MFAC1521 Lecture 6: MFAC1521 (BGDA) SGS 5&6 Lesson Notes
2 Jun 2018
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14/5 SGS 5 – Symptoms of Pregnancy
Qn1: Pregnancy and heart burn, constipation, morning sickness and loss of appetite at 15
weeks gestation
Note that at 15weeks, enlargement of uterus is not really the factor for loss of appetite. The main
reason is the general feeling of bloatedness. To reduce reflux, smaller but more frequent meals is
recommended, also not to eat 3-4hrs before bed. Smoking is the major cause of reflux.
Constipation is common, but other factors can lead to complications. Hydrating (drinking lots of
water can ease constipation), and light exercise can ease the discomfort. Morning sickness can be
triggered by low blood sugar, which is lowest in the morning. Even though it is called morning
sickness, nausea can last the entire day (mild vomiting is normal). However, it is a cause for
concern if there is excessive vomiting and you cannot keep anything down or intense pain felt
anywhere. Symptoms of morning sickness can be alleviated by natural food remedies like
ingesting ginger/lemon/tea or others like mild exercise. (Ginger is very effective for nausea, can
be found in tablet form prescribed for others like motion sickness). If morning sickness is
experienced in the first pregnancy, it is most likely to happen for the subsequent pregnancies -
however it is a good sign; women who experience morning sickness are less likely to have
miscarriage.
- what is constipation? Change in consistency of stool, or the period between each passing of
motion is longer than usual. (Most fluid is absorbed in large intestine, most nutrients absorbed in
small intestine)
Qn2: 13 weeks pregnant with first baby, increased urination frequency and toilet trips,
why is this more common at night?
Increased blood flow to the kidneys as well as extra metabolic waste from fetes thus creating more
urine for metabolic waste removal. More frequent trips to the loo but each visit has small amounts
of urine. Later on in pregnancy when fetal growth is substantial and causes more pressure on the
bladder, causing a lower threshold for urine retention in the bladder. It is important to note that
there should not be a decrease in water intake to reduce urination as fluid intake in necessary for
metabolic activity. One theory for increased feeling of urination at night compared to the day is
due to the negated effect of gravity when she is lying down when sleeping.
- Why do i feel warmer now that i am pregnant? I usually feel cold easily.
Increased metabolic activity in mother as well as from the fetus results in increased heat
production. There is also increased blood flow during pregnancy.
- I’m used to having hair come off when i brush my hair but this is a lot less while
I’m pregnant. My friend told me she lost heaps of hair AFTER the baby, why is
this so?
Increase in oestrogen results in the period of hair growth to become prolonged, hence more hair
is in growth stage than those in the “falling off” stage. The decrease in oestrogen after birth leads
to hair going into catagen stage and thus falling off more. Rest assured, hair growth and dropping
returns back to normal before pregnancy.
Qn3: 28 weeks pregnant, having trouble wearing shoes; my ankles and feet are swollen. It
is more noticeable if I’ve been on my feet for awhile.
