Medical brain notes 11

  Introduction   In the previous module we learnt about the anatomy and physiology of all the structures involved in reproduction, conception and fetal development. This unit will focus on the physiology of pregnancy, changes in these organs and structures of the body as a response to the presence of fetus in-utero, signs and symptoms and diagnosis of pregnancy, and minor disorders associated with pregnancy and how to cope or solve them.   Objectives   By the time we finish with the discussion in this unit you would have been able to   ·                Describe the physiological changes in the body systems due to pregnancy.   ·                Offer advice to women on minor common disorders of pregnancy and how to cope with them.   ·              ...

  Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy   During pregnancy a woman’s body adapt to the presence of the new life in it by undergoing a number of physical changes. These  changes are referred to as signs and symptoms of pregnancy and are classified in three groups: Presumptive probable and positive signs (3Ps).   Presumptive signs: ‘Possible”:  are those that suggest butdo not positively indicate pregnancy.   ·                Amenorrhea – 4 weeks   ·                Early morning sickness – 4 – 14 wks   ·                Bladder Irritation – At about 6- 12 weeks the uteru s presses on bladder especially when standing leading to frequency in micturation.   ·                Skin ...

  Differential Diagnosis Presumptive signs (possible):  the following conditions canpresent similar signs   Contraceptive pill, Hormonal unbalance, Emotional stress, Illness, Gastrointestinal disorders, Pyrexia illness, Cerebral irritation, Urinary tract infection, Pelvic tumour, Intestinal movement “wind”   Probable signs   Hydatidiform mole, Chorio carcinoma, Pelvic congestion, Tumours.

  Physiological changes due to pregnancy   As soon as a woman gets pregnant, there is a dramatic physiological adaptation to pregnancy in various systems of the body especially in the reproductive system so that her body can cope with added work and nurture the fetus and prepare for labour and lactation.   This changes is sometimes under estimated but the effects vary from one woman to another. Midwife’s understanding of the physiological changes will enable her to identify deviation from normal and will be able to provide adequate care to the woman or take appropriate stop to solve her problems.   Changes in the uterus   After conception the uterus provides a nutritive and protected environment for the fetus to grow and develop.   Size:  The size increases progressively so that at term it is from7.5 x 5 x 2.5cm to 30 x 23 x 20cm.   The Weight:  From about 60gm to 90gm.   The position:  changes from pelvic organ to abdominalorgan. B...

  The minor disorders of pregnancy   These are conditions in pregnancy that are not threat to life but can distress the woman, making life miserable and undermine her health. Even if they can not endanger life, they should not be ignored or treated lightly. They can interfere with nutrition, sleep, outdoor recreation and normal household cores. These conditions should not be accepted as a normal associate of pregnancy but should be treated and alleviated. Minor disorder may escalate and become a serious complication of pregnancy.   The role of the midwife is to health educate the woman in order to tolerate the changes in pregnancy and her anxiety will be alleviated.   Causes can be due to hormonal, accommodation, metabolic and postural changes. Every system of the body changes and is affected by pregnancy.     1. Digestive system   Nausea and vomiting – (Morning Sickness)   This condition is very common in pregnancy. It occurs between 4 – 16 th ...