Problems in pregnancy

Question 1

What is hyperemesis?

Answer 1

Excessive nausea and vomiting in pregnancy

Variations in incidence in different ethnic groups; more common in Pasifika women

Question 2

What is ptyalism?

Answer 2

Spitting

Can cause electrolyte imbalance

Question 3

What percentage of pregnant women are affected by morning sickness?

Answer 3

50%

Question 4

What is hyperemesis gravidarum?

Answer 4

Severe vomiting leading to dehydration and significant weight loss requiring hospital admission

Question 5

What is the most likely cause of nausea in pregnancy?

Answer 5

Beta-HCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin)

Question 6

What is the incidence of hyperemesis gravidarum?

Answer 6

0.1-1% of all women

Question 7

What treatment may help reduce nausea and vomiting in pregnancy?

Answer 7

Ginger

Question 8

What vitamin supplement can be useful for nausea in pregnancy?

Answer 8

Vitamin B6

Question 9

True or False: Prochlorperazine and metoclopramide are safe in pregnancy.

Answer 9

True

Question 10

What is a common cause of low back pain in pregnancy?

Answer 10

Increased lumbar lordosis and relaxation of ligaments

Question 11

What serious condition should be ruled out in cases of back pain during pregnancy?

Answer 11

Prolapsed vertebral disc

Question 12

What should be done if there are signs of nerve compression due to a prolapsed disc?

Answer 12

Refer to orthopaedics for decompression

Question 13

What is a recommended activity to alleviate back pain in pregnancy?

Answer 13

Yoga, aqua jogging, swimming

Question 14

What condition causes pain in hands at night during pregnancy?

Answer 14

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Question 15

What is a simple treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy?

Answer 15

Elevating the hand at night

Question 16

What causes indigestion in pregnancy?

Answer 16

Reflux of digestive acids into the oesophagus

Question 17

What is a simple dietary recommendation to manage reflux in pregnancy?

Answer 17

Eat frequent small meals

Question 18

What type of medications are safe for treating reflux in pregnancy?

Answer 18

Antacids such as Gaviscon and Mylanta

Question 19

What percentage of women experience constipation during pregnancy?

Answer 19

40%

Question 20

What is a common cause of constipation in pregnancy?

Answer 20

Slowed transit time

Question 21

What are safe laxatives for use in pregnancy?

Answer 21

Bulk forming agents and osmotic laxatives

Question 22

What physiological change in pregnancy can lead to varicose veins?

Answer 22

Venous stasis

Question 23

What can help relieve varicose veins in the legs?

Answer 23

Elevating legs vertically against a wall

Question 24

What is a critical preventive measure for avoiding haemorrhoids during pregnancy?

Answer 24

Avoiding constipation

Question 25

True or False: Asthma medication is generally safe during pregnancy.

Answer 25

True

Question 26

What condition requires careful evaluation prior to pregnancy in diabetic women?

Answer 26

Nephropathy

Question 27

What is the relationship between HbA1c levels and pregnancy outcomes?

Answer 27

Lower HbA1c levels lower the risk of congenital abnormalities

Question 28

What medication is safe for women with good control of thyrotoxicosis during pregnancy?

Answer 28

Carbimazole

Question 29

What should be done with levothyroxine doses for hypothyroid women at the beginning of pregnancy?

Answer 29

Increase doses

Question 30

What is the effect of heavy smoking on fetal weight?

Answer 30

Babies can be up to 458g lighter than non-smokers