N13 - Maternal and Child Nursing 2nd Semester AY 2021-2022

Pregnancy Discomfort

Own Management

Proper Management

Pressure to Diaphragm – the client felt discomfort as the pressure made it harder for her to breathe

Sit up straight

Proper posture

The client made use of appropriate management methods of changing position and posture to allow the lungs more room to expand. The pressure is due to the size of the growing fetus pushing onto the diaphragm which constricts lung expansion. Additional management methods also include sleeping on an incline to reduce pressure on the lungs, be calm, and perform breathing exercises.

Hyperemesis Gravitarum/Vomiting

Eat fruits

The patient should be advised to rest and eat small, frequent meals that are high in carbohydrates and low in fat. The client mentioned eating fruits such as mangoes which are high in carbohydrates and low in fat. To add to this, the client should avoid foods or smells that trigger the symptoms, and if these do not work sufficiently as remedy, the client should consult one's doctor.

Ankle Edema

Raise leg whenever possible

Watch diet

Pressure on the veins and inferior vena cava slows the return of blood from the pregnant mother's legs, causing it to pool in the ankles. Wearing songs can help add pressure and aid venous return, as well as exercise which stimulate muscle contraction. Drinking more water also helps. The client mentioned that they prop up their feet and watch their diet, both of which help to further reduce swelling in ankle edema.

Leg Cramps during night or early morning

Wait for the cramps to go away

The client answered that they simply wait for the cramps to go away, which would certainly work but there are also other ways to reduce occurrences of leg cramps, such as regular exercise, calf stretches, leg massages, and use of compression socks, all of which put pressure on the legs and allow for contractions to occur, promoting rest in the muscles afterwards.

Pregnancy Myth

Truth

Pica/Paglilihi – Craving of certain foods during pregnancy affect the child’s characteristics when they are born.

There may be some connection between the child’s characteristics and paglilihi, but it should be known that nutrition should be the focus especially during the first trimester. Appropriate and adequate nutrition will significantly improve the infant’s development at this very crucial stage. There are believed effects of certain actions influencing the child, such as playing music as the infant can hear outside the womb once developed enough.