Common Problems in Pregnancy
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Allergies
Approved medications: Claritin, Claritin D, Tylenol Sinus, Actifed, Sudafed, Benadryl, Chlortrimetron, Zyrtec, Zyrtec D
Back Pain
Back pain in very common and may be experienced throughout your pregnancy. Most people experience pain in the lower back but some also have pain in their upper back. Keeping yourself well hydrated will help reduce back pain. Hot water bottles and heating pads can also provide relief. Back stretching exercises are useful and brochures are available in the office, just ask at your next appointment. In addition, there are pregnancy belts that may be purchased at maternity shops to help support your back. Massage therapy is also encouraged.
If your pain is associated with a fever of more than 100.4 F, burning when you urinate, or blood in your urine, this may indicate a urinary tract infection. Call our office if this occurs. Also, back pain that comes and goes every 5-10 minutes may indicate pre-term labor; you should call immediately if this happens.
Approved medications: Tylenol or any acetaminophen product
Approved devices: Heating pad on low setting, maternity belt
Constipation
To help combat constipation, try to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water per day. Try to eat foods rich in fiber such as high fiber cereals, crackers, beans, fruits and vegatables. Prunes and prune juice are also helpful.
Approved medications: Metamucil, Citracil, Colace, Perdiem, Konsul and Fiber-con. Milk of Magnesia and Ducolax pills or suppositories may be used for severe cases.
Diarrhea
It is most important to stay hydrated when this occurs. Most often diarrhea is a self-limiting problem and will usually last less than 24 hours. If diarrhea persists or is accompanied by a temperature greater than 100.4 F, please call our office.
Approved medications: Imodium AD or Kaopectate
Dizziness
Dizziness and a feeling that you may pass out are very common in pregnancy. It can be due to a lowering of your blood pressure that normally occurs in pregnancy. Dizziness may also indicate low blood sugar that also normally occurs in pregnancy. To combat dizziness, drink plenty of water and eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. Change positions gradually.
Gas
Approved medications: Simethicon, Gas-Ex
Headaches
Headaches in pregnancy are common and are usually the result of the normal increase in circulation that is experienced during this time. While frequency of headaches may increase in pregnancy, some can be prevented. Headaches can be precipitated by hunger so try to eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. Sometimes they are due to dehydration so drink 6-8 glasses of water per day. If you have a history of migraines, please bring this to the attention of your doctor.
Approved medications: Tylenol
Heartburn
To help with heartburn, avoid greasy, spicy foods, chocolate and caffeine. Stop eating at least 4-6 hours before going to bed, and prop your head up with pillows at night.
Approved medications: Mylanta, Maalox, Tums, Pepcid AC and Zantac
Insomnia
Approved medications: Benadryl, Unisom and Tylenol PM
Hemorrhoids
Avoiding constipation is helpful in preventing painful hemorrhoids. Again, 6-8 glasses of water per day and fiber in your diet will help.
Approved medications: Tucks, Preparation H and Annusol Cream or suppositories
Sore Throats, Colds and Coughs
Please call if you have a temperature over 100.4 F. Otherwise, you may use any of the approved medications. Please remember that more sore throats, colds and coughs are due to a virus and antibiotics will NOT help. If the drainage turns green or you have a temperature of more than 100.4 F, this may indicate a bacterial infection and you may need to be seen and possibly use an antibiotic.
Approved medications: Any cough lozenges, Sudafed, Actifed, Dimetapp, Robitussin DM, Tylenol Cold and Flu, Mucinex and Vicks nasal spray
Nausea
Nausea is a common problem throughout pregnancy. Small, frequent meals instead of three large meals can be helpful. Bland foods are often best tolerated. Recommended foods for easier digestion are bananas, rice, applesauce, dry toast and plain tea. Stay away from fatty, greasy, spicy foods. Try to drink as much fluid as possible. Carbonated beverages are sometimes better tolerated during nausea. All foods and liquids are best tolerated at room temperature.
Approved medications: 50 mg of Vitamin B6, Unisom, Mylanta, Maalox, Pepcid, Zantac and Tums
Approved devices: Sea Bands
Sinus Problems
Approved medications: Saline Mist Nasal Spray, Chlortrimetron, plain Sudafed, Actifed, Benadryl, Tylenol Sinus, Vicks nasal spray
Vomiting
Unfortunately, some vomiting is normal during pregnancy. However, not being able to keep anything down for more than 6 hours may be a problem. Please contact our office if this occurs. Otherwise, when the vomiting subsides, try to keep down liquids (room temperature) and the foods listed under nausea.
Diabetic patients - please consult with your physician prior to taking the above noted medications, and/or check for sugar-free products.
Over the Counter Drugs Not Recommended in Pregnancy
Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Pepto-Bismol
Please ask about any other medications not listed.
Abdominal pain during pregnancy
Occasional abdominal discomfort is a common pregnancy complaint, and while it may be harmless, it can also be a sign of a serious problem. (Severe or persistent abdominal pain should never be ignored.)nancy.
