Listed below are some problems that can occur during your pregnancy along with several simple “self-helps.” If you have any questions please call the office.
Backache
Rest and warm (Not hot) baths. Use correct posture and try to avoid heavy lifting. Sleep on a firm bed. Wear shoes with low heals.
Colds, flu & minor aches & pains
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Sudafed, Robitussin DM, and Dimetapp.
Constipation
Increase your intake of fruits, juices, bran and water (6-8 glasses above normal intake).
Cough
Robitussin DM.
Diarrhea
Stick to a clear liquid diet like bouillon, jello, 7-Up, Gatorade, etc. for 48 hours. Imoium AD, Kaopetctate.
Dizziness, fainting, & lightheadedness
Avoid sudden changes in posture. After lying down, get up slowly, rolling to side, then push to sitting.
Fever
Drink fluids. Call the office if your temperature is greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
Groin Pain
Round ligaments pain is sharp, sudden pain in the groin area and is caused by the uterus growing to accommodate the baby. Move carefully and avoid sudden movements. Turn over carefully when you are in bed or getting up. Get off your feet. There are abdominal support belts that may help as well.
Headaches
If you have no relief or have visual disturbances, call the office.
Hemorrhoids
Avoid constipation by increasing the amount of fluids and roughage in your diet. Sitting in a soothing tub of warm (Not hot) water is a smoothing measure to try.
Insomnia
Tylenol PM, Benadryl or Unisom.
Leg cramps
Wear support pantyhose and low healed shoes. Elevate feet and warm (Not hot) baths may help. Increase milk intake.
Nausea
Try eating something dry upon awakening such as toast or crackers. Instead of eating three large meals, try eating six smaller meals spaced evenly throughout your day. Eat your meals dry and wait 45 minutes before drinking fluids. Eat foods high in carbohydrates and avoid high fat foods. If you feel that your nausea is out of control, there is a prescription medicine that you can take. Call the nurse if you feel that you need medicine.
Seasonal allergies
Benadryl or Claritin.
Sexual intercourse
Continue as long as comfortable unless you have spotting or your bag of water, ruptures. If you have cramping or bleeding (more than spotting) refrain from intercourse and contact the office.
Sinus drainage
Humidify your home or bedroom and increase your fluid intake.
Sore throat
Increase fluids. Call if your temperature is greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
Swelling (Edema)
This is a problem most pregnant women have at some time during their pregnancy. Support pantyhose, elevating feet, and resting on your left side may offer some relief. Don’t wear rings if your hands are swollen. “Water pills” are not recommended during pregnancy. Drink fluid-especially water and lower salt intake.
Vaginal Discharge
You will normally have more discharge when you are pregnant, but if signs of infection occur, such as itching or foul odor, call the nurse. Do not douche.
Varicose or “spider” veins
Elevate feet as often as possible and wear support pantyhose. These may go away after pregnancy. No thigh high or knee high hose.
It is time to go to the hospital when
(Call the office during office hours – the doctor may wish to see you.)
• You suspect that your “water” is leaking.
• Your membranes rupture.
• Persistent or heavy bleeding.
• You have contractions that are 6 or more in an hour if you are less than 35 weeks along or if you have painful, frequent contractions when 35 weeks or more along.