GI symptoms of pregnancy

Question 1

Main causes of GI symptoms in pregnancy

Answer 1

1. Nausea and Vomiting
2. GORD
3. Constipation

Question 2

Nausea and vomiting

Answer 2

1. Caused by raised HCG levels

2. Very common in first trimester

Question 3

When does morning sickness usually resolve?

Answer 3

16 - 20 weeks

Question 4

Management of morning sickness

Answer 4

1. Life style - eat small meals and increase fluid in take
2. Ginger
3. Anti emetics

Question 5

Anti emetics for morning sickness

Answer 5

1. Prochloperazine
2. Promethazine
3. Metoclopramide

Question 6

GORD - why is it common in pregnancy

Answer 6

Increased progesterone leads to oesophageal sphincter relaxation allowing for gastric reflux
- worsens with increased intra abdominal pressure

Question 7

GORD - management

Answer 7

1. Life style modifications
2. Ant acids
3. H2 receptor antagonists - ranitadine

Question 8

Constipation

Answer 8

1. Common complaint which decreases with gestation

2. Progesterone reduces smooth muscle tone - affecting bowel activity

Question 9

What makes constipation worse in pregnancy

Answer 9

Taking iron supplements

Question 10

How is constipation managed in pregnancy

Answer 10

1. life style - increasing fibre and food intake
2. Fibre supplements
3. Osmotic laxative