Complications of Pregnancy Lecture Notes

Overview

• Discussion on complications of pregnancy: Hyperemesis Gravidarum, Iron Deficiency Anemia, Candidiasis, and Urinary Tract Infections.
• Reference: Maternity flashcards available at leveluprn.com.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

• Definition: Severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy beyond normal morning sickness.
• Symptoms:
  • Vomiting dozens of times per day.
  • Malnutrition, clinical dehydration, and electrolyte disturbances.
  • Potential weight loss during pregnancy.
• Indicators:
  • Presence of ketones in urine (ketoneuria) due to nutritional deficiencies.
• Treatment:
  • Anti-emetics (limited options in pregnancy).
  • Zofran pump for continuous nausea control (not suitable for everyone).
  • Need for fluids if oral intake is inadequate.

Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)

• Cause: Altered immune function and flora during pregnancy.
• Symptoms:
  • Thick white discharge, often described as cottage cheese-like.
  • Itching (puritis), burning with urination, vaginal inflammation.
• Treatment:
  • Topical antifungals preferred over oral antifungals.
• Patient Education:
  • Avoid tight, damp clothing and douching products.
  • Wear cotton underwear to reduce moisture.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

• Cause: Increased blood volume in pregnancy requires increased iron levels.
• Symptoms:
  • Fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath, and pica (craving non-food substances).
• Indicators:
  • Low hemoglobin (H&H), iron, and ferritin levels.
• Treatment:
  • Increase iron intake with vitamin C for better absorption.
  • Address constipation risk with increased fluid and fiber.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

• Significance: Can lead to uterine irritation and preterm labor.
• Symptoms:
  • Dysuria, frequency, urgency, limited urine output.
• Detection:
  • Urinalysis and urine culture to identify bacteria and suitable antibiotics.
• Treatment:
  • Antibiotics to treat the infection.
• Patient Education:
  • Increase fluid intake, practice proper hygiene (wipe front to back).
  • Urinate after sexual intercourse, avoid sitting in wet clothing.

Conclusion

• Importance of recognizing and managing these conditions to ensure health during pregnancy.
• Encouragement to use resources like maternity flashcards for better understanding.