Pregnancy Symptoms- Overview
Minor Pregnancy symptoms are very common. The symptoms need to be properly assessed incase they represent any serious health problems . Otherwise, it is essential to provide reassurance and advice. Medication is not usually required and is best avoided if possible.
Nausea and vomiting Considered as early pregnancy Symptoms
Nausea and vomiting are common as pregnancy symptoms, affecting 90% of women and causing aclinically significant problem in 35% of those affected.Most cases of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy are self-limiting and settle without complication
as the pregnancy progresses.
Symptoms usually start between 4 and 7 weeks of gestation and resolve by 16 weeks in about 90% of women. If symptoms begin after 12 weeks of pregnancy, there is usually another cause.
A 2020 study found that there is a peak probability of nausea in the morning, a lower but
sustained probability of nausea throughout the day, and a slight peak in the evening.
There is no evidence of fetal damage as a result of the nausea and vomiting. Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy can occur at any time of the day and may be constant.
Nausea in later pregnancy may be due to reflux oesophagitis and it responds to antacids.
Nausea and vomiting is usually mild and only require reassurance and advice.However, persistent vomiting and severe nausea can progress to hyperemesis gravidarum and needs treatment
Dietary suggestions which may help include:
- Eat small, frequent meals that are high in carbohydrate and low in fat.
Avoid any foods or smells that trigger symptoms. Click and check what to eat during Pregnancy. - The use of ginger products may be helpful.
Try eating a dry biscuit first thing on waking in the morning before getting up . - Medication are avoided in pregnancy unless the benefit outweighs the potential risk, particularly in the first trimester and are used if dietary measures fail and symptoms are persistent, severe affecting daily activities.
- Women with severe nausea and vomiting may need fluid, electrolyte and vitamin replacement and nutritional support
However, nausea and vomiting may cause significant psychosocial difficulties, time off work and a restriction of domestic and leisure activities.
Dyspepsia
- Dyspepsia is common in pregnancy Symptoms and becomes more prevalent as pregnancy progresses. 40-80% of women have dyspepsia at some stage of their pregnancy.
- Symptoms of heartburn may be helped by lifestyle changes such as Sitting up rather than lying down just after eating. Sleeping in a propped-up position.
- Changing the way the woman eats – for example, small frequent meals, not eating within three hours of going to bed.
- Reduce gastric irritants such as fatty or spicy foods, fruit juice, chocolate and caffeine.
- Antacid preparations reduce reflux symptoms. .Acid suppressant medication may be considered if symptoms are severe and not controlled with
antacids.
Fatigue and insomnia
Tiredness, or fatigue, is very common as pregnancy Symptoms and reaches a peak at the end of the first trimester. Rest, trying to do a little less and reassurance that all is well helps a great deal.Fatigue also occurs in late pregnancy, when it is important to look for anaemia.
Insomnia is also very common pregnancy symptoms and due to a combination of anxiety, hormonal changes and general discomfort. Mild physical exercise before sleep may help – sleeping tablets should be avoided.
Backache and pelvic pain
Many women develop backache during pregnancy and also considered as common pregnancy symnptoms and often develops during the fifth to seventh months of pregnancy. Light exercise and simple analgesia, and physiotherapy helps.
Pelvic girdle pain is pregnancy-associated pain, instability and dysfunction of the symphysis pubis joint and/or sacroiliac joint seen in14-22% of pregnant women.There is discomfort and pain in the suprapubic or low back area, which may radiate to upper
thighs and perineum and can vary from mild to severe . There may be difficulty walking or weight bearing, limited and/or painful hip abduction, discomfort lying in certain positions, and a limited endurance of time sitting.
Physiotherapy and exercise helps in relieving symptoms.and severe cases may require crutches and belts. Pain resolves within six months of delivery in the majority of affected women.
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