4 – REPRODUCTION QUESTIONS WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS
How to Overcome the Nausea and Vomiting - Patient Teaching
• Eat dry crackers or toast before arising in the morning; then get
out of bed slowly
• Eat small amounts of carbohydrate and protein foods every 2
to 3 hours and a total of 5 or 6 small meals
• Drink fluids separately from meals. Try small amounts of ice
chips, water, and clear liquids like gelatin or Popsicles. Avoid
coffee
• Avoid fried, greasy, fatty, or spicy foods or those with strong
odors. Instead try bland foods, which may be more easily
tolerated
• Try foods containing ginger or peppermint, or combine salty
and tart foods like potato chips and lemonade
• Increase protein intake and eat a protein snack before bedtime
• Take prenatal vitamins at bedtime because they may increase
nausea if taken in the morning
,• Rest more frequently and take naps, if possible
• Use an acupressure band that applies pressure over a point
approximately three fingerbreadths above the wrist crease on the
inner arm
• Ask your healthcare provider if vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) would
be helpful
• Check with your primary caregiver before taking any herbal
remedies
• Notify your healthcare provider for severe nausea and
vomiting or signs of dehydration (dry, cracked lips; elevated
pulse; fever; concentrated urine)
Heartburn
Heartburn is described as an acute burning sensation in the
epigastric and sternal regions
It occurs in 70% of pregnant women when reverse peristaltic
waves cause regurgitation of acidic stomach contents into the
esophagus
The underlying causes are diminished gastric motility,
displacement and compression of the stomach by the enlarging
uterus, and relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter
Improper diet and nervous tension may be precipitating factors
,How to Overcome the Heartburn - Patient Teaching
• Eat small meals every 2 to 3 hours, and avoid fatty, acidic, or
spicy foods
• Eliminate or curtail smoking and drinking coffee and
carbonated beverages, which stimulate acid formation in the
stomach
• Try chewing gum
• Take a tablespoon of cream before meals if heartburn is not
already present
• Do not eat or drink just before bedtime, and sleep with an extra
pillow
• Walk or sit upright for 1 to 2 hours after meals to reduce reflux
and relieve symptoms
• Avoid bending over
• Wear loose-fitting clothes
• Take deep breaths and sip water to help relieve the burning
sensation
• Use only antacids suggested by your care provider, but avoid
those that are high in sodium (Alka-Seltzer, baking soda), which
, cause fluid retention. Antacids high in calcium (Tums, Alka-
Mints) provide relief but may cause rebound hyperacidity.
Liquid antacids may be more effective
Backache
Backache is a common complaint during the third trimester
It is caused by the lordosis, relaxed ligaments, and muscle strain
associated with pregnancy
A primary focus is to prevent backache by teaching correct
posture and body mechanics
How to Overcome the Backaches - Patient Teaching
• Maintain correct posture: head up, shoulders back
• Do not gain excess weight
• Avoid high-heeled shoes because they increase lordosis
• To pick up objects, squat rather than bend at the waist
• Do not lift heavy objects
• When sitting, use foot supports, arm rests, and pillows behind
the back
• Perform exercises such as tailor sitting, shoulder circling, and
pelvic rocking, which strengthen the back and prepare for labor