Common Disorders during pregnancy Flashcards
Why does vomiting and nausea occur?
increased levels of hCG, oestrogen and progesterone
How is nausea and vomiting managed?
- maintain blood sugar/hydration
- drink water
- eat little and often
- spontaneous resolution typically by 16-20 weeks
What are the non-pharmacological treatments for nausea and vomiting?
- ginger
- acupressure
What is the pharmacological treatments for nausea and vomiting?
antihistamines
Why does constipation occur?
- dehydration
- poor diet, lack of fibre
- increased progesterone
- pressure of gravid uterus decreases mobility of small intestine
- increased transit time of food, higher water absorption = hard stools
What is the management for constipation?
- discuss diet and water intake
- increase fibre intake - wheat, bran fibre etc
- ensure hydration
Why do haemorrhoids occur?
- constipation
- increased blood flow
- reduced venous return
What is the management for haemorrhoids?
- diet modification
- haemorrhoid cream - pharmacy
Why does heartburn occur?
- lower oesophageal sphincter displaced into intrathoracic cavity with enlarging uterus increasing abdominal pressure
- relaxing effects of progesterone decreased gastrointestinal transit
- reflux of acidic gastric contents to oesophagus
What is the management for heartburn?
- lifestyle and diet modification - small, frequent meals, don’t eat and drink too late, sleep semi-recumbent
- antacids if symptoms persist
Why do varicose veins occur?
- effects of progesterone and relaxin on smooth muscle of vein walls
- reduced venous return and increased venous pressure
- increased blood flow to lower body regions
What is the management for varicose veins?
- inform women they are not harmful
- compression stockings can improve symptoms but will not prevent
Why does backache occur?
- changes in load and body mechanics
- stretched abdominal muscles
- lower back supports body weight
- progesterone and oestrogen increase joint mobility
- effects of relaxin result in pelvic laxity
What is the management for backache?
- exercise in water
- massage
- heatpads
- back care classes/exercises
- pelvic girdle belts
Why does vaginal discharge (leucorrhoea) occur?
- increased blood flow to vagina - venous engorgement
- increased cervical mucus production and vaginal discharge