EXPORT CITATION

Chapter-15 Minor Disorders of Pregnancy

BOOK TITLE: Essentials of Obstetrics

Author
1. Arulkumaran Sabaratnam
2. Tamizian Onnig
ISBN
9788180613623
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/10288_15
Edition
1/e
Publishing Year
2004
Pages
3
Author Affiliations
1. St. George’s Hospital Medical School London, St. George’s Hospital Medical School, London, St George’s Hospital Medical School, London, United Kingdom, St George’s Hospital Medical School, London, United Kingdom, e-mail: sarulkum@sghms.ac.uk, St George s University of London, London, UK, St George’s Hospital Medical School Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, United Kingdom, St George’s University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, United Kingdom, FIGO; University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
2. Kings Mill Hospital, Nottingham, United Kingdom, Royal Derby Hospital, Derby, United Kingdom
Chapter keywords
anatomical and physiological changes in pregnancy, pregnancy, nausea and vomiting, estrogen, molar pregnancy, psychological factors, alginates, antacids, antiemetic agent, prochloperazine, cyclizie, metoclopramide, heartburn, physiological sphincters, progesterone levels, acid gastric contents, bile, lower esophagus, carpal tunnel syndrome, median nerve, constipation, smooth muscle relaxant, urinary frequency, hyperdynamic circulation, supranormal urine production, kidneys, pubic symphysis joint, ligaments, hemorrhoids, varicosities, pelvic venous obstruction, growing uterus, varicose veins

Abstract

The anatomical and physiological changes in pregnancy are associated with what are perceived by many women as minor disorders or ‘nuisance’ problems of pregnancy. Nausea and vomiting are very common problems of early pregnancy and can result in the first trimester being viewed as a miserable time. The precise etiology is unknown but it may be a response to rising estrogen and/or very high hCG levels as it is more common in multiple pregnancy or with a molar pregnancy. Psychological factors may also have a role through their direct action on the emetic center in the midbrain. Symptoms tend to recur in a quarter of women in a subsequent pregnancy. If the vomiting is precipitated by reflux then the use of alginates or antacids may help. There is reluctance from patients to take medication in pregnancy but these patients may benefit from an antiemetic agent such prochloperazine, cyclizie or metoclopramide. Heartburn is a common problem in pregnancy mediated by relaxation of the physiological sphincters of the stomach due to elevated progesterone levels. The resulting reflux of the acid gastric contents and bile irritates the lower esophagus and may also contribute to nausea and vomiting. Carpal tunnel syndrome refers to the tingling sensation experienced in the distribution of the median nerve in the hand and in some cases radiating up the forearm. Constipation is one of the most common problems encountered in pregnancy and it is due to the smooth muscle relaxant effect of progesterone. Urinary frequency is encountered from early on in pregnancy secondary to hyperdynamic circulation and supranormal urine production by the kidneys. Progesterone can result in relaxation of the pubic symphysis joint and the surrounding ligaments as the pregnancy progresses. Hemorrhoids can be troublesome and aggravated by pregnancy associated constipation. The main contributory factor for the development of varicosities is a degree of pelvic venous obstruction due to pelvic pressure exerted by the growing uterus. Varicose veins in the legs can be disfiguring and painful.

Related Books

© 2019 Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) LTD.   |   All Rights Reserved