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Minor Disorders 
Pregnancy 
 
 
Max Brinsmead PhD FRANZCOG 
July 2010 
Page 2


Minor Disorders 
Pregnancy 
 
 
Max Brinsmead PhD FRANZCOG 
July 2010 
An important role for a 
midwife 
• To recognise minor disorders of pregnancy 
that arise from physiological processes 
• To reassure... 
• To provide simple and safe advice 
• But above all... 
• To distinguish these from serious pathological 
processes that require major obstetric 
interventions 
Page 3


Minor Disorders 
Pregnancy 
 
 
Max Brinsmead PhD FRANZCOG 
July 2010 
An important role for a 
midwife 
• To recognise minor disorders of pregnancy 
that arise from physiological processes 
• To reassure... 
• To provide simple and safe advice 
• But above all... 
• To distinguish these from serious pathological 
processes that require major obstetric 
interventions 
nausea and vomiting 
• Affects approx. 50% women 
• “Morning sickness” can last all day 
• Aggravated by smells, stress, travelling 
• Due to hormone changes (HCG or oestrogen?) 
• Eat cold rather than cooked foods 
• Small frequent meals, high CHO, low in fats,  
• Ginger, B6 and acupuncture 
• Admission and IV Fluids when dehydration 
threatens (poor urine output) 
• Anti emetics e.g. Maxolon, Meclozine, Stemetil 
or Zofran 
• Only rarely should termination of pregnancy be 
required 
 
Page 4


Minor Disorders 
Pregnancy 
 
 
Max Brinsmead PhD FRANZCOG 
July 2010 
An important role for a 
midwife 
• To recognise minor disorders of pregnancy 
that arise from physiological processes 
• To reassure... 
• To provide simple and safe advice 
• But above all... 
• To distinguish these from serious pathological 
processes that require major obstetric 
interventions 
nausea and vomiting 
• Affects approx. 50% women 
• “Morning sickness” can last all day 
• Aggravated by smells, stress, travelling 
• Due to hormone changes (HCG or oestrogen?) 
• Eat cold rather than cooked foods 
• Small frequent meals, high CHO, low in fats,  
• Ginger, B6 and acupuncture 
• Admission and IV Fluids when dehydration 
threatens (poor urine output) 
• Anti emetics e.g. Maxolon, Meclozine, Stemetil 
or Zofran 
• Only rarely should termination of pregnancy be 
required 
 
But beware... 
• Nausea and vomiting can be a 
manifestation of severe pre eclampsia 
• Particularly if there is epigastric pain 
• And it occurs in the 2
nd
 half of 
pregnancy 
• Check the BP and test urine for protein 
Page 5


Minor Disorders 
Pregnancy 
 
 
Max Brinsmead PhD FRANZCOG 
July 2010 
An important role for a 
midwife 
• To recognise minor disorders of pregnancy 
that arise from physiological processes 
• To reassure... 
• To provide simple and safe advice 
• But above all... 
• To distinguish these from serious pathological 
processes that require major obstetric 
interventions 
nausea and vomiting 
• Affects approx. 50% women 
• “Morning sickness” can last all day 
• Aggravated by smells, stress, travelling 
• Due to hormone changes (HCG or oestrogen?) 
• Eat cold rather than cooked foods 
• Small frequent meals, high CHO, low in fats,  
• Ginger, B6 and acupuncture 
• Admission and IV Fluids when dehydration 
threatens (poor urine output) 
• Anti emetics e.g. Maxolon, Meclozine, Stemetil 
or Zofran 
• Only rarely should termination of pregnancy be 
required 
 
But beware... 
• Nausea and vomiting can be a 
manifestation of severe pre eclampsia 
• Particularly if there is epigastric pain 
• And it occurs in the 2
nd
 half of 
pregnancy 
• Check the BP and test urine for protein 
fatigue 
• Is common and not always due to anaemia or poor 
nutrition 
• Is due to the sedative effects of Progesterone. 
• Serves a physiological role to ensure optimal 
uterine blood flow 
• A little nap every day is a good idea 
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FAQs on Minor Disorders Pregnancy

1. What are some common minor disorders during pregnancy?
Ans. Some common minor disorders during pregnancy include morning sickness, backaches, heartburn, constipation, and swollen feet.
2. How can morning sickness be managed during pregnancy?
Ans. Morning sickness can be managed by eating small, frequent meals, avoiding spicy and greasy foods, staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and trying natural remedies like ginger or acupressure bands.
3. What can be done to relieve backaches during pregnancy?
Ans. To relieve backaches during pregnancy, it is important to practice good posture, use proper body mechanics when lifting, avoid standing or sitting for long periods, wear supportive shoes, and consider exercises specifically designed for pregnancy.
4. How can heartburn be alleviated during pregnancy?
Ans. Heartburn during pregnancy can be alleviated by eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding trigger foods like spicy or fatty foods, staying upright after eating, and propping up the upper body while sleeping.
5. What are some natural remedies for relieving constipation during pregnancy?
Ans. Natural remedies for relieving constipation during pregnancy include increasing fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly, and trying natural laxatives like prune juice or flaxseed.
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