Common Disorders during pregnancy Flashcards

1
Q

Why does vomiting and nausea occur?

A

increased levels of hCG, oestrogen and progesterone

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2
Q

How is nausea and vomiting managed?

A
  • maintain blood sugar/hydration
  • drink water
  • eat little and often
  • spontaneous resolution typically by 16-20 weeks
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3
Q

What are the non-pharmacological treatments for nausea and vomiting?

A
  • ginger

- acupressure

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4
Q

What is the pharmacological treatments for nausea and vomiting?

A

antihistamines

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5
Q

Why does constipation occur?

A
  • 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
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6
Q

What is the management for constipation?

A
  • discuss diet and water intake
  • increase fibre intake - wheat, bran fibre etc
  • ensure hydration
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7
Q

Why do haemorrhoids occur?

A
  • constipation
  • increased blood flow
  • reduced venous return
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8
Q

What is the management for haemorrhoids?

A
  • diet modification

- haemorrhoid cream - pharmacy

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9
Q

Why does heartburn occur?

A
  • 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
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10
Q

What is the management for heartburn?

A
  • lifestyle and diet modification - small, frequent meals, don’t eat and drink too late, sleep semi-recumbent
  • antacids if symptoms persist
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11
Q

Why do varicose veins occur?

A
  • 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
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12
Q

What is the management for varicose veins?

A
  • inform women they are not harmful

- compression stockings can improve symptoms but will not prevent

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13
Q

Why does backache occur?

A
  • 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
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14
Q

What is the management for backache?

A
  • exercise in water
  • massage
  • heatpads
  • back care classes/exercises
  • pelvic girdle belts
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15
Q

Why does vaginal discharge (leucorrhoea) occur?

A
  • increased blood flow to vagina - venous engorgement

- increased cervical mucus production and vaginal discharge

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16
Q

What is the management for leucorrhoea?

A
  • inform women about increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy
  • reassure of normality if smell is offensive, normal consistency/colour (thick/white)
17
Q

What is gingivitis and why does it occur?

A
  • inflammation of gingivae (gums). A mild form of gum disease resulting in redness, swelling and soreness.
  • gum health tends to worsen during pregnancy
  • bleeding gums due to plaque build up on the teeth
  • increased vascularity
18
Q

What is the management for gingivitis?

A
  • good oral care advice
  • free treatment antenatally
  • check fears and phobias