Minor Symptoms of Pregnancy

Asheber Gaym M.D. January 2009

Asheber Gaym, 2009 2

Outline

• Define the minor complaints of pregnancy • Discuss the reasons for the occurrence of the

minor complaints of pregnancy • Outline the minor complaints of pregnancy • Discuss the management of the minor

complaints of pregnancy

Asheber Gaym, 2009 3

Definition of minor complaints of pregnancy

• The minor complaints of pregnancy refer to common complaints of pregnant women that occur due to the physiological alterations of pregnancy and do not signify significant pathology as their basis

• Most of these symptoms signify significant disease states when they occur in a non-pregnant woman

• As long as further history, physical exam and diagnostic work up do not indicate the presence of serious illness, the minor complaints of pregnancy can be managed symptomatically

• The minor symptoms subside following delivery

Asheber Gaym, 2009 4

Etiology of the minor complaints of pregnancy

• The minor complaints of pregnancy occur due to the hormonal, anatomical, physiological and biochemical alterations of pregnancy

• Their severity and occurrence differs from mother to mother and on other factors including maternal age and parity

• As they are caused by the changes of pregnancy they subside after delivery and the end of the puerperium

Asheber Gaym, 2009 5

Outline of the minor complaints of pregnancy Organ system Minor complaint of pregnancy

Cardiovascular system

Palpitation; headache; sweating; feeling of heat; fainting episodes; fatigue; varicosities

Respiratory system Dyspnoea; air hunger

Gastrointestinal tract Nausea; vomiting; heartburn; constipation; bloating

Urinary system Frequency; leg edema (80%); generalized edema(30%)

Musculoskeletal system

Back pain; leg pain; pelvic pain; abdominal discomfort and occasional pain

Integumentary system

Chloasma

Glandular system Breast tenderness; feeling of fullness

Asheber Gaym, 2009 6

Approach to the minor complaints of pregnancy

• Most minor complaints are symptoms and signs of significant disease in the non-pregnant state

• They can be very distressful for the mother and be causes of concern

• A disease state should be ruled out by a careful history and detailed examination and diagnostic work up if necessary

• Once significant pathology is ruled out, mother can be reassured and symptomatic management provided