Pregnancy-Related
Problems
Skin Changes:
In addition to the striae on the abdomen and the pigmentation, There is some evidence that striae gravidarum or stretch marks have a definite relationship to the nipples and there are other changes, such as the so-called linea nigra which is a darkened line extending from the xiphoid process to the pubic bone. Some patients develop a mark of pregnancy or chloasma which is a dusty discoloration across the bridge of the nose, extending out over the malar eminences and around the hairline, the small bright red elevation of the skin, especially of the face, neck, and arms, appear in early pregnancy and disappear shortly after the termination of pregnancy. They are called vascular spiders because of their shape. Areas of erythema on the inner aspects of the palms are quite common and have no clinical significance. Mild hirsutism ( hairiness ) occurs in a fair number of patients because of adrenal cortical changes.
Weight gain during pregnancy:
Weight Gain During the entire pregnancy a woman should gain in weight not more than 18 to 25 lb. half of the gain may be attributed to the fetus, placenta, membranes, amniotic fluid, and hypertrophied uterus, and the other half to general body development. Weight loss during the first few weeks following delivery averages about 15 lb. the patient will gain about a pound a week during the last 8 to 10 weeks of pregnancy. Therefore, care should be exercised to prevent excessive weight gain in the middle trimester. As a rule, there is a slight loss of weight during the first three months and again during the last week or ten days of the pregnancy.
Basal Metabolism:
The basal metabolism of a pregnant woman is low in the first three months and rises in the last three months of pregnancy. While all patients complain of feeling tired in the early months of pregnancy, those who are exhausted should have a thyroid evaluation.
Endocrine system:
The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland secretes the hormone oxytocin which stimulates the flow of milk in a lactating woman. This reflex is initiated by suckling the nipples of the breast. of pregnant women. If symptoms of hyperthyroidism are present there may be the need for iodine The thyroid gland also enlarges somewhat during pregnancy and is palpable in about 50 percent.
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