MINOR DISCOMFORTS

OF PREGNANCY

JANINE COLASI
BSM-1
 NAUSEA AND
VOMITING
- Also called morning
sickness
-may due to the changes
in hormone levels
TIPS:
• Before retiring to bed, try high protein foods to help
blood sugar stay at a level.
• A sip of ice water will help keep meals down after
eating. This will help prevent the urge to vomit.
• Avoid foods and/or smells that may trigger nausea
• Ginger, teas, cookies, or some spices may help
prevent and relieve nausea. Peppermint helps soothe
and relax.
• Eating two crackers before getting up may help
prevent nausea. Also, eating small frequent meals
may help prevent hunger pangs that may trigger
nausea. It will also keep a balanced blood sugar level.
 BACKACHE
- May be due to
hormonal and physical
changes
- The connective tissue
holding the bones and
pad joints between
bones may be softened
by the release of
hormones
- Leads to irritation of
joints between bones
during movements
TIPS:
• Maintain good posture and perform lifting exercises
• Use comfortable shoes. Avoid shoes with narrow toes
and high heels
• Gently stretch out while lying or sitting
• Immerse in water or apply a heating bath wrapped in
towel for 20 minutes 3 or 4 times a day may help
relieve back pain. This may help body parts receive
better blood flow, reducing inflammation and
discomfort
• If there is back pain near the flanks with chills, call your
midwife or doctor immediately. There may be an
underlying condition, such as kidney infection, which
needs prompt medical attention
 CONSTIPATION
-Iron and calcium
supplements
prescribed may
aggravate constipation
-decrease movement of
the intestines
TIPS:
• Increase intake of fiber. Rich sources fiber
include fruits and vegetables
• Avoid straining during bowel movement. This
will aggravate hemorrhoids
• Drink lots of water
FATIGUE
-hormonal
changes
-Anemia
TIPS:
• Lying down and taking a nap will help relieve
fatigue. Also, exercise and fresh air may help
overcome fatigue.
• Change your sleep posture
• To prevent anemia during pregnancy, take an
adequate amount of foods rich in iron.
 HEARTBURN
-burning pain in the
chest caused by
stomach acid
passing from your
stomach into the
tube leading to
your stomach
TIPS:
• Avoid hot spices. These may cause heartburn.
• Avoid lying down after eating. This may cause
food from the stomach to go up to the
esophagus and cause heartburn.
• Avoid overeating.
 INSOMIA or
SLEEPLESSNESS
-especially during the first
trimester
-women tend to urinate
more frequently
- On the last months, the
bladder cannot expand
due to an enlarged
uterus
TIPS:
• Make it point to empty the bladder before
going to sleep. However, do not restrict the
intake of fluids in the evening; it may result in
headaches and uterine contractions.
• Try eating foods rich in I-tryptophan, such as
spinach and milk. It has been used to help
address sleeplessness.
 STRETCH MARKS
-These are red, pink, or
dark striations
appearing on the
abdomen, thighs, hips
or breasts.
-due to over stretching of
the layers of the skin.
TIPS:
• To help reduce the risk of stretch marks, soak
a washcloth in a small dish of warm milk, and
apply to tummy. Re-dip and re-apply for up to
15 minutes; then add a rich moisturizer like
pure cocoa butter.
 SWELLING
( Edema)
-Due to moving fluid
inside the blood vessels
to the space
surrounding the cells.
-may associated with
hypertensive diseases
of pregnancy
-noticeable on the hands
and feet
TIPS:
• Avoid standing for long periods
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Put your feet up as much as you can. Try to
rest for an hour a day with your feet higher
than your heart
• Do foot exercises.
 VARICOSE VEINS
-May appear as a bulge in
the skin, or the vein itself.
-vein is twisted and bumpy
-hormones of pregnancy
cause the vein walls to
relax allowing the blood
to stay in the vein. This
relaxation dilates the vein,
leading to an
overstretched and
eventually damaged vein
wall.
TIPS:
To prevent permanent damaged vein wall
• Avoid prolonged standing or sitting.
• Elevate legs while sitting or lying on the bed.
• Wear maternity support stockings.
 BLEEDING GUMS
- Gums may be more
spongy as flood
flow increases
- Caused by a build-
up plaque on your
teeth
TIPS:
• Clean your teeth and gums carefully. Ask your
dentist to show you a good brushing method to
remove all the plaque.
• Avoid having sugary drinks and foods too
often. Try to eat them at mealtimes only.
• Go to the dentist for a check up.
• Ask your dentist if any new or replacement
fillings should be delayed until after your baby
is born.
 SKIN and HAIR
CHANGES
-Due to fluctuations in
hormone levels, including
hormones that stimulate
pigmentation of the skin,
brown, blotchy, patches
may happen on the face
forehead, and/ or cheeks.
This is often called the mask
of pregnancy or CHLOASMA
.
- Pigmentation may increase
in the skin surrounding the
nipples, called areola.
 SKIN and HAIR
CHANGES
- A dark line often
appears down the
middle of the stomach
- Freckles may darken,
and moles may grow
- Hair growth is likely to
increase
- Hair may also be
greasier
 CONGESTED or
BLOODY NOSE
- The lining of the
respiratory tract
receives more blood,
often making it more
congested.
- Small blood vessels in
the nose are easily
damaged due to the
increased in blood
volume, causing
nosebleeds.
TIPS:
To stop nose bleeds
• Sit with your head forward.
• Press the sides of your nose together between
your thumb and forefinger, just below the
bony part , for 10 minutes and try not to
swallow the blood
• Repeat for a further 10 minutes if this is
unsuccessful
• If bleeding continues, seek medical advice
 PILES
-Also known as
hemorrhoids
-swollen veins around
your anus which may
itch, ache, or feel sore
-may bleed a little and
they can make going to
the toilet
uncomfortable or even
painful
- Certain hormones makes
you veins relax
TIPS:
• Eat plenty of food that is high in fiber, like whole
meal , bread fruit and vegetables and drink
plenty of water.
• Avoid standing for long periods
• Take regular exercise to improve your circulation
• Push any piles that stick out gently back inside
using a lubricating jelly
• Ask your midwife, doctor or pharmacist if they
can suggest a suitable ointment
 PREPARATION FOR
PARENTHOOD
1.THE PREGNANT WOMEN
2. EXPECTANT FATHER
3. THE EXPECTANT FAMILY
 PARENTHOOD
-Is a state of being a parent, or one who is either
a father or a mother
-Is a status where couples arrive at after having
decision of having a family
CARING FOR YOURSELF
 Pregnancy is an excellent time to prioritize
taking care of yourself. It is important to
establish positive habits to ensure the best
health for you and your developing baby.
CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION
 Childbirth education classes are great
idea for first time parents and a helpful
refresher even for those who have
already experienced birth and parenting.
Some of the thorough approaches to childbirth
education are:
o Centering Pregnancy
o Lamaze
o Bradley method
WRITING YOUR BIRTH PLAN
 A Birth plan is a written statement of
your desires and what is important when
you are in labor and giving birth.
 It can include a description of your ideal labor and
birth, as well as things such as:
o Choice of labor companions, including participation
of family and siblings
o Pain management preferences
o Medical procedures
o Care immediately after your birth
o Newborn care and procedures
o Infant feeding preferences
o Preferences in case of non-emergency cesarean birth
o Religious, cultural, or other beliefs
o Choice of birth control for after the birth
AVOIDING CESAREAN BIRTH
A cesarean is a surgery done to deliver
your baby by an incision in your
through your abdomen.
 WAITING FOR BABY’S ARRIVAL
One of the hardest realities to accept
during pregnancy is that your baby is
very unlikely to be born on your “due
date”
THE EXPECTANT FATHER
10 THINGS DAD-TO-BE MUST DO TO
PREPARE FOR FATHERHOOD