Below we'll describe the most common causes of abdominal pain and discomfort during pregnancy, but don't try to diagnose yourself. If you experience abdominal pain or cramping along with spotting, bleeding, fever, chills, vaginal discharge, faintness, discomfort while urinating, or nausea and vomiting, or if the pain doesn't subside after several minutes of rest, call your practitioner.
Sleep problems during pregnancy
Why can't I sleep?
In the last three months of pregnancy women may have difficulty sleeping. They might have problems falling asleep, getting comfortable or be troubled by unpleasant dreams and nightmares. Women who were able to sleep a lot in the early stages of pregnancy may find themselves sleeping very little during the final stage mainly because of the many physical changes taking place.
Various physical and mental conditions can disturb sleep.
- Leg cramps.
- Awareness of their heartbeats and shortness of breath.
- Needing to pass urine more often.
- A very active baby who seems to be an expert at landing kicks in the mother's bladder or some other tender spot.
- Difficulties turning over in bed as the womb gets bigger.
- Backache, especially pains in the lower back.
- More dreams than usual.
- Nightmares that are easier to remember.
- Feeling nervous about the forthcoming delivery.
- Worries about the baby.
- Worrying about whether it's normal to be worried.
These are all common conditions during any pregnancy.
How can I get a good night's sleep?
If you have cramps in your legs, pressing the feet hard against the wall or standing up on the cramped leg will help ease the discomfort. Lack of calcium can make cramps worse, so it's important to get enough calcium through milk products, for example.
A pounding heartbeat or shortness of breath is due to an increase in the volume of blood in the body. If you are anaemic, the heart must do more work in order to transport enough oxygen around the body. Ask your doctor or midwife if an iron supplement might help.
The best resting position when pregnant is to lie on your side with your knees bent. This makes the heart's job easier because it stops the weight of the baby applying pressure to your large veins, which carry the blood back to the heart. It is also much better for your lower back to lie on your side.
If you have pain in your lower back, experiment with extra pillows to see how you can make yourself more comfortable when lying down. For example, try one pillow under your abdomen, one between your legs, a firm one behind your back and an extra pillow under your head.
Wanting to pass urine at night is common during pregnancy because the growing baby puts constant pressure on the bladder. It is probably unavoidable, but trying not to drink too much late in the evenings might help a little. Avoid drinks containing caffeine such as tea, coffee, most fizzy drinks since these stimulate your kidneys to produce more urine and are also mild mental stimulants.
It might also help to lie on your side instead of on your back. If it hurts when you urinate, you might have cystitis, so take a sample of your urine to your doctor or midwife.
The bigger your baby becomes, the more difficult it will be for you to turn over in bed. If this is a real problem, you could consider buying a turning sheet. This is a two-ply sheet with two glossy sides, which makes it easier to turn over because they help reduce friction.
Dreams and nightmares can be disturbing and many women suddenly remember much more of their dreams when they are pregnant. Being in a different state such as pregnancy creates a lot of new material for the subconscious. Talking to someone else about your dreams can help you make more sense of them and can make them less frightening.
If you are afraid of the delivery and the pain it may cause, it is advisable to join antenatal classes. Here you will be told what is going to happen to you and which exercises will be helpful during the delivery. It is also an opportunity to ask questions.
Talk with your doctor or midwife if you are afraid. Almost all women worry now and then whether their child is normal and fear that something could be wrong.
What can I do when I can't sleep?
Remember that sleeping pills are not recommended for pregnant women. If you simply can't sleep, this is not dangerous provided it does not exhaust you.
Instead of just lying there getting yourself in a state, it is much more satisfying and relaxing to get up and do something.
Read a book, listen to music, knit, sew, surf the Internet, write letters, watch TV, have a bath, do some light housework or give yourself a manicure. After doing something pleasant, it is much easier to fall asleep.
Many people benefit from relaxation exercises or from listening to music.
If you feel tired during the day, see if you can take a little nap.
Go to your doctor or midwife and discuss your problem. They can help you find a solution to your problem.
Danger Signs of Pregnancy
Danger Signs in Pregnancy | ||
| Symptom | Potential Problem | Other possible causes |
| Vaginal Bleeding | Miscarriage, placental abruption, placenta previa | Hormonal bleeding, Implantation bleeding |
| Pelvic or Abdominal Pain | Miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, abruption | Cyst, uterine growth, ligament pain |
| Persistent Back Pain | Miscarriage, preterm labor | Kidney/bladder infection, cyst, normal pregnancy pain |
| Gush of Fluid from Vagina | Preterm labor, preterm rupture of membranes, miscarriage | Leaky bladder, watery mucous |
| Swelling of the Hands/Face | Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) | Swelling |
| Severe Headaches, Blurry Vision | PIH, Ecclampsia | |
| Regular Contractions prior to 37 Weeks | Preterm labor | Gastric upset |
| No Fetal Movement | Fetal distress, Fetal Demise | Slowed movements, anterior placenta |
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