- Diarrhea – If diarrhea occurs, increase your fluids by at least 6 to 8 glasses a day. Avoid milk or milk products until the diarrhea has resolved. Follow the BRATT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, tea, or toast. If you obtain no relief in 24 hours of the BRATT diet, try Kaopectate or Immodium, both of which may be purchased without a prescription. If the diarrhea continues for more than 48 hours, please call the office.
- Constipation – The best way to combat constipation is through prevention. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of liquids a day. Include fruit juices; prune and apple juices are especially helpful. Increase the fiber in your diet by eating bran or shredded wheat cereals, bran muffins, as well as raw fruits and vegetables. Daily exercise, such as walking, is encouraged. If constipation should occur, there are several non-prescription medications that may be used – Metamucil, Citrucel, Fibercon, Per Diem, Fibermed Biscuits, Haley’s MO, and Milk of Magnesia.
- Heartburn or Indigestion – To prevent heartburn eat 5 or 6 small meals a day. Drink liquids, especially milk, between meals rather than with meals. Avoid fatty or fried foods as well as carbonated beverages. Sit up during and for one hour following meals. You may use non-prescription antacids however, do not use one with simethicone (an anti-gas formula.)
- Nausea or Morning Sickness – Although nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is commonly referred to as “morning sickness,” it can occur at any time of the day or night, usually when the stomach is empty. To prevent nausea eat 5 to 6 small meals to keep something in your stomach. If you experience nausea when you get up in the morning, eat a high protein snack before going to bed, and a few pretzels or dry crackers before getting out of bed in the morning. Avoid unpleasant odors. Drink plenty of fluids since dehydration can increase your nausea. You can try drinking ginger or peppermint tea, or chewing a thin sliver of fresh ginger (careful, it’s hot) – do not take ginger supplements. Over-the-counter seasickness bands help some people. There is a band available with a prescription that uses a small electrical impulse that has met with some success. Taking your vitamin at night or switching to a chewable formula may help alleviate your symptoms. Emetrol, a sugar-based syrup, can be purchased without a prescription and may be helpful. Please call the office is vomiting persists for 24 hours and you are unable to keep fluids down.
- Urinary Tract Infections(UTI) – Symptoms of a urinary tract infection can include pain or burning with urination and increased frequency of urination. The urine may be cloudy or have a strong odor. Unexplained lower abdominal cramping, often accompanied by a backache, can also indicate a UTI. An untreated urinary tract infection can cause premature labor. If you are experiencing these symptoms please contact the office immediately so we may arrange a urinalysis for you. It is essential to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water or fruit juices a day. Please avoid caffeinated and carbonated beverages, as they can be irritating to the bladder.
- Edema – Some edema, or swelling, is normal during pregnancy. Generally it appears in the ankles and legs during the final months. To reduce edema elevate your legs whenever possible, rest on your left side and limit your intake of foods containing salt which would include fast foods, pizza, processed foods such as deli meats, and foods from a box, jar or can. Be sure to check the labels to determine the amount of salt. Drinking adequate water, 8 to 10 glasses as day, is the best way to get rid of excess swelling. Please call the office if the swelling is severe or if the swelling is accompanied by a headache unrelieved by Tylenol, or if you have visual changes, or upper right abdominal pain.
- Bleeding – Spotting of blood may occur in 40% of all normal pregnancies during the first trimester. If you are spotting, begin bed rest and call the office. Avoid heavy lifting, exercise, and sexual intercourse for 48 hours after the last episode of spotting.