WHS Pregnancy Welome Packet: Common Discomforts

[accordions title=”Common Discomforts of pregnancy and what to do about them” active=1 event=”click” disabled=false autoheight=false][accordion title=”Heartburn”]
  • Stay away from greasy and spicy food
  • Eat smaller meals, but more often
  • Do not lie down just after eating
  • Elevate the head of the bed with pillows while sleeping
  • Any antacid: Maalox, Mylanta, Gaviscon, Tums.  Drink plenty of water with antacid tablets as it helps increase effectiveness.
[/accordion] [accordion title=”Dizziness”]
  • Change your position slowly
  • Get up slowly after you have been lying down
  • Eat regular meals/drink plenty of liquids
  • Do not stay in the sun
  • Report any dizziness to your doctor
[/accordion] [accordion title=”Varicose veins”]
  • Avoid stockings or girdles with elastic bands
  • You may use support hose
  • Put support hose on while lying down
  • Take short rests with legs raised
[/accordion] [accordion title=”Shooting Pains Down Legs”]
  • Change positions: If you are sitting, stand up; if you are standing up, sit down.
[/accordion] [accordion title=”Lower Leg cramps”]
  • Elevate legs often during the day
  • Point toes upward and press down on kneecap
  • Apply a heating pad or hot water bottle for relief
  • Avoid heavy meals at bedtime
[/accordion] [accordion title=”Increased Secretions (Mucous-nose/throat/mouth)”]
  • Do not use over the counter medicine.  Check with your doctor
[/accordion] [accordion title=”Trouble Sleeping”]
  • Do not eat just before sleep
  • To help relax, try drinking milk
  • Take a warm bath before you go to bed or practice relaxation exercises
[/accordion] [accordion title=”Feel Faint When Lying On back”]
  • Lie on your left side
[/accordion] [accordion title=”Colds/Runny nose/Sore Throat”]
  • Warm salt water gargles, zinc lozenges, chloraseptic Spray for sore throats
  • Saline nose spray and humidifier fro sinus congestion
  • Sudafed, Actifed, Dimetapp, Chlortrimetron or Benadryl
[/accordion] [accordion title=”Cough”]
  •  Robitussin Cough Syrup, expectorant or other over the counter cough syrup as long as it DOES NOT CONTAIN ALCOHOL.
[/accordion] [accordion title=”Hemorrhoids”]
  •  Tucks pads and ice packs
  • Annusol HC suppository
  • Preparation H
[/accordion] [accordion title=”Constipation”]
  • Any stool softener may be used
  • NO LAXATIVES
  • Drink at least a gallon of water a day
  • Eat plenty of fiber rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, high fiber cereal, and cooked dried beans
  • Metamucil or Citracel are ineffective without the water[/accordion]
[accordion title=”Diarrhea”]
  • Kaopectate
  • Immodium A.D.
[/accordion] [accordion title=”Headache, Muscle Aches, and Fever”]
  • Tylenol (acetaminophen)
[/accordion] [accordion title=”Gas”]
  • Mylicon
[/accordion] [/accordions]