1. Nausea and vomiting
- due to altered hormone levels usually occurring on 1st trimester
- sedatives or antiemetics as necessary or as ordered
- advise expectant mother to eat dry crackers before arising in the morning to prevent N/V
- modify diet to small and frequent feedings
- ice chips
2. Heartburn
- caused by regurgitation of gastric secretions to esophagus due to decreased gastric motility
- Maalox or Gelusil as prescribed
- Educate expectant mother to eat small and frequent meals and avoid lying down after meals
3. Constipation
- due to the pressure of growing uterus on bowel and decreased peristalsis
- educate women regarding good bowel habits, take a high fiber diet
- encourage increased fluid intake and regular exercise
4. Hemorrhoids
- prevent occurrence by encouraging good bowel habits
- teach patient to rest in modified Sims position / knee-chest position
5. Backache
- due to increased spinal curvature secondary to altered posture
- instruct mother proper posture and exercises such as pelvic rock
- teach importance of proper shoes, firm mattress, and sufficient rest
6. Leg cramps
- caused by pressure on nerves of lower extremities and also due to decreased calcium absorption due to increased circulating phosphorus
- medications such as Amphojel as ordered to decrease circulating phosphorus
- instruct woman to dorsiflex foot to involve leg to relieve discomfort
7. Edema of lower extremities
- due to impeded venous return because of pressure on lower extremities of enlarging uterus
- instruct woman to take frequent rest periods with legs elevated to facilitate venous return
- instruct against wearing of constricting garters and undergarments to prevent pooling of blood
8. Varicose veins
- pooling of blood in lower extremities
- teach woman to raise legs against wall for 15-20 minutes daily
- encourage 2 short walks daily
- encourage increased intake of vitamin C
9. Increased vaginal discharge
- due to increased estrogen levels and increased blood supply to vagina
- instruct woman to bathe daily, no douching unless prescribed.