Solutions To Common Problems Encountered During Pregnancy

Morning Sickness & Heartburn

• Eat a dry snack, like soda crackers or dry toast before you get out of bed in the morning
• Eat smaller meals frequently
• Avoid eating spicy or greasy foods
• If the above fails, the only medications you should take without talking with your physician or nurse are Tums or Maalox

Constipation

• Drink plenty of fluids and eat foods rich in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and bran products

Tender Breasts

• Try wearing a bra all the time, even to sleep at night

Swollen Feet & Hands

• Some swelling is normal but too much is a bad sign. If you notice sudden or significant swelling (especially in the face and legs) contact your physician right away. For normal swelling, make sure you are drinking plenty of water to help flush out your system and always elevate your feet when you sit down.

Minor Cold Symptoms

• Minor cold symptoms such as a minor cough, sneezing, fever less than 101 degrees, and no vomiting can be treated with the following over-the-counter medications:
  • Sudafed or Benadryl - for nasal congestion and sneezing
  • Tylenol - for relief of low grade fever less that 101 degrees
  • Robitussin (plain) - for cough
• If symptoms get worse, fever increases, chest cough develops, or vomiting occurs, please contact your doctor.

Hemorrhoids

• Warm water sitz baths can provide some relief, but you'll be less susceptible to hemorrhoids if you avoid constipation by following a healthy diet and drinking plenty of fluids.

Vaginal Secretions

• Some vaginal secretion is always present, but the amount tends to increase during pregnancy. Normal vaginal secretions consist mainly of cervical mucus and appear thin and milky and do not have a bad odor. You may have a vaginal infection if the discharge is accompanied by burning, itching, a foul odor, or if there is a change in either the color or consistency of the secretions.

 

Symphysis Pubic Dysfunction

A good stretch may be good for your soul, but for your pelvis? Here’s how to find some stability when ligaments go too soft, too soon.

What it is: Symphysis pubic dysfunction, or SPD, is one of those weird pregnancy conditions that sounds bizarre and well, kind of is. It means the ligaments that normally keep your pelvic bone aligned become too relaxed and stretchy. This, in turn, can make the pelvic joint — aka the symphysis pubis — unstable, causing some pretty strange sensations and sometimes pain.
 
What causes it: The culprit behind SPD is the aptly named hormone relaxin. Its mission is to make your ligaments stretchy so your baby can ease his or her way into the world. But sometimes relaxin does its job too well, making ligaments too loose too soon (way before baby is ready to come out), and that causes instability (and unfortunately, pain) in the pelvic joint.
 
What you need to know about it: While your legs won’t actually fall off (I promise), it may seem like they’re going in opposite directions from each other (and the rest of your body). Walking, standing, or rolling over in bed can really hurt as one side of the joint shifts more than the other, throwing everything off-kilter. In very rare cases (I mean rare!), the joint may gape apart noticeably, a condition called diastasis symphysis pubis, which can cause serious pain in your pelvis, groin, hips, and buttocks (truly, a pain in the rear!).
 
What to do about it: Try stabilizing those floppy ligaments by wearing a pelvic support belt (readily available online), which "corsets" the bones back into place. And be religious about doing your Kegals and pelvic tilts, both of which strengthen the muscles of the pelvis. More tactics to try: Sit down to get dressed, and avoid heavy lifting and pushing (which you should be doing anyway).

If the pain is severe, ask your practitioner about pain relievers (never take any medications unless specifically okayed by your practitioner). Very rarely, SPD can make a vaginal delivery impossible and your practitioner may opt for a C-section instead. And in even rarer cases, SPD can worsen after delivery, requiring medical intervention. But for most moms, once your baby is born and relaxin production ceases, your ligaments (and your dance moves) will return to normal.

 

Warning Signs - Call your doctor if...

• You have any vaginal bleeding
• You are experiencing severe abdominal pain
• You are unable to keep any food down for 24 hours (dehydration can be dangerous in pregnancy)
• You fainted
• You experience any sudden swelling, especially in the face
• Your vision is blurred
• You have constant or severe headaches
• You have a gush of fluid come out of your vagina (this may be amniotic fluid)
• You notice burning during urination or there is blood in your urine
• You notice an unpleasant odor or unusual vaginal discharge
• You are having regular rhythmic contractions

 

http://www.mcg.edu/SOM/OBGYN/mi_2.htm

http://www.whattoexpect.com/public/symptoms-solutions/symphysis-pubic-dysfunction.aspx

 

*The information provided here is intended for general use and is in no way any form of medical advice. Always contact your Doctor regarding any concerns and questions you may have in reference to your health and pregnancy.*