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DISCOMFORT
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CAUSE
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ACTIONS
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| Bad Dreams |
- Subconscious fears
- A way of working through concerns
- High hormone levels
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- Talk with someone supportive
- They are not predictive
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| Bleeding Gums |
- Increased blood volume
- Congested mucous membranes
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- Use a soft toothbrush/ brush gently
- Eat more foods with Vitamin C
- Floss daily
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| Bowel Changes(Constipation) |
- Decreased movement of intestines due to pregnancy hormones
- Not enough fiber/fluids in diet
- Pressure from growing uterus
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- Eat raw fruits, vegetables, prunes and whole grain or bran cereals
- Drink lots of water (8-10 glasses daily)
- Drink a cup of hot water 3x a day
- Exercise (walk)
- See information sheet
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| Dizziness |
- Effects of pregnancy hormones on bl. Vessels(they constrict more slowly)
- Sudden changes of position (standing up)
- Enlarged uterus restricts return of blood from lower extremities to brain
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- Get up slowly when you have been lying down*Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily
- Eat regular meals
- Do not stay in the sun too long
- If cannot resolve with common remedies, report symptoms to provider
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| Fatigue |
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- Exercise each day
- Lie down at least once a day
- Eat 5-6 meals a day
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| Frequent Urination |
- Pressure on bladder from growing uterus
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- Limit fluids in the evening*Avoid caffeine – it's a diuretic
- Call health care provider if it isassociated with burning, fever, or significant back pain
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| Headaches |
- Changes in hormones cause pressure in blood vessels to change
- Stress, fatigue, hunger
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- Drink more water
- Get more rest
- Eat a snack
- Exercise
- Take Tylenol
- If frequent, severe headaches occur in late pregnancy, this may be a sign of a more serious problem; you should inform your provider
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| Heartburn |
- Stomach acid gets into the esophagus
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- Don't lie down after eating for 2 hrs.
- Avoid spicy and greasy foods
- Take antacids (see approved meds list)
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| Leg Cramps |
- Insufficient calcium intake
- Poor circulation on kneecap
- Changes in CaMagPhosphorus ratio
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- Elevate legs often
- Point toes upward and press down
- Wear supportive hose
- Take short rests with legs raised
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| Low Back Pain |
- Weight of larger belly pulling on lower back
- Poor body position when bending/lifting
- Loosening of pelvic joints from pregnancy hormones
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- Rest often
- Maintain good posture
- Move around
- When reclining or sitting, keep your knees higher than your hips
- Wear low-heeled shoes
- Wear maternity belt (go to www.prenatalcradle.com)
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| Low Belly/abd.(Pelvic) Pain |
- Stretching of round ligaments
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- Relax in warm water
- Bend over or sit down
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| Moodiness |
- Changes in hormones
- Psychological adjustment to pregnancy
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- Talk with someone supportive
- Use relaxation breathing
- Don't use as excuse to lash out at loved ones
- Report symptoms of significant depression/inability to cope
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| Nausea/Vomiting |
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- Have a snack in the morning (dry crackers, toast, cereal)
- Eat 5-6 meals a day
- Avoid greasy/spicy foods
- Drink lots of water between meals, but not during meals
- *See "Tips for Morning Sickness" sheet
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| Shortness of Breath |
- Pressure of growing uterus against the diaphragm
- Extra protection from the brain's lowered carbon dioxide threshold
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- Rest often
- Maintain good posture
- Sighing and needing to take deep breaths is normal
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| Sore Breasts |
- Effects of pregnancy hormones causing significant growth
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- Wear a good, well-fitting pregnancy bra
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| Stretch Marks |
- Rapid growth of uterus
- Genetic predisposition
- Pregnancy hormones cause dark coloration
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- Wear "scars of motherhood" proudly
- Expensive creams have no effect and will not prevent or make them go away
- After pregnancy, the color will lighten but the stretch marks will never permanently go away
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| Swelling of hands/legs |
- Slowing of blood due to pressure from growing uterus
- Retention of water in extra-vascular spaces due to increased blood volume and blood vessel changes
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- Lie on left or right side for 30 minutes 3 to 4 times a day
- Exercise often
- Drink more water
- Eat 3 servings of protein a day
- Eat "normal" salt diet (not high or low)
- Eat whole grain breads (no white bread)
- Report sudden increase in swelling if associated w/ severe headaches after 28 weeks gestation
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| Uterine Cramping |
- Muscle contraction due to uterine growth
- Not drinking enough water, especially in warm weather or at work
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- Drink more water
- Expect mild, irregular contractions as the third trimester advances, especially in late evening, nighttime hours
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| Vaginal Discharge |
- Stimulation of vaginal tissue growth caused by pregnancy hormones
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- Wear cotton underwear
- Avoid pantyhose and tight pants
- Use non-perfumed soap
- Do not use feminine hygiene products, sprays, or powders
- Bathe the outer vaginal area daily
- Call health care provider if accompanied by itching, burning, or irritation, or if you think your bag of waters is broken
- Wear unperfumed lightday pads and change frequently
- Do not douche
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| Varicose Veins |
- Widening of veins because of pregnancy hormones, increased blood and the "tourniquet" effect of uterus on the lower extremities
- Genetic predisposition
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- Avoid stockings or girdles with elastic bands
- Wear supportive hose (thigh high or volume, pantyhose)
- Take short rests with legs raised
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