DISCOMFORTS IN PREGNANCY

Question 1

➢ Increased levels of HCG
➢ Changes in carbohydrate metabolism
➢ Emotional factors
➢ Fatigue

Answer 1

nausea and vomiting

Question 2

Pressure of uterus on bladder in both first & third Trimesters

Answer 2

urinary frequency

Question 3

➢ Specific causative factors unknown
➢ Hormonal changes – progesterone
➢ May be aggravated by nocturia due to urinary frequency
➢ Increased metabolic rate

Answer 3

fatigue

Question 4

Increased levels of estrogen & progesterone.

Answer 4

breast tenderness

Question 5

Hyperplasia of vaginal mucosa & increased production of mucus by the endocervical glands due to increase in estrogen levels

Answer 5

increased vaginal discharge / leukorrhea

Question 6

elevated estrogen levels

Answer 6

nasal stuffiness and nosebleed / epistaxis

Question 7

increased estrogen levels (skin)

Answer 7

palmar erythema

Question 8

excessive, often bitter salivation

Answer 8

ptyalism

Question 9

pressure of uterus on the ivc, impairing blood return

Answer 9

hypotension

Question 10

circulatory adjustment needed to accommodate her increased blood supply

Answer 10

heart palpitation

Question 11

abdominal pressure

Answer 11

abdominal discomforts

Question 12

• increased progesterone = decreased GI motility
• increasing relaxation of cardiac sphincter
• displacement of stomach by enlarging uterus
• regurgitation of gastric content

Answer 12

heartburn / pyrosis

Question 13

• increased progesterone = general bowel sluggishness
• pressure of uterus on intestine
• iron supplements
• diet, lack of exercise and decreased fluids

Answer 13

constipation

Question 14

• imbalance of calcium-phosphorus ratio
• increased pressure of uterus on nerves
• fatigue
• poor circulation to lower extremities

Answer 14

leg cramps

Question 15

• venous congestion on lower veins
• heredity factors
• increased age and weight gain

Answer 15

varicose veins

Question 16

• constipation
• increased pressure from gravid uterus on hemorrhoidal veins

Answer 16

hemorrhoids

Question 17

• increased curvature of the lumbosacral vertebrae
• increased levels of hormones, cause softening of cartilage in joints
• fatigue
• poor body mechanics

Answer 17

backache

Question 18

decreased vital capacity from pressure of enlarging uterus on the diaphragm

Answer 18

dyspnea

Question 19

• prolonged standing / sitting
• increased levels of sodium due to hormonal influences
• circulatory congestion of lower extre.
• increased capillary permeability
• varicose veins

Answer 19

ankle edema

Question 20

• increased activity of mother or baby
• touching of maternal abdomen
• dehydration
• sexual intercourse
• distended maternal bladder

Answer 20

braxton hicks contractions

Question 21

• postural hypotension
• sudden change of position causing venous pooling
• standing for long periods in warm area
• anemia

Answer 21

faintness

Question 22

• decreased GI motility
• pressure of uterus on large intestine
• air swallowing

Answer 22

flatulence

Question 23

• enlarged uterus
• active fetus
• urinary frequency, SOB, leg cramps

Answer 23

difficulty sleeping

Question 24

Compression of median nerve in carpal tunnel of wrist aggravated by repetitive hand movements

Answer 24

carpal tunnel syndrome

Question 25

• expanding blood volume = pressure on cerebral arteries
• eye strain or tension

Answer 25

headache

Question 26

collagen and elastin stretch and snap during pregnancy due to the pressure of rapid weight gain

Answer 26

pregnancy stretch marks