Common Conditions in Pregnancy

Bleeding in pregnancy

Bleeding in pregnancy is common but not normal and should be reported. If it is just slight bleeding (spotting) and not associated with pain, you could wait until office hours. At any time, if there is heavy bleeding or strong pain, please report it to me.

After 22 weeks gestation, you should always contact me or the labour ward if there is bleeding.

If bleeding is very heavy or very painful, call an ambulance.

Constipation

Constipation is common in pregnancy.

It is important to:

• drink water (aim for 1L per day)

• increase dietary fibre (prunes, pear juice, multigrain bread)

• add in fibre granules or benefibre

• use laxatives such as movicol or coloxyl, if needed.

Avoid:

• Senna

• Paraffin

• Epsom salts.

Aches and Pains

Mild stretching and pulling pains in the pelvis are common and due to ligaments stretching and straining.  Backache is also common due to strain on the spine and pelvis.

Pain Relief

Paracetamol is safe in pregnancy and is commonly suggested for headaches, dental pain, fever and muscular pain.

Aspirin at a dose of 100-150mg is recommended to improve the development of the placenta and has best effects when started from 12-20 weeks. Aspirin isn’t recommended for everyone.

Avoid:

• neurofen

• voltaren

• ponstan

• naprogesic

Morning Sickness

Nausea and vomiting are very common in early pregnancy. It usually settles by 12-15 weeks. Simple measures include:

• Small snacks/dry biscuits next to the bed to have in the morning

• Sips of water/ice cold water throughout the day

• Ice cubes/hydralyte ice blocks

• Ginger can be used at doses of up to 1gm per day for morning sickness. It is considered safe to take and may decrease your need for additional medications.

• B6 (pyridoxine)

• Restavit (doxylamine)

If you are unable to keep fluids down and you have tried several suggestions, please call me or the rooms. We may need to arrange for IV fluids.

If the nausea is severe and ongoing, then there are medications that I can prescribe that will assist you.

Heart Burn

Reflux in pregnancy is common and tends to intensify as the pregnancy progresses. Smaller snacks rather than large meals, sitting upright after meals or using more pillows in bed may help. Gaviscon/Mylanta and Nexium (esomeprazole) are safe over-the-counter medications available from the pharmacy if required.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins can appear or get worse with pregnancy. Graduated elastic compression stockings are available from chemists and can help reduce swelling and tiredness in the legs.

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks may appear on your abdomen, back and thighs. Some women are more prone to them than others, and whilst little can be done to prevent them, using bio-oil or cocoa-butter creams may help.