Common symptoms of discomfort during pregnancy and care
It is common for pregnant women to experience discomfort during pregnancy, but not every pregnant woman has to experience all the discomfort, and the symptoms that occur during pregnancy vary from one pregnancy to another, and the degree to which individuals feel them varies. When the symptoms are not severe, the pregnant woman can rest so that the symptoms can be relieved, and various preventive measures can be taken to avoid the occurrence of symptoms.
1. Nausea and vomiting
It is the most common discomfort in the first two months of pregnancy, about 50% of pregnant women have different degrees of nausea, 1/3 of pregnant women have vomiting phenomenon, generally vomiting lighter does not require special treatment, but should understand their mental state, give more spiritual encouragement, do a good job of explaining, guide a small number of meals, into the list of favorite diet, avoid seasoning too heavy and give vitamin B1, B2, C, and B6 in regular oral doses, all have some effect. If the vomiting is aggravated and develops into severe vomiting, you should be hospitalized for observation and follow the doctor’s orders, fasting and rehydration.
2. Frequent and urgent urination
Early in pregnancy, due to the pressure of the enlarged uterus on the bladder. When the uterus crosses out of the pelvis at 12 weeks of pregnancy, the symptoms will disappear naturally. In late pregnancy, due to the pelvic bladder being squeezed again by the fetal dew, the phenomenon of frequent urination will recur. Some pregnant women experience urinary overflow when they cough, blow their nose or sneeze. It is necessary to explain to the patient the cause of the symptoms, and as long as urinary tract infection is excluded, frequent and urgent urination is normal. It is not necessary to restrict the fluid intake of pregnant women for this reason, as it may lead to dehydration and affect the normal metabolic process of the muscles. At the same time, pregnant women should be instructed to do anal retraction exercises to train the tone of the pelvic floor muscles to help control urination. Frequent and urgent urination, as well as overflowing urine during pregnancy, disappear naturally after termination of pregnancy. If the symptoms exist, it means that the perineal muscles are excessively relaxed or there is damage to the pelvic floor, which should be further examined and treated.
3. Discomfort in the stomach area
Pregnant women often have symptoms such as acid reflux, warmth and a feeling of pressure in the upper abdomen as a result of pressure on the stomach caused by the enlargement of the uterus. In addition to the weakened gastrointestinal peristalsis during pregnancy, the stomach muscle tension is low, especially the gastric sphincter relaxation, resulting in the backflow of gastric contents to the lower esophagus, the esophageal mucosa is stimulated and produce a burning sensation in the stomach area, if the pregnant woman complains of “heartburn”. If a pregnant woman complains of “heartburn”, lying in bed immediately after a meal, eating too much or consuming too much fat and fried food will aggravate the symptoms of “heartburn”, so it should be avoided. Acid suppressants such as aluminum hydroxide and magnesium trisilicate can be taken, but foods containing sodium bicarbonate (including soda crackers) or medications should be avoided, as the sodium ions contained in them may cause water retention and electrolyte disorders. Pregnant women are instructed to choose the principle of small and frequent meals, which can reduce the volume of stomach contents to relieve symptoms.
4.Flatulence
During pregnancy, due to the reduced activity of the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal gas often accumulates easily causing unpleasant abdominal distension, which does not require special treatment. Measures are to avoid eating foods that cause flatulence, to guide the selection of easily digestible foods, to avoid overfullness, and to meet the needs of the muscles with a small number of meals. Pregnant women are advised to develop the habit of defecation and proper exercise can promote intestinal peristalsis, which has the effect of preventing and reducing bloating. If necessary, you can use laxatives or stool softening drugs as prescribed by the doctor to keep the bowels open, which also helps to reduce symptoms.
5.Constipation
Constipation is caused by the enlarged uterus pushing the small intestine to shift, fluid intake and outdoor activities to reduce the amount of pregnant women intestinal peristalsis slowed. Measures are to eliminate factors contributing to constipation, the importance of eating fresh fruits and vegetables and fiber foods, and the relationship between regular bowel habits and constipation. Encourage moderate daily exercise to help maintain good bowel function. Use stool softeners as prescribed by your doctor if necessary, but do not get into the habit of relying on medication. It is recommended that pregnant women eat more bananas, not only to obtain food satisfaction, but also to prevent constipation
6.Back pain
With the increase in the size of the pregnant uterus, the pregnant woman’s body weight shifts forward, in order to keep the body flat ashen, must take the head and shoulders back, the abdomen protrudes forward, the spine inward curved posture. As a result, the lumbar and back muscles and ligaments become more burdened, causing varying degrees of back pain. In addition, excessive tension, fatigue, bending or lifting heavy objects, compression of the nerves by the pregnant uterus and relaxation of the pelvic joints (especially in late pregnancy) are also causes of low back pain.
