Comparative Study between Primigravida and Multigravida Regarding Women's Self-Care Practices for Management of Selected Minor Discomforts

Self-care means a person’s ability to undertake self-care requisites or needs for preserving health and well-being. During pregnancy, the rapidly rising hormones change the maternal body and may cause some symptoms in the mother called as minor disorders. Aim of this study was to compare between primigravida and multigravida regarding women’s self-care practices for management of selected minor discomfort. Research Design for this study was correlational descriptive. Setting of this study was conducted in the keebly MCH at Menofya governorate in Egypt. Subjects and methods: convenient sample was used to collect data in a period of six months, two days / week (Monday and Wednesday) and started from March 2016, until August 2016, and the total number was 300 pregnant women for three trimesters (90 primigravida and 210 multigravida), two tools for data collection was structured first; interviewing questionnaire sheet, and second; minor discomforts assessment sheet. Results of the study revealed that (33.3%) of the primigavida had moderate education compared to (21.4%) among multigravida. Less than half of the primigravida (42.9%) attempts to manage nausea and vomiting by avoid food smelling compared to (26.3%) among multigravida. Additionally, more than half of both groups (55.3%primi, 54.1% multi) avoid fried, spicy, and fatty food as a one method to manage their heartburn. Relatively two thirds (65.5%) of the primigravida avoid standing for long time for managing back pain compared to (46.1 %) among multigravida. Conclusion: There was no significant difference between primigravida and multigravida women’s self-care practices for management of (constipation, heartburn, backache, and leucorrhea). Recommendations: Establishing educational program for all pregnant women’s about minor discomforts & its correct self-care practices intended for increasing their knowledge.