Minor Ailments of pregnancy

 Minor Ailments of pregnancy

(Rationale+ Treatment)

1. Backache

2. Acidity and heart burn

3. Leg cramps

4. Varicose vein

5. Constipation

6. Nausea/ vomiting/ morning sickness

7. Ankle oedema

8. Vaginal discharge

1. Backache (50%i. Pregnancy)

Fetus grow, posture change, vertebrae column space decrease.

Management of Backache

Massaging back muscle

Analgesic

Rest with elevation of leg to flex hip

Excessive weight gain avoided

Avoid lifting heavy weight

2. Leg cramps

Due to deficiency of serum calcium or elevation of serum phosphorus

Management of leg cramps

Supplementary calcium therapy (tablet/ syrup)

Massaging leg

Application of local heat

Vitamin B1(30g)

3. Varicose vein

Due to obstruction in venous return by pregnant uterus, cause pooling of blood.

Management

Leg rest on pillow

Elastic bandage/compression stocking socks)

Elevation of leg during rest.

4. Acidity and heartburn

Common in pregnancy due to relaxation of oesophageal sphincter.

Management

Avoid junk/ spicy food

Avoid overeating

Donot go to bed immediately after meal

Small frequent diet

Dry toast; reduce nausea and reduce heartburn

Liquid antacids 

5.Constipation

Due to atonicity of gut due to effect of progesterone.

Pressure of gravid uterus on colon.

Management of Constipation in Pregnancy

1. Drink plenty of fluids

2. Physical activity

3. Fiber-rich diet; food, fruits, vagetable

4. Polyethylene glycol (PEG)

6. Nausea/vomiting/morning sickness

Due to increase hCG level, increase progesterone.

Specially in the morning, soon after getting out of bed, common in primigrivida.

Usually appear following the first trimester or second missed periods and subside by end of first trimester.

Management of nausea/vomiting

1. To take dry toast, biscuit, protein rich meal

2. Small and frequent food

3. Fatty food avoided

4. Drink ginger tea

5. Avoid stimulant/ triggering factor

6. Medication; metoclopramide

7.Ankle Oedema

Excessive fluid retention; evidenced by marked gain in weight.

Management

Slight elevation of limb

Diuretic should not be prescribed; because alter uteroplacental blood flow.

8. Vaginal discharge

Increase production of cervical fluid and vaginal discharge.

Due to estrogen and progesterone.

Help in prevent infection travelling up from vagina to womb (watery sticky, jelly -like mucus).

Management

Cotton and clean undergarments.

Presence of any infection; Trichomonas

                                               Candida

                                               Bacterial vaginosis

Maintain hygiene and apply prescribed medication