BREAST TENDERNESS: Wear a good support bra. The tenderness will decrease as your pregnancy progresses.
SWELLING: A certain amount of swelling is normal during pregnancy. It happens most often in the feet and legs and usually appears in the last few months. It may happen more often in the warmer weather. Because swelling in the hands and face may mean there is another problem, let your physician or nurse practitioner know.
Put your legs up whenever possible.
Rest, preferably on your left side, as much as possible.
Increase your intake of water (8 to 10 glasses a day
Reduce your amount of salt.
Never take medication such as diuretics (fluid pills0 for the swelling – unless prescribed by your physician or nurse practitioner.
Wear support hose.
VAGINAL DISCHARGE: Increased vaginal discharge is normal in pregnancy. If it becomes itchy or foul smelling, please let your physician or nurse practitioner know.
CRAMPING: A certain amount of cramping in pregnancy is normal, especially the first twelve weeks. Unless you have bleeding or fluid leakage along with the cramping, there is usually no need to be alarmed. If you do start cramping, drink several large glasses of water and lie on your left side. If the cramping does not subside in one hour, call the office.
EXPOSURE TO SUN (SUNBATHING/USE OF TANNING BOOTH): Sunbathing or use of tanning booth increases the risk for skin cancer – especially MELANOMA. If you must tan, be sure to use sunscreens that provide high protection against both UVA and UVB. Also, you should be aware that pregnant women are more likely to burn that non-pregnant women. Remember to use a suntan lotion with sunscreen preparation of SPF 30 or more. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
LEG CRAMPS: Leg cramps are fairly common during pregnancy because of the added fluids and weight on your body. To relieve pain during a cramp, stretch your leg and flex your foot, pointing or pulling your toes upward. Massaging the area is helpful, as is applying heat or a cold pack that will help relax the muscle. To prevent crams, stretch before and after you exercise and before going to bed. Be sure to eat a health and balance diet that is rich in potassium and calcium, the minerals that are most frequently deficient when leg cramping occurs. Ask your doctor if you should take a vitamin or mineral supplement to ensure that you are getting enough in your diet. Drink at least six to eight glasses of water each day and sleep on you side with a pillow between your knees to keep nerves from being pinched.
