Pregnancy Care

Nausea is a common side effect of pregnancy, especially during the first three months. Despite being called morning sickness; it can occur any time of day. Here are some tips to help you get through the nausea so that it does not interfere with balanced nutrition and appropriate weight gain:

› Eat small frequent meals. Try three meals and 2-4 snacks per day, with no more than 2-3 hours between feedings. Going too long without eating during pregnancy can cause nausea or make it worse. If you experience continuous nausea, eat every 1 to 2 hours.

› For balanced nutrition, choose a variety of foods from all food groups.

› Avoid greasy, fried and high fat foods. They are more difficult to digest and can make nausea worse.

› Consume dry starchy foods (such as crackers, pretzels, toast, or cereal) in the morning before you get out of bed. It may help if you stay in bed for 20 minutes or so after eating. Get up slowly from bed. A sudden change of position can make you more nauseous.

› Tea made by boiling minced fresh ginger root may reduce nausea (strain before drinking). Carbonated beverages relieve nausea for some women, and chamomile tea may also help.

› Stay away from strong odors. Eat in a well-ventilated room and get plenty of fresh air.

› Many women find cold foods easier to tolerate than hot foods.

› Take prenatal vitamins only as directed. If they upset your stomach, try taking them before bed or ask your practitioner if you can delay taking them for a few weeks. Your health care provider might recommend a multivitamin with less iron or folic acid if your nausea continues.

› Avoid coffee. It stimulates acid secretion which can make nausea worse.

› Stay hydrated. Drink small amounts of liquid throughout the day. Dry meals and snacks may minimize nausea, so drink liquids 20-30 minutes before or after your meals and snacks.

› Try supplementing vitamin B6. Take 25 mg three times a day.

› Wear anti-sea-sickness wrist bands. These can be purchased at most pharmacies.

› Please read “Use of Medications during Pregnancy and while Breastfeeding,” 

Digestion naturally slows down during pregnancy which can lead to constipation. Decreased physical activity also contributes to the problem. If the following tips do not relieve your constipation be sure to talk to your health care provider.

› Increase fiber in your diet. Choose brown or wild rice, whole grain breads and other whole grains, such as oatmeal, millet and quinoa. Try whole grain pasta, buckwheat noodles and whole wheat tortillas. Limit white bread, white rice and pasta.

› Eat at least 4 1/2 cups per day of a combination of fresh and dried fruits, raw and cooked vegetables, and salads.

› Eat prunes or figs, or drink prune juice. These fruits contain a natural laxative.

› Choose a breakfast cereal that has at least 5 grams of fiber per serving.

› Drink plenty of fluids.

› Be more active.

› If the problem is not resolved with the above suggestions, let your health care provider know.

Over-the-counter stool softeners and laxatives are safe for use in pregnancy. Use them as directed. Be sure to discuss with your healthcare provider. The iron in prenatal vitamins can make constipation worse. The prescription for iron can be adjusted if it becomes a problem.

This is very common during pregnancy. Get as much sleep or rest as you can – even short naps will help. A warm bath, massage or a cup of hot milk or non-caffeinated tea before bed may help.

Frequent urination is common during pregnancy. It is most noticeable during the first three months and towards the end of the pregnancy. This is caused by pregnancy hormones as well as the pressure on the bladder as the uterus enlarges. Do not drink fewer fluids to decrease how often you urinate. As long as you do not have burning or pain when you urinate, urinating more often is normal.

Cramps in your calf or thigh occur most frequently at night. While in bed, stretch with your heels pointed, not your toes. This will help relieve cramping. Increasing magnesium and potassium can help as well.

As the baby grows, the uterus crowds the stomach. Stomach acid can be pushed up into the esophagus which results in burning. Eating smaller meals and avoiding foods that bother you can help.

› Eat smaller but more frequent meals. Try three small meals and 2-4 snacks a day.

› Some foods cause the opening between the esophagus and stomach to relax, which means even more stomach acid may enter the esophagus and make heartburn worse. Typical problem foods are greasy, fatty and fried ones. Caffeine, chocolate and mint (including mint tea) can also be a problem.

› Highly seasoned and spicy foods can cause heartburn in some people. Avoid any foods that bother you.

› Acidic foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles and other foods made with vinegar may cause heartburn.

› Do not lie down flat after eating. If you must lie down, elevate your head and shoulders with pillows.

› Nonfat or low fat milk may relieve heartburn.

› Antacids including TUMS and Zantac (ranitidine) are safe for use in pregnancy when used as directed. Please contact your provider to discuss further.

› As the baby grows in size, the mother’s belly enlarges. To maintain balance, the mother’s posture shifts. This can lead to lower back pain. Try not to stand in one position for too long.

› An exercise called pelvic rock may help relieve back pain by strengthening the lower back muscles that receive the most stress.

› It can also be helpful to elevate the feet onto a stool while sitting.

› Exercise, stretching, yoga, walking, massage and acupuncture may help to relieve back pain.

› When you do not have enough food in your body and change your position suddenly, you might feel dizzy. It may be helpful to move slowly when standing from a sitting or lying position.

› Eat well and frequently. Carrying snacks at all times might be helpful. Juices and fruit raise blood sugar quickly but should be followed by a normal meal.

› If you feel dizzy frequently despite trying the recommendations above, let your healthcare provider know. Swelling of hands and feet

› Slight swelling of hands and feet is common in the later stages of pregnancy. Do not decrease your fluid intake to avoid this.

› Improve the circulation in your legs and feet by elevating them as often as possible. Lie on a bed or the floor and raise your legs up on the wall keeping your knees bent. If you are wearing elastic hose, drain your legs this way before putting them on.

› Slight swelling of hands and feet is common in the later stages of pregnancy. Do not decrease your fluid intake to avoid this.

› Improve the circulation in your legs and feet by elevating them as often as possible. Lie on a bed or the floor and raise your legs up on the wall keeping your knees bent. If you are wearing elastic hose, drain your legs this way before putting them on.

› Constipation and straining during bowel movements can lead to hemorrhoids. To help prevent constipation, eat a diet that is high in fiber and includes plenty of fluids.

› Witch hazel or Tucks can be applied to the hemorrhoids for symptomatic relief.

› Stool softeners are safe for use in pregnancy. Consult your health care provider for suggestions.