EARLY PREGNANCY PROBLEMS

Mood changes, feeling fatigued and exhausted are normal in early pregnancy. However these may also be symptoms of medical conditions such as anemia, hypothyroidism and heart disease.
  • REST
  • DRINK LOTS OF WATER
  • UNDERSTANDING CARE AND SUPPORT IS ALL YOU NEED
  • THIS IS NORMAL
Nausea and vomiting is common. Simple dietary advise and medications is adequate for most women. Rarely the symptoms persists beyond the first trimester. It is more common in twin and a rare pregnancy related cancer called molar pregnancy. An ultrasound scan will help confirm these.
  • AVOID LARGE MEALS
  • EAT SMALLER MORE FREQUENT MEALS
  • KEEP DRINKING WATER BUT ONLY SMALL QUANTITIES.. CARRY A WATER BOTTLE AROUND ALL THE TIME.. CONTINUOUSLY SIP
  • AVOID FOOD THAT MAKES YOU FEEL WORSE
  • GENERALLY OILY AND SPICY FOODS DO NOT DO WELL
  • STOP THE VITAMIN TABLETS GIVEN BY YOUR DOCTOR... A FEW DAYS OFF WILL NOT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
  • GINGER-FLAVOURED FOOD AND DRINKS HELP.
  • PYRIDOXINE (B6) HELPS
  • SOME WOMEN WILL NEED TREATMENT TO REDUCE THE VOMITING.
Bleeding in early pregnancy affects up to 10% of pregnant women. In the majority the pregnancy will continue and will be fine. An ultrasound scan will help determine the status of pregnancy. Bleeding may also be due to infection and growths in the vagina or cervix. This is a good opportunity for a visit to you gynae for an examination and a pap smear. The most common cause of bleeding in pregnancy is post-coital (after sexual intercourse). This is common in pregnancy. if you do not have a recent pap smear or the episode is your first in the pregnancy - seek your gynae check-up. If all is normal, future post coital bleeds are harmless.
  • IF IT IS PAINLESS AND MINIMAL - DO NOT PANIC
  • IF IT IS ASSOCIATED WITH CRAMPS OR IF IT SOAKS YOUR PAD EVERY HOUR AND YOU ALREADY CHANGED INTO YOUR 4TH PAD, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION
  • MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR OBSTETRICIAN (GYNAE) THE FOLLOWING DAY AND HAVE A SCAN

Vaginal Discharge increases in pregnancy. This is a normal phenomenon. Normal discharge is whitish-yellow and does not cause irritation or itchiness. Itchiness is a sign of infection. Rarely discharge is the sign of cancer of the cervix. This is unlikely if you have had normal pap smear recently.
  • NORMAL = MILKY-WHITE, ODORLESS, NON-ITCHY
  • DO NOT: TREAT  YOURSELF, DOUCHE, WEAR TAMPONS
  • PANTY-LINERS WILL DO
  • ABNORMAL = TOO STRONG ODOR, BROWN-GREEN, ITCHY, BLOOD STAINING MORE THAN ONE DAY

Mid-Pregnancy Problems

Pain can be due to many reasons.
Ligamentous pain is common as the uterus expands. It affects both sides lower down the abdomen. It is typically worse on moving / walking.
Pubic diatheses occurs because the pubic bones separate a little due to hormones that cause ligaments to relax. It happens in all women but some feel it as pain. It is safe. Simple measures such as painkillers, pelvic support and adjusting of sleep positions can help reduce or cure it.
Pain during passing urine is suggestive of infection. Urine infection is more common in women and especially so in pregnancy. If untreated it may lead to preterm labour.
Constipation is common in pregnancy. This also can cause pain.
FIbroids are common in women. They are benign growth in the wall of the womb. Most women do not realize they have fibroids. In pregnancy fibroids may enlarge and cause pain.
Preterm labour is a major cause of pain. It is similar to labour pain but too early in pregnancy. The pain comes and goes. It may be accompanied by loss of water or blood-stained discharge. This requires urgent attention.
  • SEE YOUR DOCTOR

Late Pregnancy Problems