Discomforts of Pregnancy

Non-pharmacological remedies for the discomforts of pregnancy:

Heartburn:

• identify offending foods and avoid them
• engage in moderate physical activity
• eat apples, toast, papaya, or yogurt
• try eating smaller meals and eat slowly
• avoid soda and other carbonated beverages
• take a walk after meals

Gas:

• identify offending foods and avoid them
• lie down and do abdominal breathing
• do pelvic rocks
• avoid soda and other carbonated beverages

Bleeding Gums:

• this may be caused by increased circulation during pregnancy (other mucus membranes may also be sensitive, bleeding or running nose for instance).
• have teeth cleaned by your dentist
• increase vitamin C (oranges and citrus fruits)

Varicose Veins:

• improve circulation by walking or other exercise
• avoid standing for long periods of time
• tailor sit
• change positions often
• elevate legs
  
• do pelvic rocks
• lie on left side
• do ankle circles (do not point toes, this can cause leg cramps)

Leg Cramps:

• pelvic rocks
• squat
• sleep with legs slightly elevated
• avoid pointing toes or stretching too hard
• salt food to taste (be sure salt intake is adequate
• eat foods high in calcium
• to stop a leg cramp, point heel or stand on the affected leg
• be sure you are eating nutritiously
• get some light exercise

Hemorrhoids:

• improve circulation
• get more exercise, like walking
  
• avoid constipation
• pelvic rocks
• put feet up on a small stool while on the toilet for a bowel movement
• sitz baths
• Kegel exercise
• increase fluids

Fatigue:

• this is normal during pregnancy, but could be a sign of anemia or dehydration
• get more rest
• take a nap
• alleviate stress
• cut back on working hours if possible
• cut back on activities
• maintain good nutrition
• increase fluids in diet

Constipation:

• eat a variety of fresh or dried fruits
• drink lots of water
• eat foods high in fiber
• daily exercise
• avoid taking laxatives or straining during a bowel movement
• put feet up on a low stool during a bowel movement

Backache:

• be aware of good posture
• pelvic rock
• stand only for short periods of time
• increase calcium in diet
• walk
• take a warm bath

Weight gain:

• eat a well balanced diet, with plenty of protein
• avoid junk food
• get daily exercise

Dr. Sears

The following is from The Birth Book by Dr. William Sears

"Pain is not intrinsic to normal labor-sensation is. Labor involves many new sensations for the first-time mother, but no woman should have to suffer while giving birth....To aim for a childbirth free of all discomfort is unrealistic. But to preplan an anesthetized birth for fear of pain may rob you of a valuable experience and wonderful birth memories."

Recommended Reading

Husband Coached Childbirth -Dr. Robert Bradley
Natural Childbirth, the Bradley Way -Susan McCutcheon
The Assistant Coach's Manual -Hathaway and Bek
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding -La Leche League
The Birth Book -Dr. Sears

Thomas A. Edison

"The doctor of the future will give no drugs but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of human disease." Thomas A. Edison

The 12 classes in the Bradley (R) series include: Nutrition, Exercise, Pregnancy, Relaxation techniques, Birth plans, The stages of labor, Preparing for the unexpected and C-sections, Breastfeeding, and Infant care.

The series of classes is taught over 12 weeks to give you and your partner plenty of time to prepare for your birth. Learning good nutrition, practicing the exercises and relaxation techniques takes time.