Frequent Urination and Urinary Incontinence:
Frequent urination (pollakiuria) is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy. It is more common especially in the first trimester of pregnancy and when birth approaches. Hormonal changes and vascular expansion contribute to this complaint by affecting bladder function.
Situations that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as laughing, sneezing and coughing, relax the bladder sphincter and cause urinary incontinence. In addition to all these physiological changes, increasing daily water intake will increase the frequency of urination. If there is a complaint of burning and pain, it should be examined for urinary tract infection. Going to the toilet regularly at frequent intervals will reduce the possibility of encountering an undesirable situation.
Excessive Salivation:
This condition, called ptyalism or sialism, is seen in a very small number of pregnant women. It is a very disturbing situation. The cause and mechanism of formation are not fully understood.
Reducing starch in the diet and drinking more water may improve the condition. Yellow chickpea and sugar-free chewing gum may be beneficial. Drug treatment can be used, limited to very severe cases.
Vaginal Discharge, Genital Odors:
Vaginal discharge (leukorrhea), irritation and infections are frequently seen in pregnant women.
Sticky, white or light yellow discharge may continue throughout pregnancy.
The most common problem is candida albicans, that is, fungal infections. It manifests itself with burning, itching, and curd-like discharge.
It appears as a severe inflammation at the vaginal entrance and inside the vagina and causes extreme discomfort during sexual intercourse. Such infections should be treated without delay by consulting a doctor.
Apart from this, bacterial vaginal infections that cause odor such as trichomonas and gardnerella may also be seen. Trichomonas vaginalis usually causes a frothy green colored and foul-smelling discharge.
It appears as strawberry-looking and petechiae on the mucosa of the vagina and cervix. In preparations containing physiological serum, it can be diagnosed and treated immediately by direct microscopy. .
In addition, since personal care will be difficult, especially in the later weeks of pregnancy, this may cause odor in the genital area. The external genital area can be cleaned with shampoos specially prepared for the genital area, with a pH value of 4.5 and below, provided that it is not excessive.
Vaginal douche is not recommended.
Excessive Gas. Formation:
With pregnancy, there are changes in the location of the intestines and stomach due to the growing uterus.
The stomach is pushed upwards, the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus relaxes and reflux occurs due to decreased motility.
The intestines are also pushed upward and to the sides. In addition, the intestinal passage slows down due to both the pressure and the progesterone hormone reducing intestinal movements.
Decreased motility triggers constipation and gas formation.
Excessive gas formation along with increased intra-abdominal pressure is unintentional during pregnancy. may cause gas release. In order to prevent this situation, it will be useful to consume as little gas-causing foods as possible (Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Beans, Cabbage, Cauliflower, etc.), drink plenty of fluids, consume plenty of fiber-rich foods and get plenty of exercise.
Pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting are seen in 70% of pregnant women in the first three months of pregnancy. It usually starts in the 4th to 8th weeks of pregnancy and ends in the 14th to 16th weeks. It occurs especially in the morning.
Although the exact mechanism is unknown, it is thought that increased pregnancy hormone (B hCG) and relaxation in the stomach smooth muscle layer are effective. Sometimes the smell of a food or an object can trigger vomiting. To avoid this situation, it may be recommended to stay in well-ventilated, odorless environments and to consume dry foods at frequent intervals and in small amounts.
In preventing morning vomiting, getting up after eating a cracker kept at the bedside will be effective. When necessary, it may be useful to use anti-nausea medications by consulting a doctor. In severe cases where oral food intake is not possible, hospitalization and intravenous fluid therapy may be required.
In such cases, gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), pancreatitis, hepatitis and thyroid diseases may be caused. A differential diagnosis should be made.
Excessive Sweating:
There is an increase in blood volume and basal metabolic rate in pregnant women. The minute volume of the heart (Cardiac Output) increases by 30-50% with the advancing weeks of pregnancy and reaches its highest level in the 28th-32nd week of pregnancy.
Since the increased blood volume causes an increase in temperature, an increase in sweat secretion comes into play as a protection mechanism. enters. Sweating is the body's way of cooling down. Remedies include wearing thin and light-colored clothes, taking a warm shower, and using antiperspirant deodorant.
Snoring:
During pregnancy, the nasal mucosa becomes edematous due to the effect of the increasing estrogen hormone. becomes thicker and mucus secretion increases.
Excessive mucus secretion in the nose may cause congestion and force the pregnant woman to breathe through the mouth. Although polyps may occur in the nasal mucosa or sinuses in some pregnant women, they usually regress after birth.
Drinking more water, lavaging the nostrils with salt water or physiological saline, especially before going to bed, sleeping in the left side position and with a high pillow. , it will be useful to run a humidifier in the room when necessary.
Anger and Crying Attacks, Forgetfulness:
Pregnancy itself is a stress factor in itself, a questioning for the mother. It is a process that goes through uncertainty. With the effect of progesterone, it manifests itself with the desire to sleep constantly, absent-mindedness, and forgetfulness, especially in the first three months.
It will be easier to take small notes in order to avoid problems in daily life. The rapid development of the mother's body can cause great anxiety, and this can manifest itself with dissatisfaction, impatience, mood changes, crying and tantrums.
Such reactions are more common, especially in pregnant women who have had a problematic pregnancy and have severe nausea and vomiting. . This situation is a temporary process and can be easily resolved with the support of the family and spouse.
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