Microsoft word - common concerns.doc

In general, getting more rest & sleep, and drinking more fluids will help tremendously. If you are past 12 weeks & are having any of the following symptoms, you may sparingly take the recommended For nasal congestion: Sudafed, Chlortrimetron, Tavist (low drowsiness), & Benadryl (helps sleep). Also try a saline nasal For headaches & Fever: Tylenol or Tylenol Extra Strength - no aspirin or ibuprofen. Call us if you have a persistent fever over For bad cough: Robitussin DM cough syrup For sore throat: Over the counter throat lozenges that do not have menthol listed as an ingredient. Also try gargling with salt They are common in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. You may take Tylenol (plain), if needed. Try cold and hot compresses to the forehead & rest. You may use Tylenol Extra Strength, if necessary. If you have a cold or congestion, and then develop green nasal drainage, facial pain, severe headaches, fever and/or ear pain, call us You should increase liquids, and get more rest and sleep. Tylenol for aches, fever, and headaches. Call us if your temperature is over 101 degrees. Also a light liquid diet is helpful. If symptoms persist for more than 2 days, call our office. You may try Imodium anti-diarrheal medication after the first trimester. Increase fluids for a few days to replace what has been lost. Try clear liquids for 24 hours. Call the office if the diarrhea is persistent (IE: lasts more than 3 days). It is important to maintain good oral health. Pregnancy is an especially vulnerable time for your teeth and gums. Non-emergency procedures are best performed in the second trimester. Major work that can be postponed should be. Emergencies can be treated anytime. Ask us several weeks before your trip at your appointment. If there are no pregnancy related problems, travel is generally tolerated well until 6 weeks before your due date. During long sitting spells, get up to walk around at least every 1-2 hours to aid in circulation. Continue Can be common in pregnancy. Apply pressure at mid-nose for up to 15 minutes. Apply a tiny dab of Vaseline inside your nose after the bleeding has stopped. If bleeding is profuse or persistent, call our You may try Tums, Maalox, Mylanta, Gaviscon, Prilosec OTC, or Zantac OTC. Use these as directed on the label. Try sleeping with your upper body elevated. Avoid greasy, fatty, or spicy foods. Eat Your blood pressure, weight, and urine will be checked during your appointments. Also, your uterus and baby will be checked. Vaginal exams may be necessary during your pregnancy. It is common to have slight vaginal bleeding after a vaginal exam. This will subside by the Lift nothing that causes pain or that is over 40 pounds. Try the following suggestions: • Eat small, frequent meals every 1-2 hours • Eat very light foods, avoiding greasy, fatty, or spicy foods that may • Eat high protein snacks (cheese, eggs, etc.) before bedtime • Try taking your prenatal vitamins later in the day, or in the • Try taking vitamin B-6 (25mg) in the morning and evening • Get additional rest and relaxation Call the office if you are losing the majority of what you are eating and drinking. Also, call us if dizziness, lightheadedness, or extreme weakness Call our office if this is the first time this has occurred, or if we have instructed you to keep us informed. You should spend most of your time reclining or lying down while this is occurring. Also, have no intercourse during this time and drink plenty of water. If you are told to rest, this means that you should be lying down 50-55 During this time, your ligaments are stretching as the uterus grows in size. This can feel like a pulled muscle in either or both groin areas. More rest and mild heat may help. Usually, the pain is intermittent and lasts no more than a few minutes per episode. You will usually feel your baby’s movements by 20 weeks. You might not feel the baby move every day during this part of your pregnancy. Call the office if you experience the following: Uterine contractions – more than 5 per hour, with or without diarrhea or low backache. Rest and plenty of fluids help in Can occur anytime during pregnancy. Avoid constipation. You may use Anusol ointment 2-3 times per day, if needed. Witch hazel pads This is a thick, brownish or pinkish discharge from the vagina that commonly occurs from 2 weeks before the birth, until just before the birth. It may or may not be associated with the onset of labor. Inform your caregiver at your next appointment. Be aware of daily movement, especially in the third trimester. You should check movement 1-2 times a day. When monitoring movement you should experience at least 4 kicks in the hour. Especially, after a meal or when going to bed. If you perceive a decrease, lie down, count movements and if necessary stimulate the senses of baby (IE: drink juice, make some noise, run a hair dryer near abdomen or touch flashlight to abdomen in a dark room) If unable to stimulate baby If you are close to your due date and not sure whether or not you are in labor, • Walking, changing activity or position or taking a relaxing bath make you more comfortable or make your contractions • Time your contractions. If irregularly spaced and lasting 30 seconds or less, you are probably not in labor, or are in very early labor. A change in the strength or intensity may be more important than the timing in deciding when to go to the hospital. Avoid tub baths, intercourse, or swimming if your bag of water breaks. In general, when contractions get stronger, are 5-6 minutes apart for more than 1 hour and last 30 – 60 seconds, you are probably in labor and need to go to the hospital. If you have any doubts as to when to go, call our office. Also, if your bag of water breaks, you should go to the hospital.

Source: http://www.hcfwcda.com/Health-Care-For-Women/pdf/commonconcerns.pdf