Common Discomforts

Why They Occur

Relief Measures

Dizziness

Low blood sugar, low blood pressure, dehydration

Fruit juice or a meal, lie on your side, rest, if occurs frequently speak with your provider

Headaches

Stress, nasal congestion, preclampsia, low blood sugar

Rest, Tylenol, hydration, small snack

*Call your provider if you experience a headache that is unrelieved by Tylenol and is accompanied by one or more of the following: blurred vision, spots before your eyes, nausea or abdominal pain

Nasal stuffiness, nose bleeds

Increased blood volume , hormonal, allergies

Humidifiers, saline or water nose drops, for bleeding hold your head straight and squeeze nostrils for 2 minutes

Hemorrhoids/Varicose Veins

Pressure of growing uterus, inactivity, standing for long periods of time

Avoid constipation, apply witch hazel pads, sitz baths, rest with your feet up, compression hose

Shortness of Breath

Increased upward pressure of uterus, pregnancy hormones

Sleep with your head elevated, if it does not get better let your provider know

Nausea/Vomiting

Hormonal, decreased movement of smooth muscle in intestines

Rest, eat crackers before getting out of bed , eat small frequent meals, avoid foods that are fried, no heavy activity directly after meals

Heartburn

Increased uterine size, reflux of stomach contents into esophagus

Eat small frequent meals, antacid preparations (see meds sheet)

Constipation

Decreased motility of the gastrointestinal tract, pressure of growing uterus

Increase fluids, prune juice, increase bran/fiber, fruits, dark breads, vegetables, prunes and raisins

Round ligament pain-abdominal pain on the sides

Increased size of uterus stretching the ligaments holding the uterus in position

Apply moist heat, rest, take baths, do stretching exercises, maternity belt

Braxton Hicks Contractions

Spontaneous muscle contractions, some can be painful and strong, others painless

Try to relax, this is normal during pregnancy, change positions, make sure you are well hydrated, call your provider if you have 4 or more an hour and you are before 37 weeks pregnant

Chloasma (mask of pregnancy) -patches on your face or neck, may become darker

Hormonal

Avoid the sun, try wearing a hat, wear sun screen

Areolar darkening- area around nipples becomes darker

Hormonal

This is normal for pregnancy, it will probably fade after pregnancy

Linea Nigra- line darker than skin color down the middle of your abdomen

Hormonal

This is normal for pregnancy, it will probably get lighter after pregnancy

Stretch marks

Stretching of the skin

Occurs in 50% of pregnancies, becomes lighter after delivery

Itching

Skin stretching, dry skin

Bathing in oatmeal baths, apply thick lotions with little or no scent in them (perfume can cause more irritation)

*Tell your provider if you have a rash or persistent itching in pregnancy

Swollen feet or ankles

Standing too long, decreased circulation to extremities during pregnancy

Try lying on your side with your legs elevated on pillows. Sit with your legs elevated several times a day for 30 mins.

Urinary Frequency

Increased size of the uterus pressing on the bladder

Normal for pregnancy. Drink lots of fluids during the day, decreased fluids at bedtime. Call your provider if there is burning when you urinate.