Genito-urinary system - The minor disorders of pregnancy

The minor disorders of pregnancy

These are conditions in pregnancy that are not threat to life but can distress the woman, making life miserable and undermine her health. Even if they can not endanger life, they should not be ignored or treated lightly. They can interfere with nutrition, sleep, outdoor recreation and normal household cores. These conditions should not be accepted as a normal associate of pregnancy but should be treated and alleviated. Minor disorder may escalate and become a serious complication of pregnancy.

The role of the midwife is to health educate the woman in order to tolerate the changes in pregnancy and her anxiety will be alleviated.

Causes can be due to hormonal, accommodation, metabolic and postural changes. Every system of the body changes and is affected by pregnancy.

Genito-urinary system

Frequency of micturation

Occurs in the first few weeks of gestation when the growing uterus is still within the pelvic cavity. This reduces the space available for the bladder. Also in the latter weeks when the fetal head engages. The problem is resolved when the uterus grows out of the pelvis at about 12 weeks. Other causes of bladder irritation should be ruled out. The woman should be encouraged to sleep during the day to make up for the night.

Leucorrhoea

This is the whitish, non-irritant vaginal discharge in pregnancy. The patient may find the discharge disturbing. She should be encouraged to increase personal hygiene, wear cotton under wears and avoid nylon pants and tights. Wash with plain water twice a

day and mild cream is better than talcum powder. Thrush and trichomonas should be excluded.