Warning Signs and Common Discomforts of Pregnancy
| SYMPTOM | WHAT TO DO | |
| Call your healthcare provider immediately if you have: | Tell your healthcare provider: |
|
| Any bleeding or spotting | ||
| Constant low backache | ||
| Bag of water breaks or leaks | ||
| Frequent tightening or "balling up" of the uterus or womb | ||
| Change or increase in vaginal discharge | ||
| Chills, fever, constant vomiting, and diarrhea | ||
| Decrease in movements of baby | ||
| Headaches, blurred vision, or swelling of hands or face | ||
| Anything else that seems wrong | ||
| 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 Breasts | Wear a support bra, it may help to wear a bra 24 hours a day | |
| Leaking Breasts | Wear nursing pads or tissues in your bra | |
| Frequent Urination | Limit fluids before bedtime | |
| Fatigue | Fatigue is common early and late in pregnancy | |
| If advised, try to exercise each day to keep from getting so tired | ||
| Lie down at least once a day | ||
| Constipation | Eat raw fruits and 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 each day | ||
| A cup of hot water three times a day may help | ||
| Hemorrhoids | Try to keep bowel movements regular | |
| Take short rests with hips lifted on a pillow | ||
| Sit on firm chairs or sit with your legs crossed | ||
| Practice the Kegal exercises | ||
| Low Backache | Rest often | |
| Use good posture | ||
| Move around; do not stand in one place for 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 healthcare provider about the problem | ||
| Heartburn | Stay away from greasy and spicy food | |
| Eat smaller meals, but eat more often | ||
| Do not lie down just after eating | ||
| Elevate the head of the bed (with pillows) while sleeping | ||
| 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 healthcare 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 and if you are standing, sit down | |
| Lower Leg Cramp | 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 the best you can; Do not use over-the-counter medicines: check with your healthcare provider | |
| Trouble Sleeping | Do not eat just before sleep | |
| To help you relax, try drinking milk | ||
| Take a warm bath before you go to bed or practice relaxation exercises | ||
| Feel Faint When Lying On Back | Lie on your left side |