When Should I Be Concerned About Pregnancy Symptoms?
Knowledge of the clinical spectrum of normal pregnancies is helpful when evaluating pregnant women who present one or more similar clinical symptoms with an abnormal pregnancy, or have a coexistent medical or surgical disorder. Dr Kothari has a depth of experience across the spectrum and will discuss any concerns in detail should you experience any of the following.
Vaginal bleeding
Bleeding in early pregnancy that is heavier than spotting or accompanied by any pain may represent an ectopic pregnancy or impending miscarriage, however, any amount of bleeding can be of concern. The approach to evaluation and management of women with bleeding in early pregnancy is discussed in detail during your consultations with Dr Kothari.
Nausea and vomiting
The onset of nausea and vomiting after about 10 weeks of gestation should prompt an evaluation, as this is beyond the typical period expected for pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. Symptoms accompanying nausea and vomiting may include pain, fever, vertigo, diarrhoea, headache, or abdominal distension. If you experience any of these symptoms it is important to consider other causes, such as hyperemesis gravidarum.
Hyperemesis gravidarum is considered the severe end of the spectrum of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, and is commonly defined as persistent vomiting accompanied by weight loss exceeding 5% of pre-pregnancy body weight. Alternatively, the diagnosis can be made if pregnancy-related vomiting occurs more than three times per day, with weight loss greater than 3 kg or 5% of body weight.
Urinary frequency
Cystitis or an upper urinary tract infection should be suspected if pregnancy-related urinary frequency is accompanied by dysuria, haematuria, pyuria, fever, or flank pain.
Dyspnea
Pregnancy-related dyspnea is usually mild, of gradual onset, and not associated with other pulmonary signs. If dyspnea occurs acutely or is associated with any of these symptoms, then pregnant women should be evaluated for pulmonary embolism or other cardiopulmonary disease.
Light-headedness
Pregnancy-related light-headedness typically occurs when pregnant women have been standing, especially in a warm environment. It should resolve by lying down on the left side. Light-headedness is of concern when associated with an abnormal heart rate/rhythm, signs are suggestive of a seizure, or when it does not resolve in the lateral or head-down position.
Pelvic discomfort
The round ligaments begin near the uterine cornu, pass through the abdominal inguinal ring and along the inguinal canal, ending in the labia majora. Pain in the location of the round ligaments has been termed “round ligament pain.” The pain is typically felt on the right side of the abdomen/pelvis and often occurs upon walking, suddenly rolling over in bed, or other vigorous activity. The pain is believed to be caused by irritation of nearby nerve fibres or spasm of the ligament.
An ectopic pregnancy, ruptured ovarian cyst and ovarian torsion should be excluded when the pain is moderate to severe, persistent or progressive, or accompanied by vaginal bleeding or peritoneal signs.
Midline pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding are the cardinal signs of impending or ongoing spontaneous abortion. After 20 weeks of gestation, preterm labour and abruptio placentae should be excluded in women with these symptoms.
Chest pain
Pregnant women who experience chest pain, unrelated to gastrointestinal reflux, is not a common symptom in pregnancy. The evaluation of pregnant women with chest pain is the same as in non-pregnant women of similar age.
If you are experiencing any pregnancy related symptoms that you are concerned about, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Dr Kothari is will take careful consideration any symptoms you experience and take the time to help you feel relaxed and confident during your consultations.
Lactation Assistance
Breastfeeding is a natural and healthy process that provides many advantages to both baby and mother. However, many new mothers have difficulty adjusting to breastfeeding and may benefit from a lactation consultation. A lactation consultation can help you understand the breastfeeding process and troubleshoot any problems, pain or confusion you may be having.
We can refer you to a specialist who can work with you to achieve the best positioning and help your baby to latch properly. Even mothers who have had success breastfeeding before may need assistance with a new baby.
Antenatal Classes
To help soon-to-be parents prepare for the exciting journey of bringing a new baby into this world, we encourage you to attend informative antenatal classes to help you and your partner feel more confident in what lies ahead. These classes have been designed to prepare you for labour, birth, breastfeeding and caring for a newborn baby.
There are many benefits to joining our antenatal classes. You will learn about
- Preparing for labour
- The signs of labour and when to call the hospital
- The different stages of labour
- Different birthing positions
- Relaxation and breathing techniques to use during labour
- Early parenting
- Breastfeeding
- Newborn baby behaviour
We encourage you to ask questions and participate in a number of activities to get the most out of your classes. You will be sharing the space with other expecting parents, enabling you to build support networks and relationships with others who are going through a similar experience.
We understand that most of our patients have very different life commitments, so the classes have been designed to accommodate the needs of different schedules. We recommend you book your spot at around the time you are 20 weeks pregnant to finish the course at around 36 weeks.
Please follow this link for more information on making a booking at Wollongong Private Hospital: https://www.wollongongprivate.com.au/Maternity/Childbirth-and-Parenting-Programs