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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Article Home Women's Health Minor ailments in pregnancy

Minor ailments in pregnancy

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Nausea, vomiting,back pain, leg cramps, acidity, varicose veins are common during pregnancy.

Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting is more in the morning, soon after getting out of the bed. It is more in the first pregnancy. They usually appear following the first or second missed period and subside by the end of 3 months. The cause is not known. It is said to be due to increased chorioic gonadotrophin hormone. Assurance, advice to move the limbs for few minuites before getting out from the bed or taking a dry toast or biscuit before rising from the bed and avoidance of fatty foods and liquid in empty stomach are usually enough to relieve the symptoms. If the simple measures fail, antiemetic drugs with plenty of glucose drink usually cure the condition.


Back ache: Relaxation of the pelvic joints, faulty posture, high heel shoes leading to increase in lumbar lordosis are often responsible for back pain. Back pain can also be caused by muscular spasm, urinary infection or constipation. Improvement odd posture,wearing a pelvic girdle belt relieve the pain. It is relieved by rest on hard bed, massaging of back muscles, analgesics and rest will relieve the pain.


Consitpation: It is one of the common ailment during pregnancy. Atonicity of the gut due to effect of progesterones, diminished physical activity and pressure of the enlarged uterus over the gut are the causes of constipation. Intake of high fiber diet is advised. Intake of atleast 10 glasses of water is recommended.


Leg cramps: It can be due to less of calcium or increase in serum phophorus. Supplementary calcium in the form of tablet or syrups is adviced. Massaging of leg, application o flocal heat and vitamin B1 daily are also effective.


Acidity and heart burns: It is quite normal. It can be prevented by avoiding fatty foods, oily foods and by taking antacids syrups or tablets.


Varicose veins: It can occur due to obstruction in the venous return by the pregnant uterus. For leg varicosities elastic crepe bandage during movements and elevation of limbs during rest can give symptomatic relief. Specific therapy is better avoided. Varicosity usually disappears after delivery.


Hemorrhoids: It can cause bleeding, pain. Regular use of laxative to keep the bowel soft, local appliction of hydrocortisone ointment and replacement of the piles if prolapsed are essential. Surgical treatment is avoided. The condition usually improves after delivery.


Ankle swelling: It is due to excess fluid retention. No treatment is required. It subsides on taking adequate rest with slight elevation of limbs.


Vaginal discharge: It is more during pregnancy. Local cleanliness should be taken. If there is any infection it should be treated with vaginal application of metronidazole or miconazole.