Discomforts of late pregnancy continued
13. Nosebleeds and nasal congestion
Helpful:
Understanding that minor nosebleeds are quite common due to increased blood volume and small blood vessel rupture.
Use water-filled nasal spray bottle to relieve dryness of nasal membranes
Use cool mist humidifiers in your house
Massage sinuses to promote sinus drainage
Direct pressure on the side of nose with head tipped back helps bleeding stop
Increase sources of vitamin C in diet
Avoid:
Use of over-the-counter nasal sprays
Dairy products if they cause increased mucus production
14. Sciatica
Helpful:
Try all pregnancy exercises, eliminate any that cause pain
Use caution during activities of daily living; loss of weight-bearing ability in affected leg may pose safety hazard
Understanding that sciatic nerve irritation is common
Ask MD or CNM for referral to physical therapist
Avoid:
Heavy lifting
Climbing stairs if necessary
ladders, step-stools, etc.
15. Skin problems
Helpful:
Keep skin clean by frequent washing with mild soap
Good nutrition keeps skin healthy
Drink 6-8 glasses of water daily
Wash and change clothing after perspiring heavily
Avoid:
Heavy makeup, especially oil-based makeup
sun exposure will darken mask of pregnancy
16. Swelling (Edema) of hands or feet
Helpful:
Left lateral resting position
Ankle circles
eat a well-balanced, high-protein diet
keep salt consumption at a moderate level by preparing your own foods rather than using premixed, processed, or canned foods.
tell MD or CNM if you notice swelling, as it can be associated with severe pregnancy complications
follow professional advice precisely
Remove rings if swelling occurs, if you wait they may have to be cut to be removed
wear loose, comfortable clothing
wear adequately sized footwear
Avoid:
Highly salted foods such as potato chips, crackers, pretzels, salted peanuts, pickles, processed luncheon meats, and seasonings which contain salt
Taking diuretics (water pills)
Sitting with a weight on your lap such as a toddler; this impedes return circulation from your legs
17. Urination (frequent)
Helpful:
Kegel's exercise
Nightly trips to the bathroom may help develop your ability to fall asleep after an interruption of sleep, a useful skill during early parenthood
lying down in a left lateral position for a few hours prior to sleep may decrease number of awakenings for bladder emptying during the night
drink majority of daily fluids prior to 6 PM
Avoid:
Limiting oral fluid intake to decrease number of times bladder needs to be emptied
18. Stitch or Soreness in Rib area
Helpful:
Good posture
tailor sitting with arms clasped above head, rocking gently from side to side
change positions often
discomfort may decrease in severity after baby drops
Avoid:
half sit-ups which put additional stress on rib area
19. Stretch marks
Helpful:
good nutrition keeps skin healthy
drink 6-8 glasses of water daily
understanding that most pregnant women experience stretch marks
massage with a good quality vegetable oil (sesame has a non-offensive odor) may increase the suppleness of skin that is stretching such as abdomen, hips, and breasts
understanding that the red marks fade after time
Avoid:
spending money on commercial preparations "guaranteed" to prevent stretch marks
20. Sweating
Helpful:
frequent lukewarm or warm bath or showers
dusting with a cornstarch powder after a bath or shower
peri-bottle for warm water irrigation of perineum
complete relaxation tends to make body feel cooler
cotton clothing, lightweight clothing
understanding that your body is making sure its internal temperature is perfect for the baby's development
Avoid:
hot tubs during pregnancy, because increased internal body temperature can create a harmful uterine environment for your baby
Synthetic fabric clothing which feels "clammy" after becoming damp with perspiration
21. Varicose veins
Helpful:
complete relaxation, with legs elevated on two pillows, or on the seat of a chair, or on a 45 degree angle against the wall.
well fitted maternity support pantyhose
bathing at night so you can put on support hose on before getting out of bed.
lying with legs and hips above level of your heart
change positions frequently
Avoid:
crossing your legs at ankles or knees
restrictive clothing such as knee socks, garters, and belts
high-heeled shoes
standing or sitting for long periods of time.
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