16h. Fertility - Pregnancy Conditions Flashcards
What is morning sickness characterised by?
Nausea
Vomiting
Aversions to certain foods
Metallic taste in mouth
Hunger when nauseous
Relief from nausea by eating
Contributing factors to morning sickness
Rising hCG levels (human chorionic gonadotropin)
High oestrogen
Enhanced sense of smell
Poor nutritional status/blood sugar control
Ways to alleviate morning sickness
Take supplements with food
Stay hydrated
Ginger tea
Eat smaller, frequent meals
B6 - 3x day (for 4 days)
Acupressure at P6 point on wrist
What is pre-eclampsia?
Pregnancy-induced hypertension
Protein in urine
Oedema
Risk factors for pre-eclampsia
Advanced maternal age
First pregnancy
Twin pregnancy
FH
Hypertension
BMI>35
Symptoms of pre-eclampsia
Water retention
Severe headaches
Vision problems
Pain below ribs
Orthodox treatment for pre-eclampsia
Give birth 37-38 weeks
Complications of pre-eclampsia
Poor foetal growth
Stroke
Liver/blood clotting disorder
Nutrients to support pre-eclampsia
Ca
Mg
Zn
Vit D
O3
CoQ10
Dosage of Ca to support pre-eclampsia
2g/day
(2nd/3rd trimester)
Dosage of CoQ10 to support pre-eclampsia
200mg/day
(from wk 20)
Dosage of Mg to support pre-eclampsia
500-750mg/day
(reduce in 3rd trimester)
How can gestational diabetes occur?
When pregnancy hormone make the body insulin resistant
What does gestational diabetes increase the risk of?
Mother/baby developing diabetes
Larger birth weight
Caesarean birth
Neonatal hypoglycaemia
Risk factors for gestational diabetes
FH diabetes
Obesity
FH of large birth weight
Recommendations for gestational diabetes
Low GI diet
Daily exercise (walk after meals)
Cr picolinate (4-8mcg)
Why can heartburn occur during pregnancy?
Hormonal changes allow the muscles in the oesophagus to relax more frequently
Reduced space of enlarging uterus/baby
Heartburn trigger foods to avoid
Spicy food
Chocolate
Caffeine
Tomatoes
Recommendations for reducing heartburn during pregnancy
Pasteurised apple cider vinegar
Raise head off bed
Sleep on left side
Osteopathy to release diaphragm
Why can constipation occur during pregnancy?
Enlarged uterus/baby reducing digestive organ space
Increase in progesterone relaxes intestinal muscles
Recommendations for reducing constipation in pregnancy
Hydration
Increase fibre-rich foods
Ground flax in water
Mg citrate
What should be avoided during pregnancy to relieve constipation?
Aloe vera
(contains anthraquinones which can cause uterine contractions)