Warning Signs and Discomforts

It’s easy to get scared or be concerned when unexpected discomforts arise.  You can never be too cautious when you are pregnant. This guide will help you to determine whether or not to seek medical attention with your symptoms.
Call your health care provider immediately if you have:
· Any bleeding or spotting.
· Constant low back pain.
· Bag of water breaks or leaks.
· Frequent tightening or “balling up” of the uterus.
· Change or increase in vaginal discharge.
· Chills, fever, constant vomitting and diarrhea.
· Decrease in movements of baby.
· Headaches, blurred vision or sweling of hands or face.
Symptom:
What to do:
Nausea
Eat dry crackers, toast, or cereal before getting up or when feeling sick.

Eat five or six small meals a day.

Drink lots of water between meals, but not during meals.

Avoid strong food smells.

Avoid greasy or spicy foods.

Tender Breast
Wear a support bra.

It may help to wear a bra 24 hrs a day.

Leaking Breast
Wear nursing pads or tissues in bra.
Frequent Urination
Limit fluids before bedtime.
Fatigue
Fatigue is common early and late in pregnancy.

If advised, try to exercise each day from getting so tired.

Lie down at least once a day.

Constipation
Eat raw fruits, vegetables, prunes, and whole grain or bran cereals.

Exercise helps, walking is very good.

Never hold back a bowel movement.

Drink at least 2 quarts of fluid per day

A cup of hot water 3 times a day may help.

Hemorrhoids
Try to keep bowel movements regular.

Take short rests with hips lifted on pillow.

Sit on firm chairs or sit with your legs crossed.

Practice the Kegel exercises.

Low Backache
Rest often.

Use good posture.

Move around; do not stand in one place too long.

Use a footstool for your feet.

Keep your knees higher than your hips.

Wear low-heeled shoes.

Use the pelvic rock exercise.

Vaginal Discharge

(itching, discharge, odor)

Bathe the outer vaginal area often.

Use soap without perfume.

Do not use vaginal sprays, powders, or feminine hygiene products.

Do not use colored or perfumed toilet paper.

Wear cotton panties.

Avoid pantyhose, girdles, and tight pants.
If these hints do not help, talk with your health care provider

Heartburn
Stay away from greasy or spicy food.

Eat smaller meals, but eat more often.

Do not lie down just after eating.

Elevate the head of the bed while sleeping.

Dizziness
Change your position slowly.

Get up slowly after you have lying down.

Eat regular meals/drink plenty of liquids.

Do not stay in the sun.

Report any dizziness to your health care provider.

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.

Raise your legs when you sit down, do not cross your legs.

Shooting Pains Down Legs
Change positions:  If you are sitting, stand up; if you are standing, sit down.
Lower LegCramp
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.

Increased Secretions
Mucous – nose/throat/mouth
Take care of these problems as best as you can. Do not use over the counter medicine; check with your health care provider.
Trouble Sleeping
Do not eat just before sleeping.

To help you relax, try drinking milk.

Take a warm bath before going to bed or practice relaxation exercises.

Feel Faint While On Back
Lie on your left side.
Feet and Hands Swelling
Lie on your left side for 30 minutes, three to four times a day.

Exercise often.

Drink more fluid.

Eat three servings of protein per day.

If you wake up in the morning with swelling, tell your health care provider.

Bleeding Gums
Use a soft toothbrush and brush gently.

Drink more orange juice and eat more foods high in vitamin C.

False Labor
Change your position and activity. If it is true labor, it will not stop.

True labor contractions will become more regular and closer together.

You usually will feel true contractions more in your back.