Comfort Measures During Pregnancy
Nausea
- Eat four or five small meals a day rather than 3 large
- Don’t let stomach become empty
- Eat crackers before arising
- Eat well balanced diet- especially B vitamins
Fatigue
- Listen to your body- REST!
Stuffy Nose
- Try Saline nose drops
- Warm compresses
Backache
- Maintain proper posture
- Use good body mechanics
- Try pelvic tilt exercises
Constipation
- Eat lots of foods with bulk-whole grains, bran, raw, vegetables, fresh and dried fruits
- Drink lots of water and fruit juices
- Establish a daily habit
- Avoid “Reader’s Digest’ position
- Get regular exercise such as walking
Leg Cramps
- Partner can place the heal of mom’s foot in his palm, then gently use his forearm to push the ball of her foot towards her body
- Adjust calcium/phosphorus ratio- talk to doctor
- Help prevent with calf stretches
Heartburn
- Eat small frequent meals
- Avoid fatty and highly spiced food
- Avoid lying down immediately after a meal
- Try 1 tbsp. cream ˝ hour before meals
- Avoid ice cold, very hot, or carbonated beverages
Shortness of Breath
- Maintain correct posture
- Use good body mechanics
- Sleep propped up with pillows
Swelling in Legs and Feet
- Increase fluids to eliminate salts
- Sit instead of stand; lie down instead of sit; elevate feet several times a day
- Do foot twirls
- Apply support hose after legs have been elevated
Varicose Veins
- Elevate legs at right angle to body 2 to 5 minutes several times daily
- Wear support hose
- Try warm bath to soothe legs
- Avoid “knees-locked” and legs crossed positions
Hemorrhoids
- Avoid constipation
- Kegel for circulation
- Apply witch hazel compresses
