Nausea and Vomiting
Approximately 50% of women experience nausea and vomiting during pregnancy
however this does not mean it is normal and you just have to live with it. It can be
aggravated by low blood sugar and lack of Vitamin B6 as well as fatigue and
emotional disturbances. There are a number of things you can do to help…
• Rise slowly from bed
• Eat smaller more frequent meals
• Acupressure bracelets
• Consume carbohydrates such as dry crackers. Keep by bedside for the
morning
• Not go >12 hours between meals
• Take a walk in fresh air
• Drink peppermint tea
• Avoid bothersome smells (fish, meat)
• Avoid fried foods
• Drink fluids between meals rather than with meals
• Eat high protein meals as preventative to avoid hypoglycaemia
• Sit upright following meals
• Eat foods low in fat
• No medications, especially antihistamines. Speak to OB regarding
hyperemesis gravidarum (extreme / continuous vomiting) as you may develop
electrolyte and fluid imbalance
• It should have dissipated by 4th month even without any treatment
• See your Chiropractor!!! In most cases a simple spinal adjustment can
significantly reduce or totally resolve both nausea and vomiting during
pregnancy.
Breast Tenderness
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A well fitting bra is of utmost importance with a maternity bra being the best
option
See a Chiropractor to prevent spinal complaints and rib pain
A bra with wide straps
Usually 2 sizes larger than non pregnant size
Breast care is important, daily cleaning due to colostrum secretions, clean to
avoid infection
Only use warm water - avoid soaps and alcohol as they will strip away
protective oils and make the breasts prone to damage
Avoid excessive nipple stimulation as this can promote contractions
Let your Chiropractor know if you are uncomfortable at any time while being
adjusted as there are ways to avoid or at best limit any discomfort
No lace type bras, can damage nipples
Wide back strap reduces diaphragm restriction.
Cravings & Aversions
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In most cases, they are the result of your body being deficient in vitamins,
minerals or carbohydrates
Pregnancy commonly amplifies a deficiency in iron, calcium or protein
Iron supplementation or intake of foods rich in iron and Vitamin C often helps.
Fatigue
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Usually occurs in the1st and 3rd trimester
Get enough sleep and rest
Take naps during the day
Exercise regularly
Eat well balanced meals
Take time to rest as the body demands it
Avoid caffeine and amphetamines
Prevent hypoglycaemia by eating frequently.
Sleep and Pregnancy
Growth hormone is secreted at its highest level during sleep whereby it is
important not only for the mother but also for the growth of the baby that she gets
plenty of good quality sleep. Women have an increased metabolic rate during
pregnancy and therefore require more sleep than they otherwise would.
• Exercise daily
• Take a warm bath at bedtime
• Drink hot water with lemon or milk at bedtime
• Resist eating a large meal 2-3 hours prior to bedtime
• Use supportive pillows in bed under knees, back, abdomen
• Avoid caffeine
• Read prior to bedtime
• Encourage relaxation and rest
• Do not take over the counter meds for insomnia, consult OB
• Dyspnea (trouble breathing) is common if the mother-to-be is lying flat at
night. It is better that she sleeps on her side, ideally her left side and support
the abdomen with pillows. If she rolls forward enough to rest her top leg on
the bed, the weight of the foetus will be on the bed and optimal circulation to
the foetus and her lower limbs will be allowed
• If the mother-to-be has been lying on her back, beware of decreased blood in
circulation due to the pressure of the foetus on the blood supply to the entire
lower body. This can cause problems such as dizziness when she goes to
move – have her sit up then stay there for a while before continuing to the
standing position.
Lower Back Pain
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There is a natural change in a pregnant woman’s centre of gravity resulting in
an increased lumbar curve and often an increased compensatory thoracic curve
The female body is “built” to carry a baby and these changes are meant to
occur whereby low back pain is not something to be shrugged off as a “normal
complication of pregnancy”
Wear good supportive shoes and a supportive girdle may help
Exercise is a must: walking, swimming, stretching
Chiropractic
Massage
Acupuncture
Oedema / generalised swelling / Fluid
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Eat high protein meals
Avoid salty foods
Avoid standing for long periods
Avoid tight clothing
Rest and elevate legs for 20 minutes 3x’s per day or lie on your left side
Sit in a warm tub for 20-30 minutes
Wear support hose
Lemon and water to help kidneys function optimally to remove excess fluid
and to help liver function optimally and produce proteins as necessary
Don’t use diuretics
Let your Chiropractor know! There are some adjustments we can perform
that help your kidneys and others that help blood flow to the lower limbs. A
number of midwives who have had a bit to do with Gonstead Chiropractors
suggest we can probably even help in cases of pre-eclampsia although this
should also be monitored by your obstetrician.
Breathlessness/Dyspnea
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A baby pushing up on your diaphragm and moving around your abdominal
contents can put pressure on your diaphragm making it difficult to get a good
breath in when you are lying down or exerting yourself.
Sleeping on stacked up pillows at night can help to keep weight off the
diaphragm
This can also be managed with Chiropractic adjustments in many cases as
they allow for full movement of the ribcage.
Digestion, Heartburn and Gastric Motility
Motility in the gastrointestinal tract is decreased to allow for greater absorption of
nutrients from food as it passes through, however this can cause problems for
some pregnant women.
• Encourage her to evacuate bowels more frequently
• Increase fibre, vegetables and fruits
• Increase water intake - 8 glasses/day
• Avoid over the counter laxatives, herbal remedies and mineral oil for
constipation as they can bring on contractions
• No enemas
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Quality food, rather than quantity
• Avoid coffee and cigarettes
• Wear loose clothing at waist, and be aware of poor fitting bra
• Sit upright after meals
• Don’t consume large meal close to bedtime
• See your Chiropractor.
Nasal Congestion
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Avoid allergens, smoking, smoke filled rooms
Take a warm shower with steam
Use a vapouriser or humidifier
Drink plenty of fluids
Saline nasal drops
Warm moist towel over sinuses, massage sinuses
Do not use antihistamines
Limit intake of dairy if you are intolerant or suspect you may be.
Leg Cramps
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Elevate legs more frequently during the day to avoid circulation problems or
lay down on your left side
Supplement with calcium
Avoid soft drinks and caffeine
Warm bath at night
Slow stretching of calf muscles in bed
Pubic Pain, Abdominal Discomfort and Groin Pain
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Ligaments can pull as the uterus is expanding. This can result in lower
abdominal pain or groin pain. See your Chiropractor or a Massage Therapist
with specific qualifications in pregnancy massage for relief of this tension. It
is also advisable to avoid twisting movements as much as possible
Pubic pain can be helped with Chiropractic, however it is a tough one to fix
entirely
Avoid lunging and twisting movements
Alternate heat and ice packs.
Shoes & Clothing
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Shoes must be comfortable and well fitting
NO HEELS as this will increase your low back curve and cause back pain
Good arch support is favourable
Non constricting clothing
No belts, garters, tight pants, knee high stockings
No pantyhose or tightly fitting clothes over the perineum.