THE A TO Z OF PREGNANCY COMPLAINTS
Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is usually confined to the first three months , but may occur at any time during your pregnancy . For most women , the nausea is mild and usually does not require treatment with medications . In rare cases nausea and vomiting may be severe enough to cause hospitalization . The cause of pregnancyinduced nausea is unknown . Low blood sugar , excessive heartburn , or overeating can lead to nausea . Emotional issues may be a contributing factor in more severe cases .
TREATMENT : Try nibbling on crackers or toast in the morning , even before you get out of bed . Eating small but frequent meals throughout the day will help . Eat slowly and avoid spicy foods . Unisom and Vitamin B6 and / or Emetrol , a solution containing the natural sugars fructose and glucose , are over-the-counter products that may help relieve your nausea . Continue to consume plenty of fluids . In more severe cases , your doctor may recommend stronger anti-nausea medications that are available only by prescription .
Nosebleeds
Due to increased vascularity of pregnancy , nosebleeds may occur during pregnancy in periods of dry weather .
TREATMENT : A thin coating of Vaseline in each nostril , a humidifier , or use of over-the-counter saline nasal spray once or twice daily will usually prevent bleeding .
Numbness
Many women experience numbness and tingling in the fingers during the latter weeks of pregnancy . This is usually due to swelling or a pregnancy-associated form of carpal tunnel syndrome , which is caused by constriction of the supportive tissues in the wrists .
TREATMENT : Elevate your hands to decrease swelling . If the condition becomes more serious , your doctor may prescribe a wrist splint to ease the swelling . uabmedicine . org 65