Microsoft word - pregnancy discomforts.doc

• Calcium and magnesium imbalance, sodium deficiency • Pressure from enlarged uterus on leg nerves, slower circulation Self-help
• Magnesium supplementation (especial y in the 2nd trimester), Mag Phos cel salts • Regular, appropriate exercise routine (calf flexing, foot circles) • Avoid tea, coffee and chocolate, which interfere with calcium absorption
Back Pain
• Posture and centre of gravity changes due to increasing size of baby • Relaxing of ligaments and joints due to hormonal output Self-help
• Massage • Focus on maintaining good posture • Exercise and stretching (yoga or pilates), pelvic rocking on al fours • Support lower back (e.g. pil ows under bel y and between knees when sleeping) • Consult physiotherapist
Heartburn
• Softening effect of progesterone on the digestive tract causes relaxation of the sphincter muscle between stomach and oesophagus al owing reflux of digestive acids • Relaxation of smooth muscle of the colon leads to increased transit time, which gives rise to • Often associated with dietary stresses (i.e. food intolerance and food combining) Self-help
• Eat frequent smal meals, eat slowly in an upright position and chew wel • Reduce intake of foods containing yeast (e.g. bread) • Use digestive aid after meals (e.g. peppermint, spearmint, fennel, lemon balm, chamomile or aniseed teas, papaya digestive enzyme supplement) • Slippery elm powder or capsules help soothe the digestive tract • Before going to bed, slowly sip a glass of warm milk or a smal amount of natural unsweetened • Sleep with the upper body slightly elevated
Indigestion/Flatulence
Self-help
• Avoid spicy or oily foods • Avoid large meals, especial y before going to bed • Avoid alcohol • Chamomile or peppermint tea can be setting and soothing • Warm water rather than cold with meals
Insomnia
Self-help
• If uncomfortable, try sleeping on your side with the upper knee drawn up and supported by a • Try a warm (not hot) bath before bed • Sleep-time herbal tea (e.g. chamomile, passionflower) • Warm milk with honey before going to bed • Relaxation CDs
Bleeding Gums
Self-help
• Use a soft toothbrush, brush gently • Diet rich in iron, vitamin C and bioflavonoid
Constipation
• Progesterone effect • Compression of intestine and bowel by growing uterus Self-help
• Eat a high-fibre diet (i.e. wholemeal and wholegrain breads and cereals, fruit and vegetables) • Drink lots of fluids • Exercise • Try hot prune juice or lemon juice in hot water half and hour before breakfast
Haemorrhoids
• Growing uterus exerts pressure on bowel, causing constipation • Uterus compresses veins, interfering with venous circulation • Progesterone effect Self-help
• Avoid constipation by increasing fibre in diet and fluid intake • Epsom salts bath • Cold compresses on affected area
Varicose Veins
• Progesterone effect – softening of vein valves makes them less effective at propel ing blood back • Compounded by greatly increased blood volume for the circulatory system to deal with Self-help
• Sit or lie with legs elevated for periods throughout the day • Ankle rotations while sitting or lying • Swimming and walking are good exercises for the circulatory system • Avoid wearing tight knee-high socks or underwear with tight elastic • Use support stockings (put stockings on before you get out of bed in the morning, and always take them off before going to sleep at night) • Elevating the foot of the bed or mattress can help
Oedema (swelling)
• Some degree of swel ing during pregnancy is normal due to fluid retention (in pregnancy your body’s fluid requirements almost double) • Consult with your LMC if you are concerned about the degree of swel ing you are experiencing Self-help
• Continue moderate exercise such as swimming or yoga • Do not reduce fluid intake • Elevate your legs and feet whenever you sit • Iron deficiency • Low blood sugar • Low fluid Self-help
• Iron supplementation (after consultation with LMC or GP). There are herbal alternatives – consult • Eating little and often, avoiding sugar-rich foods • Drink plenty of water • Rest
Breast Changes
• Hormone-induced growth of the secretory ductal system in preparation for breastfeeding • Increased blood flow causes greater nerve sensitivity in the breasts Self-help
• Wear a supportive bra, ensuring you change to soft-cup (i.e. no underwire) bras during the 3rd

Source: http://www.umatter.co.nz/uploads/90408/files/229664/Pregnancy_Discomforts.pdf