In order to prevent or reduce low back pain, the nurse should discuss with the pregnant woman measures to prevent and reduce back pain. Pregnant women should be made aware of the causes of back pain in early pregnancy and be equipped with measures to prevent the onset of symptoms, such as maintaining good posture in daily life and avoiding excessive fatigue; sitting with the back resting on pillows or on the armrest of a reclining chair; and sitting cross-legged will also help prevent back strain.
Pregnant women are also instructed to maintain optimal posture by adjusting the height of the workstation or the position of the pregnant woman. Planned exercise to strengthen the back muscles is also recommended for pregnant women as an effective measure to prevent back pain, such as pelvic oscillation exercise gymnastics 3 times a day to reduce the curvature of the spine and help relieve back pain. When picking up objects, pregnant women should bend their knees instead of bending their backs to keep their spine straight.
7.Vertigo
Many pregnant women have vertigo, especially in crowded places where the air does not flow together. The causes contributing to the symptoms can be.
1.Pregnant women stand for a long time or suddenly change their position and have a state of low blood pressure which leads to vertigo or fatigue.
2. Hyperventilation and vertigo due to excessive excitement or anxiety affecting respiratory function.
3.The dilution of blood during pregnancy causes “physiological anemia” or hypoglycemia.
4.Longer supine position and compression of inferior vena cava by huge uterus may reduce blood return and heart beat output, and low blood pressure may lead to vertigo.
For example, pregnant women are warned to avoid.
1. changing positions too quickly.
2. Prolonged standing.
3. Excessive excitement and mental stress.
4. overexertion, etc. Pregnant women should be instructed to adopt the lateral position, especially the left lateral position, which can not only improve the fetal blood oxygen supply, but also prevent the vertigo caused by supine hypotension syndrome. If the symptoms of vertigo do not work after the above measures or appear frequently, you should contact your doctor to avoid delaying the condition.
8.Muscle spasm of lower limbs
It can occur at any time during pregnancy, but it is common in late pregnancy and more often at night. It is caused by the enlarged uterus pressing on the nerves of the lower limbs, fatigue, cold, unreasonable body posture and imbalance of calcium and phosphorus in the body resulting in excessive stress function of the nervous system, which can all contribute to the attack. Measures are to monitor the food intake of pregnant women for adequate amounts of vitamin D. If calcium deficiency is identified, plan the intake of milk and take calcium supplements as prescribed by the doctor if necessary. Abuse of tablets containing calcium and phosphorus is prohibited to avoid aggravating the imbalance of calcium and phosphorus in the body.
Also discuss with the woman about the pregnant woman and ways to reduce symptoms, such as
(1) Avoid wearing high heels to reduce tension in the leg muscles.
(2) Hot compresses on the affected area, elevation of the lower limbs, and massage of the leg muscles can be effective. When the calf muscle spasm occurs, it can be relieved by immediately stretching the muscle, specifically by having the pregnant woman lie flat on her back, and the nurse and family members hold the pregnant woman’s knee (affected side) and assist in straightening the calf while dorsiflexing the foot, the symptoms can be relieved. It is believed that massaging the calves before bedtime or sleeping with the feet elevated can help prevent the symptoms from occurring.
9, varicose veins
May occur in the lower extremities and occasionally in the vulva. The symptoms are caused by the compression of the pelvic veins by the pregnant uterus, which affects the venous return of the lower limbs. Prolonged work in a standing position and increased intra-abdominal pressure during late pregnancy contribute to the aggravation of symptoms. Taking appropriate nursing measures to improve venous return to the lower extremities can prevent or relieve symptoms by instructing pregnant women with symptoms to increase bed rest, elevate their legs when sitting or standing to promote blood return to the lower extremities, and instruct them to adopt a right-angle position by demonstration, i.e., lying in a flat position with legs straight up at right angles to the body and hips and heels against the wall, several times a day for 2-5 minutes each time. Pregnant women in the late stages of pregnancy often have difficulty with this position and can use an elastic bandage.
More importantly, to prevent the onset of symptoms, the easiest way is to remind pregnant women to.
(1) Elevate the legs as much as possible when sitting.
(2) Avoid standing for too long.
(3) Avoid wearing tight ring socks.
10.Increased tract secretions
During pregnancy, due to the effect of hormones, the metabolism is high and the secretion of vaginal epithelial cells and cervical glands is high, resulting in an increase in vaginal discharge. It is usually milky white and is a normal physiological phenomenon, but it often causes discomfort to pregnant women. For example, if the discharge is yellowish-green or bloody with an unpleasant odor, or if the pregnant woman reports significant irritation and itching of the vulva, the nurse should promptly check the nature of the inflammation and treat it. If the symptoms are physiological, the nurse should discuss with the pregnant woman the reasons for the symptoms and provide her with effective measures, such as bathing regularly and changing underwear frequently to keep the vulva clean and promote comfort. Pregnant women should be advised to avoid nylon underwear and to recommend cotton underwear with good absorbency and soft texture.