1st trimester Pregnancy discomfort

Question 1

physiology of bleeding gum

Answer 1

Tissue of the gums and mouth can be swollen due to increase estrogen. This can cause minor bleeding when brushing and/or flossing.

Question 2

physiology of urinary frequency

Answer 2

During the first 12 week of pregnancy the uterus is still in the pelvic region. This causes pressure on the bladder which in turn causes bladder fullness and urge to urinate frequently.

Question 3

physiology of Breast tenderness

Answer 3

Breast tenderness is one of the first signs of pregnancy that women noticed. Caused by increase hormones, estrogen and progesterone, preparing body for breast feeding. Increase blood flow during this time also causes swelling and tenderness

Question 4

physiology of Fatigue

Answer 4

Fatigue in 1st trimester is common and could be due to increase Progesterone levels.
Blood sugar and blood pressure levels are also lower in first trimester

Question 5

physiology of Heartburn

Answer 5

First trimester: Due to increase of hormones estrogen and Progesterone, the ring of muscle that form a valve between the stomach and esophagus relax causing the stomach acid to flow up into your esophagus and this causes burning and pain.

Question 6

Nausea/vomiting

Answer 6

N/v can be a common occurrence in pregnancy. Could be related to hormonal changes HCG and estrogen. Progesterone hormone also causes decrease GI mobility which can cause GI symptoms. Another reason could be related to H Pylori, which overgrowth of bacteria in the stomach.

Question 7

physiology of shortness of breath

Answer 7

SOB is a common occurrence in pregnancy. The increase in the pregnancy hormone Progesterone causes the brain to increase frequency and depth of your breath thus breathing deeper gives the feeling of working harder to get air.

Question 8

Relief measures for bleeding gums

Answer 8

warm salt water rinses (1 teaspoon salt to 1 cup water)
use soft bristle brush and floss daily

danger: watch for signs of increase gums bleeding or pain

Question 9

Relief measures for breast tenderness

Answer 9

wear well fitted bra
choose cotton bras
apply cool cloth to breasts
avoid breast stimulation
sleep in bra if breast are tender at night

danger: abnormal nipple discharge color, lumps, skin discoloration, dimpling

Question 10

Relief measures for urinary frequency

Answer 10

void as soon as you feel urge
voiding schedule every 2-3 hours
urinating before and after intercourse
reduce fluid intake in the later evenings.

danger:
signs of infection
blood in urine
pain with urination

Question 11

Relief measures for SOB

Answer 11

sleep with head elevated with pillows
place hand over head when symptoms occurs

danger:
difficulty breathing
chest pain
palpitations
dizziness

Question 12

relief measures for N/V

Answer 12

Avoid strong smelling food/smoke
small frequent meals every 1-3 hours
suck on popsicles throughout the day
crackers before getting out of bed
ginger products

Question 13

Relief measures for heartburn

Answer 13

drink fluids in between meals..not with meals
small meals per day
avoid spicy, greasy or fatty meals
avoid large meals before bedtime
avoid laying down right after meals
elevate the upper body on pillon when laying down

Question 14

Relief measure for fatigue

Answer 14

Reassurance
take daytime nap or rest
get adequate nighttime sleep
engage in at least 30 minutes of daily exercise
eat adequate diet of protein and iron

Question 15

Increase progesterone

Answer 15

SOB
N/V
Fatigue

Question 16

Increase estrogen

Answer 16

Bleeding gum

Question 17

Increase estrogen and progesterone

Answer 17

Breast tenderness
Heartburn