This document provides information on common minor disorders that can occur during pregnancy, organized by body system. It discusses disorders such as nausea and vomiting, constipation, heartburn, excessive salivation, pica, fatigue, leg cramps, backache, varicosity, piles, ankle edema, insomnia, headache, vaginal discharge, urinary symptoms, breathlessness, and skin changes. For each disorder, it describes symptoms, causes, and management or treatment approaches. The overall aim is to educate about these common pregnancy complaints and how they can be adequately treated.

1. PRACTICE TEACHING
ON
MINOR DISORDER OF PREGNANCY
PRESENTED BY
M.SONIA PALMEI
M.SC.(N) 1ST YEAR

2. INTRODUCTION
Many women experience some minor disorder during
pregnancy.
These disorder should be treated adequately as they may
become life-threatening.
Minor disorder may occur due to hormonal changes,
accommodation changes, metabolic changes and postural
changes.
Every system of body may be affected by pregnancy.

3. DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
 NAUSEA AND
VOMITING
 CONSTIPATION
 HEARTBURN
 EXCESSIVE
SALIVATION
 PICA

4. NAUSEA AND VOMITING
 Many women have this disorder in the
first trimester(3months) of pregnancy,
which often called morning sickness.
 It happens commonly in the morning
when she gets out of her bed.
MANAGEMENT
 stay away from odors that upset your
stomach.
 Instead of eating 3 large meals each day,
eat 5-6 smaller meals throughout the day.
 Snacks on protein rich foods such as
yogurt.
 Skip foods that are greasy or high in fat.

5. CONSTIPATION
Constipation is normal during pregnancy.
The consumption of iron-containing
prenatal vitamins, hormonal changes and
the pressure of the uterus on the rectum
can aggravate constipation.
MANAGEMENT
Adequate amount of fiber in your diet such
as grain cereals, pulses, fruits and
vegetables.
Drink plenty of water.
Exercised regularly to keep the muscles
toned.
Avoid iron supplements.

6. HEARTBURN
It is common in pregnancy.
The hormone i.e. progesterone causes the
valve to relax, which increase the
frequency of heartburn and also it is more
common during the third trimester.
MANAGEMENT
Liquid antacids may be helpful.
Avoid over eating and not to go to bed
immediately after the meal.
Hot tea and change of position are
helpful.

7. EXCESSIVE SALIVATION
Increased secretion of saliva is observed
during the early pregnancy.
It may be associated with increased intake
of starch, though actual cause is not know.
MANAGEMENT
Avoid consuming foods that are high in
carbohydrates and starch.
Try chewing on ginger to reduce the
salivation.
Care of dental hygiene.

8. PICA
It is an eating disorder.
This term used when the mother craves
certain food which are unnatural
substances such as ice, charcoal, chalk,
mud etc.
If the substances craved are harmful to
the unborn infant, the mother must be
helped to seek medical advice.

9. MUSCULO-SKELETAL SYSTEM
FATIGUE
LEG CRAMPS
BACKACHE

10. FATIGUE
Almost all women report increased
fatigue during the last trimester
because of altered posture and extra
weight .
MANAGEMENT
 Take nap.
 Eat foods rich in protein.
 Frequent rest periods are
recommended.

11. LEG CRAMPS
The extra weight which you carry
during pregnancy can cause legs to
ache.
Leg cramps are also common in the
last months of pregnancy.
MANAGEMENT
Simple stretching and exercises may
help these aches and cramps.
Calcium gluconate maybe helpful.
Massage of the contracted muscles
maybe also helpful to reduced cramps
and aches.

12. BACKACHE
The weight of the baby, the uterus and the
amniotic fluid changes her posture and put a
strain on the woman’s bone and muscles.
Too much standing in one place, or leaning
forward, or hard physical work can cause back
pain.
MANAGEMENT
Encourage the woman’s husband, children or
other family members to massage her back.
A warm cloth or hot water bag can be placed
to keep her back feel good.
Adequate rest and support on the back when
sitting in a chair with the help of pillow placed

13. CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
VARICOSITY
PILES
ANKLE EDEMA

14. VARICOSITY
During pregnancy the uterus puts
pressure on the inferior vena cava,
further contributing varicose veins.
They generally harmless, although they
may become itchy and uncomfortable.
MANAGEMENT
Don’t sit or stand for long periods of
time.
If you have to sit at chair al day work,
don’t cross your legs.
Avoid heavy load lifting.

15. PILES
These are dilated veins in your anus and
can be very painful, itchy and
uncomfortable, usually occurring from
the third month onwards.
MANAGEMENT
Have a diet high in fiber, such as fruits,
leafy vegetables and drink plenty of
water which can help to prevent from
constipation and also in turn can help to
ease or prevent piles.
Keep your stools soft and regular.

16. ANKLE EDEMA
Evidenced by marked gain in weight.
Develops in at least two thirds of
women in late pregnancy.
MANAGEMENT
Rest as much as possible, putting your
feet up above your hips.
You can also do some simple foot
exercises to reduce swelling in your
ankles like circling each foot eight
times clockwise and eight times
anticlockwise.

17. NERVOUS SYSTEM
INSOMNIA
HEADACHE

18. INSOMNIA
It is common in late pregnancy owning to
the discomfort caused by the fetal
movements and difficulty in finding a
comfortable position.
It may also be due to anxiety or fear.
MANAGEMENT
Drink a glass of warm milk at bed time.
Tuck a pillow under the abdomen when
lying in a lateral position.
Talk about her fear and anxiety so that
she can have a sense of normality and
lightness.

19. HEADACHE
It is very common in pregnancy.
During the third trimester tend to be
related more often to poor posture and
tension from carrying extra weight.
MANAGEMENT
Practice good posture.
Get plenty of rest and relaxation.
Eat well-balanced diet.
Apply cold or heat packs to your
head.

20. GENITOURINARY SYSTEM
VIGINAL DISCHARGE
URINARY SYMPTOMPS

21. VAGINAL DISCHARGE
Vaginal discharge may be blood stained
white cream, yellow, or greenish
discharge.
Leucorrhea: Excessive amount of
normal discharge, bad odor . The color
is white.
MANAGEMENT
Keep your outer genital area clean and
dry.
Wear cotton under garments and
change it 2-3 times a day.
Wash your hands properly before and
after touching your vagina.

22. URINARY SYMPTOMPS
It is very common during pregnancy
because of the change in the urinary tract.
The uterus sits directly on top of the
bladder, so the uterus grows and
increased weight can block the drainage
of urine from the bladder, causing
infection.
MANAGEMENT
Develop a habit of urination as soon as
the need is felt and empty your bladder
completely when you urinate.
Avoid wearing tight fitting pants.
Don’t soak in the bathtub longer than 30
minutes or more than twice a day.

23. RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
BREATHLESSNESS
It occurs as early as the 12th week of
pregnancy and most women have this
symptom by the 30th week.
Breathing maybe affected by the increase in
the hormone progesterone, which causes
you to breathe in more deeply.
MANAGEMENT
Keep your back and shoulders straight to
give your lungs room to expand as much as
possible.
If breathlessness is disturbing your sleep,
prop yourself up with more pillows.
Breathing exercises and yoga is a gentle
exercise that will also keep you fit.

24. INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
SKIN
Some mothers complaints of generalized
itching, which often starts over the
abdomen.
During pregnancy, the body goes through
many physical changes.
MANAGEMENT
Washing face with lukewarm water.
Using oil free cosmetics.
Avoid picking at pimples.
Keeping hair away from the face.