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What is a common cause of swelling in various body parts during pregnancy?
What is a common cause of swelling in various body parts during pregnancy?
If swelling occurs mostly in the legs or feet, what is a recommended action?
If swelling occurs mostly in the legs or feet, what is a recommended action?
What potential complication can sudden or excessive swelling indicate during pregnancy?
What potential complication can sudden or excessive swelling indicate during pregnancy?
How can the body's ligaments change during pregnancy?
How can the body's ligaments change during pregnancy?
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What type of footwear may be necessary due to changes in the feet during pregnancy?
What type of footwear may be necessary due to changes in the feet during pregnancy?
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What should pregnant women be particularly cautious about to prevent falls?
What should pregnant women be particularly cautious about to prevent falls?
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What does the term 'loosey-goosey' refer to in the context of pregnancy?
What does the term 'loosey-goosey' refer to in the context of pregnancy?
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What is a recommended precaution for maintaining stability during pregnancy?
What is a recommended precaution for maintaining stability during pregnancy?
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What is typically the first noticeable sign of pregnancy?
What is typically the first noticeable sign of pregnancy?
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Which of the following is NOT a common symptom experienced in early pregnancy?
Which of the following is NOT a common symptom experienced in early pregnancy?
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How can a woman alleviate morning sickness?
How can a woman alleviate morning sickness?
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When does morning sickness typically begin during pregnancy?
When does morning sickness typically begin during pregnancy?
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Which symptom might indicate the need for medical attention during pregnancy?
Which symptom might indicate the need for medical attention during pregnancy?
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What physical change is commonly experienced in the first trimester?
What physical change is commonly experienced in the first trimester?
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What could be a potential sign of hyperemesis during pregnancy?
What could be a potential sign of hyperemesis during pregnancy?
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Which suggestion is advised to help reduce symptoms of morning sickness?
Which suggestion is advised to help reduce symptoms of morning sickness?
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What is one of the common skin changes that occurs during pregnancy?
What is one of the common skin changes that occurs during pregnancy?
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What is melasma associated with during pregnancy?
What is melasma associated with during pregnancy?
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Which part of the body typically does NOT show stretch marks during pregnancy?
Which part of the body typically does NOT show stretch marks during pregnancy?
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What is diastasis recti?
What is diastasis recti?
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What can help minimize the appearance of stretch marks?
What can help minimize the appearance of stretch marks?
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What should pregnant women be cautious about regarding skin lightening creams?
What should pregnant women be cautious about regarding skin lightening creams?
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What is a recommended method to address diastasis recti if it persists after childbirth?
What is a recommended method to address diastasis recti if it persists after childbirth?
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How can one handle the dark brown line known as linea nigra during pregnancy?
How can one handle the dark brown line known as linea nigra during pregnancy?
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What is one common physical symptom of anxiety during pregnancy?
What is one common physical symptom of anxiety during pregnancy?
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Which hormone is primarily responsible for the relaxation of smooth muscle tissues during pregnancy, potentially leading to heartburn?
Which hormone is primarily responsible for the relaxation of smooth muscle tissues during pregnancy, potentially leading to heartburn?
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What is a psychological symptom that may indicate postpartum depression?
What is a psychological symptom that may indicate postpartum depression?
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What effect might the growing baby have during the third trimester related to heartburn?
What effect might the growing baby have during the third trimester related to heartburn?
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Which of the following is NOT a listed symptom of an anxiety disorder during pregnancy?
Which of the following is NOT a listed symptom of an anxiety disorder during pregnancy?
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What is a recommended method to alleviate heartburn during pregnancy?
What is a recommended method to alleviate heartburn during pregnancy?
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Why might a pregnant woman experience trouble sleeping?
Why might a pregnant woman experience trouble sleeping?
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What is the best course of action if feeling depressed during pregnancy?
What is the best course of action if feeling depressed during pregnancy?
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What is a recognized psychological disorder associated with pregnancy?
What is a recognized psychological disorder associated with pregnancy?
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What proportion of women experiences depression or anxiety during pregnancy?
What proportion of women experiences depression or anxiety during pregnancy?
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What is a common cause of mood swings during pregnancy?
What is a common cause of mood swings during pregnancy?
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Which of these feelings might women commonly experience during pregnancy?
Which of these feelings might women commonly experience during pregnancy?
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Why do many women not seek help for depression during pregnancy?
Why do many women not seek help for depression during pregnancy?
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What may prolonged sadness during pregnancy require?
What may prolonged sadness during pregnancy require?
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What do many pregnant women worry about regarding their new baby?
What do many pregnant women worry about regarding their new baby?
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What is a risk of untreated depression during pregnancy?
What is a risk of untreated depression during pregnancy?
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What is a common sleep issue faced during pregnancy?
What is a common sleep issue faced during pregnancy?
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Which sleep aid is noted as being safe for many pregnant women?
