Minor complaints of pregnancy Flashcards
Name the main complaints
Abdominal pain
Heartburn
Constipation
Backache
Syncope
Varicosities
Carpal tunnel sy
Pelvic girdle dysfunction (symphyseal pelvic dysfunction ‘SPD’)
Abdominal pain
§ Due to stretching of abdominal ligaments and muscles, pressure of gravid uterus on the abdomen.
§ Pathological may be due to early ectopic pregnancy, ovarian torsion, UTI, and miscarriage.
Heartburn
GERD more likely to happen due to delay gastric emptying ~ 3rd trimester.
§ DD: myocardial infraction, angina and muscular pain.
§ Avoid spicy and acidic food! If not use histamine-receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors
Constipation
Due to elevated levels of progesterone that lowers motility.
§ Increase fiber intake, laxatives and iron supplements.
§ Must be treated as it may prevent fetal head from descending into the pelvis
Backache
Due to uterus pressure causing lumbar lordosis and hormones affecting soft tissue.
§ Treat using physiotherapy. Aspirin and NSAIDs are avoided!
Syncope
Hypotension due to progesterone effects causing vasodilation or due to reduced venous return.
Varicosities
In the legs or vulva due to pressure on pelvic veins from gravid uterus reducing venous return.
§ Elevating the legs helps but if severe then heparin is considered.
Carpal tunnel sy
Fluid retention due to increased capillary permeability compression of median nerve.
§ Steroid injections in severe cases!
Pelvic girdle dysfunction (symphyseal pelvic dysfunction ‘SPD’)
Raised levels of relaxin in pregnancy; increases joint mobility to allow expansion of the pelvic ring.
§ Pain in felt at symphysis, hip or around the pelvis and worsen as gestation increases.
§ Described at pain during walking or standing with tenderness.
§ Treat by physiotherapy and exercise! If not then simple analgesics.