This advice is not a substitute for any instructions your doctor has previously given you in the office. This is routine pregnancy advice, in normal low risk pregnancies.
Nausea
Nausea is caused by hormone changes with increased stomach acid in the pregnant woman. Usually 50-75% of pregnant women experience nausea anytime during the day, but usually the symptoms resolve after 12 weeks. You may find relief by taking Vitamin B6- 100mg twice daily, using “Seabands” or eating candied ginger.
To help reduce your nausea:
- Avoid empty or overloaded stomach.
- Eat small, frequent meals.
- Avoid greasy, fried, rich or spicy foods.
- Keep crackers, popcorn, or dry cereal at the bedside. Eat something when you first wake, but before you get out of bed. This starts the digestive process that will remove excess stomach acid and relieve nausea.
- Have your breakfast after the nausea subsides.
- Get up slowly- sudden movements can aggravate nausea.
- Eat a high protein snack before bedtime.
- Limit coffee. Coffee stimulates stomach acid secretion.
- Stop smoking. Smoking increases the secretion of stomach acids.
Heartburn / Indigestion
Heartburn and indigestion are caused by increased stomach acid and pressure of the uterus on the stomach.
To help reduce these symptoms:
- Bland diet
- Frequent small meals
- Antacids
Constipation and Gas
Constipation and Gas is caused by pressure from the uterus on the bowel and less room for proper digestion.
Medication you can take:
- Constipation- Citrucel, Senokot, Metamucil, Colace, Milk of Magnesia, or Miralax
- Indigestion- Antacids, such as Mylanta, Gaviscon, Tums, or Maalox;
- After the first trimester- Zantac or Pepcid over the counter.
To help reduce these symptoms:
- Exercise, such as walking- 30 minutes daily.
- Increase fiber in the diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Increase water intake.
- Avoid salt intake.
