Common Pregnancy Problems and Their Solutions

Inadequate Weight Gain

Exercising and not eat enough-add food and calories
Nausea and vomiting
Afraid to gain weight-talk to eating disorders specialist
Increase to the maximum the servings of foods from the Food Guide Pyramid
To increase calories: eat foods with more fat, eat small meals more frequently, drink high calories, nutritious beverages such as yogurt, smoothies, milkshakes, juice drinks, eat sweats and high-calorie dessert once all your requirements for nutritious foods are met
Have your diet analyzed to determine what you may be missing if you are unable to increase your food intake
Keep food or beverages nearby to eat or drink throughout the day
Set a timer to remind yourself to eat

Heartburn

Eat 4-6 times a day instead of 3 meals a day
Avoid getting too full
Drink liquids between meals if you feel too full
Avoid greasy, highly seasoned food, coffee, cigarettes
Wear clothing that is loose around the waist
Do not lie down immediately after a meal
Sleep and rest with you head slightly elevated
Sip water, milk or juice when you have heartburn
Take a walk, sit up or sit quietly and breathe deeply when you have heartburn discomfort
Use antacids that don't contain aluminum

Constipation

Eat high fiber foods: fruits, vegetables, whole grain, dried peas and beans, nuts
Eat oatmeal, applesauce, legumes and barley to soften the stool
Drink plenty of water-six 8 oz glasses per day
Exercise daily to stimulate your intestines
Iron supplements can cause constipation. Determine if you can decrease your dose. If not, take prune juice
Use bulk-producing laxatives such as Metamucil or Fibercon, as they are not absorbed into the body
Raise your feet on a stool during bowel movements to reduce straining
Stool softeners such as Colace or Surfak are allowed.

Leg Cramps

Eat foods high in calcium: milk, yogurt, cheese pudding, sardines, canned salmon, tofu, almonds, baked beans, tortillas treated with lime, broccoli, amaranth
Eat foods high in magnesium: avocado, beans (garbanzo, kidney, navy, pinto, soy), broccoli, greens bran or whole wheat cereal, peanuts, peanut butter, tofu, whole wheat muffins, sesame butter (tahini) and lima beans
Avoid excess phosphate in animal products such as meat and milk and in carbonated beverages (soda) and processed foods
Supplement calcium (600 mg) and magnesium (320 mg) if diet is inadequate
Do not use calcium phosphate as a supplement


Center for Women's Health Promote Your Page Too