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Some Solutions to Common Problems During Pregnancy  Eat dry crackers, toast or cereal before getting up or when feeling sick.  Drink water between meals but not during meals.  Eat or drink products that contain ginger.  Over-the-counter medications like Emetrol and Benadryl (25-50mg) can help – use as directed.  Congestion may be relieved by using Vicks Vapor Rub and/or a cool mist vaporizer in your room  Over-the-counter Sudafed (plain) can relieve congestion – use as directed.  Over-the-counter Robitussin (plain) can relieve coughing – use as directed.  Extra Strength Tylenol can help overall body aches – 2 tablets every 4 hours as needed.  If you do not have a thermometer, please buy one now. It is important to be able to check your temperature and call us if it reads 101 F or above.  Drink fluids between meals not during meals.  Avoid drinking fluids before bedtime.  Avoid carbonated and caffeinated beverages.  Avoid greasy, fatty and spicy foods and chocolate.  Eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day rather than 3 large meals.  Tums, Rolaids, Mylanta, and Maalox can help relieve heartburn – use as directed.  Don’t lie down right after eating.  Wear nursing pads or cut a pantiliner in half and place in your bra to absorb the fluid.  It is normal for your breasts to leak fluid even during early pregnancy. You should contact your health care provider if the fluid is bloody or brownish.  Limit fluid intake before bedtime. Drink plenty of fluids at other times of day.  If burning with urination and urgency is present, talk to your health care provider for possible  Lie down at least once a day to rest.  Exercise each day – Walking for 30 minutes, swimming and/or prenatal yoga all help you breathe better and increases your energy levels.
 Eat raw fruits, vegetables, prunes, and whole grain or bran cereals.  Exercise helps bowel movements stay regular. Walking is very good exercise.  Drink at least two quarts of fluid daily.  A cup of hot water three times a day helps bowel movements stay regular.  The following can be helpful if medication is needed: Colace (a stool softener), Metamucil, or Citracel – use as directed. If unsuccessful, try Peri-Colace, Ducolax or milk of magnesia – use as directed.  Try to keep bowel movements regular. (See tips above to help reduce constipation.)  Take short rests with hips lifted on a pillow.  Practice the Kegal Exercise (clenching and unclenching of pelvic muscles).  Preparation HC and Anusol HC can help relieve hemorrhoidal symptoms – use as directed.  Move around rather than standing in one place too long.  Use a foot stool to elevate your feet.  Keep your knees higher than your hips.  Use the Pelvic Rock Exercise. (Ask your physician to demonstrate/explain)  Extra Strength Tylenol can help backaches – 2 tablets every 4 hours as needed.  Do not use vaginal sprays, powders, or feminine hygiene products.  Do not use colored or perfumed toilet paper.  Wear cotton panties or ones with a cotton crotch.  Avoid panty hose and tight fitting pants.  If these hints do not help, ask your health care provider about the continued  Get up slowly when you have been lying or sitting down.  Report any dizziness to your health care provider.  You may use support hose but put them on lying down.  Elevate your feet when you sit down.  Change positions (i.e. if you are sitting, stand up. If you are standing, sit down).  Point toes upward while pressing down on kneecap.  Use a heating pad or hot water bottle.  Get adequate potassium (i.e. orange juice, bananas, dark green veggies)  Extra Strength Tylenol can help overall body aches – 2 tablets every 4 hours as needed. Increased Secretions (mucous in nose/throat/mouth)  Check with your health care provider.  Lie on your left side for thirty minutes 3-4 times a day.  Increase water intake, decrease carbonated beverages and salt.  Eat three servings of protein daily.  Call your health care provider to inform them of the fluid retention. They may want to see  Brush gently with a soft toothbrush twice a day and floss daily.  Drink orange juice and eat foods high in vitamin C.  Change your position and your activity. If it is true labor, the cramping will not stop.  You may feel true contractions more in your back.  BRATT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, tea, and toast.  Increase water to avoid dehydration.  Over-the-counter Imodium AD – use as directed.  If Imodium does not work, Lomotil can be prescribed.

Source: http://www.mabelwadsworth.org/UserFiles/File/Common%20Complaints%20and%20Problems%20of%20Pregnancy%20FINAL.pdf