LU 4.3 Minor Disorders in Pregnancy

What is nausea and vomiting (morning sickness) and its management ?

• occur mostly during 1st trimester

• aggravated by smelling of food

• management :

• reassure the mother

• advice to drink a glass of warm milk before going to bed

• avoid oily food

• avoid going hungry

• avoid takin medicine without a doctor’s prescription

What is hyperemesis gravidarum and its management ?

• it is severe form of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy

• management :

• reassure the mother

• hospitalization to correct fluid and electrolyte imbalance

• treatment such as hydration and vitamin supplementation

• antihistamines for gastritis

What is heartburns and its management ?

• is a burning sensation in the mid chest region

• management :

• reassure the mother

• advice to eat in small amount of meal but frequent

• avoid oily food

• give liquid antacids as prescribed by doctors

What is PICA and its management ?

• mother craves certain foods of unnatural substances such as coal, soil

• management :

• reassure the mother

• take a well-balance diet’

• divert the focus from the unnatural substances

• explain the food taken is not nutritious and may harm for foetus in the womb

What is constipation and its management ?

• caused by increase in progesterone, low fiber & fluid intake

• management :

• reassure the mother

• advice mother to drink more water

• eat high fiber foods such as fruits

• do regular exercies such as walking

What is back and pelvic pain (backache) and its management ?

• most common in the last trimester

• management :

• reassure the mother

• avoid heavy lifting

• rest between work

• sit with back straight and well-supported

• avoid standing on heels

What is cramps and its management ?

• occur due to lack of serum ionised calcium in the blood

• often occurs towards third trimester

• management :

• advice to practice a balanced diet

• do leg stretching exercises before bed

• flex the soles of the feet in the opposite direction if muscle spasm occurs

What is frequent urination and its management ?

• usually during 1st trimester (due to enlargement of uterus that come out of pelvic cavity) and third trimester (due to pressure from the large uterus on the bladder)

• management :

• reduce fluids intake at night

• reduce caffeine intake

• do Kegel’s exercise to strengthen pelvic floor muscle

• wear pad

What is leucorrhea and its management ?

• a colourless, itchy or odourless vaginal discharge

• management :

• reassure the mother

• keep personal hygine to avoid infection

• wear cotton underwear

• perineal hygiene

• wear pads

What is fainting (syncope) management ?

• reassure the mother

• avoid crowded places

• avoid long periods of standing

• avoid changing position suddenly

• do not do tiring work

• get enough rest

What is varicose veins and its management ?

• occur due to obstruction in the venous return by the pregnant uterus & common in the legs

• management :

• reassure the mother

• avoid standing for long periods of time

• avoid sitting with leg crossed

• elevate legs above the level of the body

• wear supportive socks

What is edema and its management ?

• caused by fluid retention and reduced blood circulation

• management :

• reassure the mother

• avoid constricting clothes

• restrict excessive salt intake

• avoid standing for a long period

• foot exercises & wear supportive socks

What is pruritis vulvae and its management ?

• irritation in the vulva

• management :

• reassure the mother

• advice to take good care of personal hygiene

• avoid scratching

• keep nails short

• use cotton underwear

• urine test for glucose

What is fatigue & tiredness management ?

• take naps and frequent rest

• eat foods rich in protein

What is carpal tunnel syndrome ?

• pain and numbness in the thumb, index and middle fingers

• caused by edema in the wrist that compress median nerve

• resolves spontaneously following delivery

What are the skin problems during pregnancy ?

• Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP) : itchy rash that appears in stretch marks of the stomach during late pregnancy

• Herpes Gestationalis : serious blistering skin conditions

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