Professional Documents
Culture Documents
First-Trimester Discomforts
During the first 3 months of pregnancy, the woman’s body is
undergoing numerous changes. Some women experience many
discomforts, but others have few. These discomforts are caused by
the changes taking place within the body and pass as the pregnancy
progresses.
In the case Ana is experiencing vomiting and mild head ache, urinary
frequency and breast tenderness
Most common is nausea and vomiting
Urinary Frequency or Incontinence
Fatigue
Breast Tenderness
Constipation
Nasal Stuffiness, Bleeding Gums, Epistaxis
Cravings
leucorrhea
Third-Trimester Discomforts
As women enter their third trimester, many experience a return of
the first-trimester discomforts of fatigue, urinary frequency,
leukorrhea, and constipation. These discomforts are secondary to
the ever-enlarging uterus compressing adjacent structures,
increasing hormone levels, and the metabolic demands of the fetus.
Shortness of Breath and Dyspnea
Heartburn and Indigestion
Dependent Edema
Braxton Hicks Contractions
2. Fatigue
• Attempt to get a full night’s sleep, without
interruptions.
• Eat a healthy balanced diet.
• Schedule a nap in the early afternoon daily.
• When you are feeling tired, rest. Nausea and
Vomiting
• Avoid an empty stomach at all times.
• Munch on dry crackers/toast in bed before arising.
• Eat several small meals throughout the day.
• Drink fluids between meals rather than with meals.
• Avoid greasy, fried foods or ones with a strong odor,
such as cabbage or Brussels sprouts.
Identify and learn
pregnancy self-care 3. Backache
management. • Avoid standing or sitting in one position for long
periods.
• Apply heating pad (low setting) to the small of your
back.
• Support your lower back with pillows when sitting.
• Stand with your shoulders back to maintain correct
posture.
4. Leg Cramps
• Elevate legs above heart level frequently throughout
the day.
• If you get a cramp, straighten both legs and flex your
feet toward your body.
• Ask your health care provider about taking additional
calcium supplements, which may reduce leg spasms.
5. Varicosities
• Walk daily to improve circulation to extremities.
• Elevate both legs above heart level while resting.
• Avoid standing in one position for long periods of
time.
• Don’t wear constrictive stockings and socks.
• Don’t cross the legs when sitting for long periods.
• Wear support stockings to promote better circulation.
Hemorrhoids
• Establish a regular time for daily bowel elimination.
• Prevent straining by drinking plenty of fluids and
eating fiber-rich foods and exercising daily.
• Use warm sitz baths and cool witch hazel compresses
for comfort.
6. Constipation
• Increase your intake of foods high in fiber and drink at
least eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid daily.
• Exercise each day (brisk walking) to promote
movement through the intestine.
• Reduce the amount of cheese consumed.
Heartburn/Indigestion
• Avoid spicy or greasy foods and eat small frequent
meals.
• Sleep on several pillows so that your head is elevated.
• Stop smoking and avoid caffeinated drinks to reduce
stimulation.
• Avoid lying down for at least 2 hours after meals.
• Try drinking sips of water to reduce burning
sensation.
• Take antacids sparingly if burning sensation is severe.
7. Braxton Hicks Contractions
• Keep in mind that these contractions are a normal
sensation.
• Try changing your position or engaging in mild
exercise to help reduce the sensation.
• Drink more fluids if possible.
Give a sample of pregnancy self-care management.