Which sleep aid is noted as being safe for many pregnant women?
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What behavioral practice is recommended to enhance sleep quality?
What behavioral practice is recommended to enhance sleep quality?
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What should be avoided for promoting sleep during pregnancy?
What should be avoided for promoting sleep during pregnancy?
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What is a common effect on hair during pregnancy?
What is a common effect on hair during pregnancy?
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After giving birth, what hair change is typically observed?
After giving birth, what hair change is typically observed?
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Which of the following is not recommended during pregnancy?
Which of the following is not recommended during pregnancy?
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What is a potential side effect of using Unisom?
What is a potential side effect of using Unisom?
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Study Notes
Body Changes During Pregnancy
- A pregnant woman's body undergoes various physical changes, some obvious, some subtle.
- These changes are necessary for fetal development and preparation for labor.
First Trimester
- Symptoms: Fatigue, nausea (morning sickness), aches and pains (possibly in lower abdomen or joints), increased urination, constipation, food cravings or aversions, heartburn, indigestion, back pain, vaginal thrush, skin changes (itching, possibly skin tags), hemorrhoids, restless legs, leg cramps, swelling in ankles/feet, dizziness, fatigue, or lack of energy, nasal problems, or shortness of breath, larger, tender breasts.
- Physical changes: Tiredness and possible nausea, weight gain (1-2 kg, or less with morning sickness), faster heartbeat and breathing rate, tender/larger/heavier breasts, growing uterus puts pressure on bladder (more frequent urination), mood swings.
Second Trimester
- Symptoms: Reduced tiredness, decreased morning sickness, moodiness. More focused on wandering thoughts or lack of focus at work/home, gain about 6 kilograms.
- Physical changes: May have anxiety about pregnancy tests, hair might become thicker/stronger or nails softer/more easily break, increased appetite (cravings for sweet, spicy, or fatty foods), taste/smell sensitivity could change.
Third Trimester
- Symptoms: Forgetfulness, tiredness, discomfort, increased anxiety about labor. Weight gain (around 5 kg more), back pain, difficulty sleeping, due to discomfort. Pressure on lungs due to baby's position may make breathing harder. Braxton Hicks contractions (tightening of the uterine muscles).
- Physical changes: Weight gain, difficulty sleeping due to discomfort, potential increased pressure on lungs, muscle contractions of the uterus.
Morning Sickness
- The first thing to know about morning sickness is that it can hit at any time of day; usually starts around week 6 and resolves by week 14.
- Tips to manage: drink small amounts of fluids often, suck on ice or ice blocks, try ginger tablets, eat small amounts frequently (avoiding an empty stomach), eat dry biscuits/biscuits in the morning when waking up from bed, try salty foods, avoid fatty/rich/spicy foods, avoid strong smells / cooking odors.
Mental Health
- Mood Swings: Fluctuations are common and related to hormonal changes, stress, and tiredness.
- Depression: Approximately 15% of women experience depression or anxiety during pregnancy. Seek help if needed due to serious health effects. Symptoms include depressed/miserable mood, irritability, loss of interest, changes in eating/sleeping patterns, feeling unproductive or overly-concerned about the pregnancy.
- Anxiety: Anxiety is also common during pregnancy, characterized by constant worry, stress or nervousness, muscle tension, challenges with sleeping, panic attacks. Seek professional guidance.
Other Issues
- Heartburn: Common in pregnancy due to progesterone hormone relaxing stomach muscles. Relief strategies include antacids, avoiding spicy/fatty foods, or consulting a doctor about other medication.
- Trouble Sleeping: Pregnancy hormones can cause vivid dreams and increased waking up to urinate. Use humidifier at night, keep the bedroom only for relaxing and sleep, and use relaxation techniques.
- Nosebleeds: Blood volume increase during pregnancy causes more fragile blood vessels and dry air. Use humidifier, lubricate nasal passages with saline spray or rinse, drink plenty of fluids. Consult a doctor for severe issues.
- Swelling: Fluid retention; occurs mostly in feet/legs. Try elevating legs, wearing compression socks, avoid prolonged standing sessions. Consult doctor for severe swelling, especially in the face.
- Bigger Feet: Hormones and ligament stretches lead to foot size increases. Consider purchasing larger shoes.
- Balance Problems: Increased center of gravity and shifting hormones cause balance issues. Pay attention to surroundings.
- Skin Changes: Stretch marks from skin tissues being stretched during pregnancy/weight gain; brown patches called Melasma, dark line called Linea Nigra. Consult a doctor to avoid complications, consider moisturizer, and/or light therapy.
- Diastasis Recti: Abdominal muscles separating. Exercise should be guided by a doctor.
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Description
Explore the various physical changes a pregnant woman experiences throughout her pregnancy, from the first to the second trimester. Understand the symptoms and necessary adaptations for the health of both mother and fetus. This quiz covers key aspects of pregnancy and how the body prepares for labor.