10. Spend Extra Quality Time with their Partner

9. Take Naps Whenever You Can
8. Read Up On Fatherhood
7. Hang out with Other Dads
6. Attend as Many Parenting Classes as You can
10 THINGS DAD-TO-BE MUST DO
TO PREPARE FOR FATHERHOOD

5. Start Helping More Around the House

4. Be Prepared to Fall In Absolute Love the
Moment You See Your Child
3. Spend Quality Time with Family and Friends
2. Become Involved in the Pregnancy as Much as
You can
1. Pack a Daddy Hospital Bag
THE EXPECTANT FAMILY
1. QUIT UNHEALTHY HABITS
2. EXERCISE TOGETHER
3. TAKE VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS-EVEN
DURING THE PRE-CONCEPTION PERIOD
4. GET A DOG
5. VOLUNTEER TO BABYSIT OTHER PEOPLE’S
CHILDREN
WHAT TO DO TO PREPARE
FOR PARENTHOOD…
 SEE YOURSELF AS PARENT AND DEVELOP
YOUR SKILLS.
 LEARN ABOUT CHILD DEVELOPMENT
 DEVELOP A POSTIVE APPROACH TOWARD
RAISING A CHILD AND LOOK FOR POSITIVE
THINGS TO APPRECIATE EACH DAY
 DEVELOP PRACTICES THAT WILL CARRY OVER
TO YOUR INTERACTION WITH YOUR CHILD
WHAT TO DO TO PREPARE
FOR PARENTHOOD…
 IF YOU ARE PARENTING WITH YOUR SPOUSE OR
PARTNER, FOCUS ON HAVING A MUTUALLY
POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP
 INCREASE YOUR SOCIAL SUPPORT OR
NETWORK THAT CAN HELP YOU AS A NEW
PARENT, WITH YOUR SPOUSE, PARENTS,
RELATIVES, FRIENDS, ETC
 IF PRONE TO DEPRESSION OR ANXIETY,SEEK
FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
WHAT TO DO TO PREPARE
FOR PARENTHOOD…
 SEE YOURSELF AS PARENT AND DEVELOP
YOUR SKILLS.
 LEARN ABOUT CHILD DEVELOPMENT
 DEVELOP A POSTIVE APPROACH TOWARD
RAISING A CHILD AND LOOK FOR POSITIVE
THINGS TO APPRECIATE EACH DAY
 DEVELOP PRACTICES THAT WILL CARRY OVER
TO YOUR INTERACTION WITH YOUR CHILD
WHAT TO DO TO PREPARE
FOR PARENTHOOD…
 CONSIDER YOUR PAST EXPERIENCE
 READ AVAILABLE MATERIALS OR VIEW
EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS
 CHECK IF YOUR LOCAL HEALTH AGENCY,
HOSPITALOR OTHER PARENTING RESOURCES
OR PROGRAMS HAVE MATERIALS THAT
DISCUSS BECOMING A PARENT IN SPECIFIC
WAYS.