Pregnancy Suggestions and Answers

Listed below are some problems that can occur during your pregnancy along with several simple “self-helps”. If you have any questions, please call the office at (303) 776-5820


Backache:
 Rest, apply warm heating pad. Warm (NOT hot) baths. Use correct posture and try to avoid heavy lifting. Sleep on a firm bed, use pillows to support knees. Wear low-heeled shoes.

Cats: Avoid cleaning litter boxes, wash your hands after you pet the cat and wash all kitchen surfaces before cooking.

Colds, Flu, & Minor Aches & Pains: Try Tylenol or any cold drugs listed below.

Constipation: Increase intake of fruits, juices, bran and water (6-8 glasses above normal intake). Try fiber laxatives or stool softeners listed below.

Cough: Try Robitussin cough syrup.

Diarrhea: Drink more clear liquids like bouillon, Jell-O, 7-Up, Gatorade, etc. Try eating bananas and avoid dairy products until diarrhea resolves.

Diet: Increase protein in your diet by at least 1-2 servings. Some good sources of protein are meat, cheese, yogurt and milk. Avoid uncooked meat and fish and unprocessed cheeses, these are usually the soft cheeses.

Exercise: Pregnancy is not the time to try to increase your fitness level, however most women can continue their current exercise regimens with some exceptions:

  • Exercise should be aerobic, your pulse while exercising should not exceed 140 beats per minute. Avoid anaerobic exercises, which are those with short bursts of strenuous activity and higher pulse rates.
  • Avoid exercises where you are changing directions quickly such as tennis or volleyball because you are at higher risk for straining ligaments and falling. Avoid riding a bicycle after 20 weeks.
  • Definitely do not water or snow ski, ride horseback, go scuba diving or other activities where there is the potential for falling.

If you have questions about whether your specific exercise regimen is safe please discuss this with your provider at Women’s Healthwise.

Dizziness, Fainting & Lightheadedness: Increase fluid intake. Avoid sudden changes in posture. After laying down, get up slowly, rolling to your side, and then push up to sitting position.

Falls: If you fall and hit your abdomen, call the office immediately.

Fever: Increase fluid intake. Call the office if your temperature is greater than 101 degrees fahrenheit.

Groin Pain: Round ligament pain is sharp, sudden pain in the groin area caused by the uterus growing to accommodate the baby. Avoid sudden movements. Turn over carefully when you are in bed or getting up. Rest as much as possible. There are abdominal support belts which might help as well. Try Tylenol and warm heating pads or baths as needed.

Headache: Try Tylenol. If you have no relief or have visual disturbances, call the office.

Hemorrhoids: Avoid constipation by increasing the amount of fluids and fiber in your diet. Try sitting in a soothing tub of warm (NOT hot) water. Try OTC tucks pads or hemorrhoid cream.

Indigestion & Heartburn: Avoid spicy foods. Eat smaller, more frequent meals, Try Tums or over the counter medications, such as Pepsid or Zantac.

Leg Cramps: Wear support pantyhose and low healed shoes. Elevating feet and warm (NOT hot) baths may help. Increase milk intake.

Nausea: Try eating something dry upon awakening such a toast or crackers. Instead of eating three large meals, try eating six smaller meals spaced evenly throughout your day. Eat your meals dry and wait 45 minutes before drinking fluids. If you feel that your nausea is out of control, there is a prescription medicine that you can take. Call the office if you feel that you need medicine.

Sexual Intercourse: Continue as long as comfortable unless you have spotting, your bag of water ruptures or you have been told otherwise by your provider.

Sinus Drainage: Humidify your home and increase your fluid intake. Try over the counter medications, such Claritin or Benadryl.

Spotting: Rest, avoid intercourse, tampons or douching and observe. If cramping or bleeding like a heavy period occurs, call the office.

Swelling (Edema): Try support panty hose and elevating your feet. Resting on your left side may offer some relief. Don’t wear rings if your hands are swollen. “Water pills” are not recommended during pregnancy. Drink fluids – especially – water and lower your salt intake.

Vaginal Discharge: You will normally have more discharge when you are pregnant, but if signs of infection occur such as itching or foul odor, do not douche, call the office.

Varicose or “Spider” Veins: Elevate feet as often as possible and wear support pantyhose. These may go away after pregnancy. No thigh high or knee high hose.

Call the office if you experience:

  • Persistent or heavy bleeding
  • Persistent nausea and vomiting

Over the counter medications that are considered acceptable to use in pregnancy:

  • Tylenol
  • Tylenol Sinus
  • Dimetapp
  • Chlor-trimeton
  • Ocean nasal spray
  • Robitussin plain or DM cough syrup
  • Chloraseptic Spray or lozenges
  • Claritin
  • Benadryl
  • Tums
  • Colace
  • Sudafed
  • Tucks
  • Preparation H
  • Milk of magnesia
  • Fibercon
  • Citrucel
  • Metamucil
  • Gas X
  • Mylanta
  • Maalox
  • Rolaids
  • Imodium

Eat a well balance diet containing protein, high fiber carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables. Women only need an additional 300 calories per day while pregnant, however their protein requirement doubles?

Look for exercise classes designed specifically for pregnant women, such as prenatal yoga.