COMPLICATIONS OF PREGNANCY COMMON TYPES MORE SERIOUS TYPES

Common Pregnancy Problems Back pain Constipation Edema (swelling of feet and ankles) GERD Hemorrhoids Pica Varicose Veins

Avoiding those problems Back pain –Avoid standing or sitting too long –Exercise to strengthen muscles –Sit up and stand straight. –Use footstool while at a desk. Constipation –Eat foods high in fiber –Whole grain products –Fresh fruits and vegetables –Drink plenty of water –Exercise Don’t wait to go to the bathroom.

Edema (swelling) Caused by pressure on vein returning blood to the heart from the lower limbs. Prevent by: – exercise –Don’t sit or stand too long –Wear support stockings –Don’t get overheated

GERD gastroesophogeal Reflux disease Acid Reflux disease Avoid: –Large meals –Fatty food –Spicy foods –Tomato based foods –Laying down soon after eating –alcohol 1.

Hemorrhoids Swelling of blood vessels in the anus and rectum causing itching, pain and bleeding Avoid constipation Avoid sitting or standing for a long time. Common because of strain from pregnancy on the area. Treat with warm baths, ice packs and doctor recommended medicated pads or ointments.

Pica Craving for non edible foods –Dirt –Clay –Laundry soap –Ice –hair Complications –Nutrient deficiency –Dental problems –Parasites –Bowel obstruction

VERICOSE VEINS When veins become abnormally thick, full of twists and turns, or enlarged Elevate your legs Avoid sitting too long And crossing your legs Exercise to get blood flowing. Avoid alcohol Wear support hose Avoid obesity

SERIOUS COMPLICATIONS

PLACENTAL PREVIA Uncommon disorder when the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix. Causes bleeding in the 2 nd half of the pregnancy. Requires special procedures during delivery.

Types of placenta previa Total placenta previa. the placenta completely covers the cervix. Partial placenta previa. the placenta partly covers the cervix. Marginal placenta previa. the placenta approaches the edge of the cervix.

Placental Abruption Placenta tears away for uterine wall. Causes premature birth, low birth weigh, major blood loss for mom. Affects 9 of 1000 births Risk factors: –High blood pressure –Smoking –Had one before

Gestational Diabetes High blood sugar during pregnancy. Hormones cause changes in how body tolerates sugars. Occurs in 4% of pregnancies Risk factors: Overweight before pregnancy Black, Hispanic, Asian, American Indian Family history of diabetes Previous stillborn or gestational diabetes Sugar in urine

Effects of gestational diabetes Early in pregnancy –Miscarriage –Birth defects especially of brain and heart 2 nd or 3 rd trimester –Over nutrition causing bigger baby, delivery problems and shoulder trauma.

Ectopic Pregnancy An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg gets stuck on its way to the uterus — often because the fallopian tube is scarred, damaged or misshapen. Sometimes, the specific cause of an ectopic pregnancy remains a mystery.

Risk factors Previous ectopic pregnancy Inflammation or infections –PID –Gonorrhea –Chlamydia Fertility problems –Taking fertility drugs Contraceptive choices –Pregnancy in spite of IUD or tubal ligation

Treatment Embryo cannot survive and can cause major problems for mother so needs to be removed.