| Symptom | Things to do |
|---|---|
| Nausea and Vomiting |
- Eat small, frequent meals - Drink small amounts through the day - Eat crackers or dry toast - Get out of bed slowly - Do not lie down right after eating - Stay hydrated |
| Shortness of Breath |
- Sleep on your side - Use pillows between legs and behind you - Prop yourself up at night - Sleep in a recliner with pillows - Slow down when climbing stairs |
| Swelling |
- Elevate legs - Pillows between legs when lying down - Try not to cross legs when sitting - Lie on your side when sleeping or resting - Drink plenty of fluids - Physical activities (swimming, walking, etc.) |
| Nasal Congestion |
- Saline nose drops - Nasal sprays - Cold mist humidifier - Avoid medicated nose drops or sprays |
| Heartburn |
- Eat small, frequent meals through the day - Avoid eating near bedtime - Wear loose clothing - Sit up after eating - Avoid spicy and fatty foods - Avoid coffee, carbonated drinks, and chocolate - Eat slowly and chew your food well - Prop yourself up at night if having acid reflux |
| Backache |
- Remember to walk with back straight - Avoid the "waddle" when walking - Take breaks and rest your back - Wear low, rubber-soled shoes - Use lumbar support (pillow or towel) when sitting - Exercise to strengthen back and core - Avoid lifting anything heavy, bend at the knees when lifting - Never sit straight up from lying on your back |
| Sciatica |
- Tingling, numbness and/or pain affecting the buttocks, hips and thighs, more often on one side - Talk to your doctor |
| Round Ligament Pain |
- Spasms or pain in ligaments that attach uterus to groin region - Rest and heat - Maternity belt |
| Loose and Aching Joints |
- Joints that are loose, achy, or pop - Is a softening of cartilage due to hormones - It is common |
| Hemorrhoids and Constipation |
- Eat a high-fiber diet (fruit, whole grains, raw vegetables) - Drink plenty of fluids - Warm tub baths may be soothing - NO enemas - NO OTC laxatives - Ice packs and witch-hazel pads may be applied directly - Report any continued bleeding |
| Frequent Urination | - Kegel exercises |
| Breast Changes |
- Wear a bra that provides firm support - Buy a bra that doesn't press, bind, or rub - You may be more comfortable wearing a bra at night if your breasts are large - Your nipples may leak colostrum - Clean colostrum using warm water - If colostrum leakage is a problem, wear absorbent breast pads |
| Skin Changes |
- Dark line running down abdomen - Darkness around nose or face - Stretch marks |
| Fatigue and Insomnia |
- Rest - Take a warm shower before bedtime - Read a good book before bed - Sometimes changing where you sleep can help - Make yourself comfortable with pillows - Avoid caffeine - Avoid exercise immediately before bedtime |
| Leg Cramps |
- Straighten leg and point toes toward head - Practice stretching exercises 2-3 times a day, especially before bedtime |
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