Discomforts of Pregnancy and Nursing Implementation

• Nausea and vomiting

  • due to increase HCG in 1st trimesters; subsides 3rd month 


  Interventions:

  • dry crackers
  • SFF
  • low fat meals, no fried foods
  • avoid antiemetics
• Syncope

  • due to increased levels of hormones, increased in blood volume, anemia, fatigue, sudden position changes

  Interventions:

  • Sit with feet elevated
  • gradual change of position
  • position: left side lying (to relieve pressure from inferior vena cava)
• Urinary frequency and urgency

  • due to pressure from the gravid uterus on the bladder during the 1st and 3rd trimester


  Interventions:

  • Have 2L of fluids/day to prevent UTI
  • Reduce fluid intake in the evening to prevent sleep pattern disturbance related to nocturia.
  • Kegel's exercise
  • Avoid natural diuretics (coffee, watermelon, et)
  • Side-lying position at night
• Breast Tenderness

  • due to increased estrogen and progesterone levels

  Interventions:

  • Use supportive bra
  • Clean breasts with water only. Soap on nipples and areola = drying and cracking
• Increased vaginal discharge

  • due to hypertrophy of vaginal mucosa and increase mucus productions

  Interventions:

  • Proper cleansing
  • Use cotton underwear. It is absorbent and helps prevent infection.
  • Avoid douching to prevent vaginitis.
• Nasal Stuffiness

  • increased estrogen causes swelling of nasal tissues and dryness

  Interventions:

  • Use of humidifiers
  • Avoid nasal spray and antihistamine
• Fatigue

  • due to hormonal changes, anemia, and increase in blood volume

  Interventions:

  • Frequent rest periods with alternating activities. Prolonged BR will further cause fatigue.
  • Well-balanced diet
• Constipation

  • due to decreased gi motility and iron supplements

  Intervention:

  • Increase fiber, increase fluid intake
  • Ambulation
  • Use Senna, psyllium sparingly
• Leg cramps

  • due to altered calcium-phosphorous balance

  Interventions:

  • Walking
  • Elevate feet, dorsiflex the feet with legs extended
  • Increase calcium (eg. milk)
• Shortness of Breath

  • due to pressure by the gravid uterus on the diaphragm

  Interventions:

  • Frequent rest periods
  • Sleep with HOB elevated (pillows)
  • Left side-lying position
• Backache

  • caused by an exaggerated lumbosacral curve from the enlarged uterus

  Interventions:

  • Wear low-heeled shoes
  • Squatting (avoid bending)
• Ankle Edema

  • results from vasodilation, venous stasis, increase venous pressure below uterus

  Interventions:

  • Elevate foot
  • No prolonged standing
• Ankle Edema

  • result from weakening walls of the veins or valves and venous congestion

  Interventions:

  • Elevate foot
  • No prolonged standing or sitting
  • no leg crossing
  • no flying (prolonged sitting)
  • supportive stocking or support hose
• Hemorrhoids

  • result from increased venous pressure and constipation

  Interventions:

  • Warm sitz bath
  • Witch hazel pad
  • High fiber (to prevent constipation)