Pregnancy and Maternal Health Care
Posts Tagged ‘first trimester of pregnancy’
Varicose veins during pregnancy
Author: Ann Brown
Many women first meet with varicose veins during pregnancy, although the disease is not unique to this period: the genetic predisposition, excess weight, poor diet and sedentary lifestyle are among the factors that add up in favor of the appearance of varicose veins.
During pregnancy there is a whole series of changes to your body, among which are changes in the circulatory system and those with a genetic predisposition, may see appear varices by dilated superficial veins.
This is because the growing baby increases the size of your uterus and this causes a “stop” in the major pelvic blood vessels that carry venous blood to the heart, then a small amount of pooled blood from the superficial veins. In addition, the hormonal changes of pregnancy cause the one hand, retention of sodium and water causing the amount of fluid to transport is greater-and, second, progesterone-very high during pregnancy, a loss muscle tone of the vein wall, which relaxes and becomes prone to swell and deform.
The weight gain beyond what makes also advised that “stop” to increase, and with it the possibility of appearance of varicose veins. Most times, varicose veins occur during the first trimester of pregnancy.
For the appearance of varicose veins, there are areas of the body more vulnerable than others, and that return blood to the heart, should go up, “going against gravity. The legs, the rectum and sometimes the vulva, are often the most affected by varicose veins that are appearing on the rectum, are known as “hemorrhoids.”
Besides being aesthetically unpleasant, varicose veins can be painful and cause feelings of bloating or cramps. When they appear in the rectum, may cause pain and even bleeding during bowel movements or cracks in the area that can be very annoying and painful, making it necessary for medical treatment.
Incoming search terms for the article:
Posted in 
What is rubella? How is it manifested?
Author: Ann Brown
Rubella is a viral disease, transmitted from person to person through secretions and produces a picture of fever, neck nodes and rash. In 50% of people go totally unnoticed by the individual who will relay it. Usually presents no risks or complications in the general population, but if a woman who has contracted the disease antibodies in the first trimester of pregnancy, rubella can severely affect your child.
Most women now have antibodies against rubella, either by having experienced, or have received the measles vaccine. A minority of women of childbearing age, however, has no antibodies. The rubella vaccine is given along with measles and antipaperas is called MMR, and belongs to the official schedule of vaccination. It is compulsory to year and school admission. Although much of the female population is safe during pregnancy serological investigations in the U.S. have indicated that even 10 to 20% of young adults are susceptible to the disease.
Why is it important to check the mother?
After delivery, the baby has these antibodies “borrowed” from the mother to have passed through the placenta and breast milk if you get too pass this way. These antibodies are depleted in the second half of life, at which time the child is susceptible to infection until the time of vaccination.
In the ideal situation the doctor should know the HIV status of the mother before conception, but the doctor rarely has contact with the family at this time. Therefore, if the mother has not previously been checked, rubella antibody detection can be crucial to prevent the disease during the next pregnancy. Since the vaccine consists of attenuated viruses, it is inadvisable to conceive for the next three months to the application.
So that the time after birth is presented as the ideal opportunity for vaccination. Breastfeeding is not a contraindication for vaccination.
When to call the doctor during pregnancy?
Author: Ann Brown
In all cases mentioned below is necessary to consult and go to the doctor immediately.
Vaginal Bleeding
The bleeding during the first trimester of pregnancy, however small, require medical consultation. Before spotting or dark red, with or without pain, the danger of abortion. Bleeding can occur at any time during pregnancy, which is associated with various pathologies. It is important to consult a doctor immediately.
Leaking fluid from the vagina
The loss of fluid from the vagina-colored, scented bleach, indicating that broke the water bag. Normally, this bag is not broken until the time of delivery. If it breaks spontaneously and no contractions or discomfort, you should go to hospital as there is risk of infection. In this case, it is risky to take baths.
Extreme pallor
Anemia can be recognized because the pregnant woman is weak, tired, has pale skin and gums, brittle nails, a rapid pulse (over 100 beats per minute) and / or gasp with ease. AThe cause of these symptoms can be severe anemia.
This problem can be very serious at the time of delivery or postpartum, as acute blood loss anemia. It is advisable to eat dark green vegetables (chard, spinach, broccoli and others), meat (organ meats, liver, heart, blood sausage) and vegetables. Anyway, it is important to consult with your doctor to assess the evolution and treatment.
Uterine contractions
If they are painful contractions, frequent, regular and appear before 8 months of gestation, suggest that labor may be advanced. It should tell your doctor or go to the clinic quickly.
Fever
Faced with fever, particularly high and persistent, it is imperative to go to the doctor to assess the case and its treatment. Never take any medication without prior approval of the obstetrician. During pregnancy the drugs act on the fetus (after crossing the placenta), causing possible damage to the baby.
Pain or burning when urinating
Faced with complaints and / or burning when urinating, you should consult your doctor to rule than the product of a urinary tract infection, which requires appropriate treatment.
Emotional problems
Facing strong emotions during pregnancy and critical situations, such as loss of a loved one, family breakdown, abandonment of the couple, among others, can affect women in both their physical and mental health. The doctor treating the pregnant woman and the household of the mother, must take into account these changes and be aware of them, and if necessary, will be held a consultation with a psychologist.
Baby movements
From the fifth month of pregnancy, it is important to consult a doctor if not seen the baby move, or decrease in frequency and intensity.