Solutions for Common Pregnancy Discomforts

+ Heartburn

  • Stay away from greasy and spicy food
  • Eat smaller meals, but more often
  • Do not lie down just after eating
  • Elevate the head of the bed with pillows while sleeping
  • Any antacid: Maalox, Mylanta, Gaviscon, Tums. Drink plenty of water with antacid tablets as it helps increase effectiveness.

+ 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 doctor

+ 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

+ Shooting Pains Down Legs

  • Change positions: If you are sitting, stand up; if you are standing up, 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)

  • Do not use over the counter medicine. Check with your doctor

+ Trouble Sleeping

  • Do not eat just before sleeping
  • To help relax, try drinking milk
  • Take a warm bath before you go to bed or practice relaxation exercises

+ Feeling Faint When Lying On back

  • Lie on your left side

+ Colds/Runny nose/Sore Throat

  • Warm salt water gargles, zinc lozenges, Chloraseptic spray for sore throats
  • Saline nose spray and humidifier fro sinus congestion
  • Sudafed, Actifed, Dimetapp, Chlortrimetron or Benadryl

+ Cough

  • Robitussin Cough Syrup, expectorant or other over the counter cough syrup as long as it DOES NOT CONTAIN ALCOHOL.

+ Hemorrhoids

  • Tucks pads and ice packs
  • Annusol HC suppository
  • Preparation H

+ Constipation

  • Any stool softener may be used
  • NO LAXATIVES
  • Drink at least a gallon of water a day
  • Eat plenty of fiber rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, high fiber cereal, and cooked dried beans
  • Metamucil or Citracel are ineffective without the water

+ Diarrhea

  • Kaopectate
  • Immodium A.D.

+ Headache, Muscle Aches, and fever

  • Tylenol (acetaminophen)

+ Gas

  • Mylicon