls of the veins or valves and venous congestion

Health teaching:

 Wearing supportive hose


 Elevating the feet when sitting
 Lying with the feet and hips elevated
 Avoiding long periods of standing or sitting
 Moving about while standing to improve circulation
 Avoiding leg crossing
 Avoiding constrictive articles of clothing

Headaches

 Occurs in the 2nd and 3rd trimester


 Result from changes in blood volume and vascular tone

Health teaching:

 Changing position slowly


 Applying cool cloth to the forehead
 Eating a small snack
 Pain relievers only if prescribed by the physicians

Hemorrhoids

 Occurs in the 2nd and 3rd trimester


 Result from increased in venous pressure and constipation

Health teaching:

 Soaking in a warm sitz bath


 Sitting on a soft pillow
 Eating high fiber foods and avoiding constipation
 Drinking sufficiaent fluids
 Increasing exercise, such as walking
 Applying ointments, suppositories, or compresses as prescribed by the physicians

Constipation

 Occurs in the 2nd and 3rd trimester


 Result from decrease intestinal motility, displacement of the intestines, and taking iron
supplements

Health teaching:

 Eating high fiber foods


 Drinking sufficient fluids
 Exercise regularly
 Avoiding laxatives or enemas and consulting with the physicians about their use

Backache

 Occurs in the 2nd and 3rd trimester


 Caused by exaggerated lumbosacral curve resulting from the enlarged uterus

Health teaching:

 Encourage rest
 Using correct body mechanics and improving posture
 Wearing low-heeled shoes
 Performing pelvic rocking and abdominal breathing exercise
 Sleeping on a firm mattress

Leg cramps

 Occurs in the 2nd and 3rd trimester


 Result from altered calcium-phosphorous balance and pressure of the uteruson the nerves or
from fatigue

Health teaching:

 Getting regular exercise, especially walking


 Dorsiflexing the foot of the affected leg
 Increasing calcium intake

Shortness of breath / dyspnea

 Can occur in the 2nd and 3rd trimester


 Result from the pressure of the enlarged uterus on the diaphragm

Health teaching:

 Allowing frequent rest periods


 Sleeping with the head elevated or on the side
 Avoiding overexertion
 Performing tailor-sitting exercise.

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