The most common discomfort

Found in about 70- 65 % of all

Pregnant women
Caused by hormonal
changes (higher level of
circulating Estrogen) that decrease the
motility of the intestines.





Take small frequent meals
Take dry carbohydrates (crackers, toast with jam/jelly) 30
mins. Before getting out of the bed
avoid spicy and fatty foods
Pepper mint tea and ginger tea
Increase fluids, but best tolerated b/w meals.




CAUSES:
Decreased peristalsis
poor tone of the cardiac
sphincter of the stomach causes
easy esophageal reflux of acidic gastric secretions,
resulting in burning sensation
Poor digestive ability

PREVENTION:
Take small frequent meals
Refrain from taking indigestible, fatty and spicy food




Maintain an upright position:
assume a 30 cm head- of head elevation
bend from the knees and not from the waist when
picking objects from the floor.
take meals in an upright position and remain upright 3-4
hours after
refrain from taking gas-forming foods (cabbage, turnips,
cucumber, onions, and cauliflower)
to neutralize gastric acidity Amphogel may be taken as
prescribed by the physician.
Pressure on the bladder by the gravid uterus in the first
and third trimesters.
MANAGEMENT:
Increase fluid intake to replace losses axcept before
bedtime to prevent nocturia
Use perineal pad to absorbed leakage
Flush the perinium every other voiding


Pressure on bowels exerted by the gravid uterus
Relaxing effect of hormones on the intestinal tract
Decreased physical exercise
Oral iron (assess frequency bowel movement if
taking iron preparation because it is constipating)
PREVENTION:
Increased fluid intake. Take a minimum of 6-8 glasses a
day
Increased roughage or bulk in diet Have 3-4 servings of
fruits and vegetables daily. Dried fruits like raisins,
prunes which are high in fiber and are good sources of
iron
Defecate regularly
Have regular exercise; walking is the best

MANAGEMENT:
Avoid spicy foods for comfort
Ice packs or warm sitz bath may be tried to help promote
comfort
Prolapsed hemorrhoids are lubricated and may be
replaced gently

CAUSES:
calcium and phosphorus imba
Muscle fatigue
Pressure on the nerves supplying the lower
extremities

PREVENTION:
Increased dietary intake of calcium. Four glasses
of milk a day provides the daily calcium
requirement of 1,200 mg
Avoid fatigue of leg muscle: change position
frequently
No constricting garters

MANAGEMENT:
Flexion of the mothers foot toward her knee by hyper-
extend the involved muscles offers immediate relief
CAUSES:
Pressure on the pelvic girdle by the
gravid uterus
constricting garters
Prolonged standing and sitting
Increased vascularity because of estrogen

PREVENTION:
wear support/ elastiC stockings
Elevated and hips frequently
Avoid prolonged sitting and standing
Avoid wearing round garters and knee- high stockings


CAUSES:
Constipation
Increased intra- abdominal pressure from frequent/
heavy lifting
Pressure on the rectal region/ veins by the gravid uterus

PREVENTION:
Avoid straining during bowel movement
Avoid lifting heavy objects
CAUSES:
The pressure exerted by the
gravid uterus on the
big blood vessels on the right
side impedes venous return. The
reduce venous return results in
reduced cardiac output causing hypotension and leading to
feelings of light-headedness , dizziness and faintness.

PREVENTION:
gradual position changes
left side-lying position in bed; the left lateral recumbent is the
best position for pregnant women in third trimester and in
labor

CAUSES:
pressure on the pelvic girdle
prolonged standing or sitting
constricting garters

PREVENTION
avoiding prolonged sitting and standing
wear comfortable shoes; avoid round garters
elevate legs against the wall for 30 mins. At night.
pressure on the diaphragm exerted by the gravid uterus,
especially in the third trimester: more before lightening
and relieved by lightening.

PREVENTION:
assume a semi- fowlers position instead of a supine
position in the bed, especially in the third trimester,
before lightening.
wear loose clothes and bra
have frequent rest periods
elevated levels of estrogen stimulate increased activity
of cervical glands, resulting in the production of whitish,
mucoid, and non-foul vaginal discharge, called
leukorrhea.

MANAGEMENT:
flush perineum after every voiding
wear cotton perineal pad for more comfort
CAUTION:
itchiness (pruritis), burning sensation, and abnormal
characteristics of discharges indicate vaginal infection.

whitish, cheesy discharge with local irritation is due to
fungus Candida albicans, which causes moniliasis that
may cause oral thrush in the newborn if infection is not
treated before birth.


yellowish, profuse, purulent discharge with burning
sensation or vulvar itching is due to the bacterium
Neisseria gonorrheae that may cause opthalmia
neonatorum in the neonate if not treated and if the
newborn did not receive Credes prophylaxis.

green, frothy discharge and a friable erythematous
cervix, which are classic presenting features of
infection, are rarely seen in Trichomonas vaginalis
infection.
Douching is not necessary



CAUSES:
faulty posture, fatigue
relaxed sacro-iliac joint
prolonged standing/ sitting
strained on the back muscles
from an increased lumbar curve (lordosis)

PREVENTION:
maintain good posture: do pelvic rock/ tilt exercises;
wear flat or low-heeled shoes for better support and
balance
wear firm, supportive maternity girdle
use a firm and comfortable bed, especially in the third
trimester, to support the relaxed sacroiliac joint. The
use of a small pillow placed along the lumbar curve may
also offer support and comfort.