Application of Evidence Based Measures for Alleviating Minor Discomforts during 1st Trimester of Pregnancy

Abstract

Background: Management of various discomforts require unique observations and knowledge of variety of treatment options. The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of application evidence-based measures on alleviating minor discomforts during 1st trimester of pregnancy. A quasi- experimental design was used. The study was conducted at the Antenatal clinics at Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital. A Purposive sample of one hundred and three pregnant women were included in the study, all women were received the intervention. Data were collected through using three tools (A structured interviewing questionnaire, pregnancy symptoms inventory (PSI)& Weekly follow up sheet). In addition to Arabic Evidence based guide for alleviating minor discomforts during 1st trimester of pregnancy. The main results of the study were the following: All pregnant women that suffered from the current discomforts (nausea and vomiting, heartburn, and constipation) followed the evidence-based guide which designed by the researcher that involved instructions related to lifestyle modification besides, one of the following were used: herbal therapy, acupressure, and aromatherapy. Additionally, the present study demonstrates that there is highly significant difference between responses rate at before and after the intervention related to (nausea &vomiting, heartburn, and constipation). This significance in women response rate led to positive effect in decreasing frequency of current discomforts (nausea& vomiting, heartburn, and constipation) at before and after intervention. The current study concluded that evidence-based guide had a positive effect on alleviating minor discomforts during 1st trimester of pregnancy. The following is recommended: Inclusion of leaflet or booklet about evidence-based measures for alleviating minor discomforts during pregnancy as a hospital protocol for guiding nurses in application.