SEARCH RESULTS FOR: GI-changes-during-pregnancy

GI-changes-during-pregnancy

Physiologic Changes in Pregnancy: Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract Pregnancyàhormonal and physical changes in the body Mechanisms poorly understood ↑ human chorionic ↑ estrogen ↑ progesterone gonadotropin (hCG) ↑ uterus size Uterus rises into abdominal cavity ↑ intra-gastric pressure ↑ backup of stomach contents Nausea & vomiting In the extreme case: Hyperemesis gravidarum (extreme vomiting causing weight loss, dehydration, ketosis) Liver displaced upwards Liver edge generally not palpable on exam ↑ blood pressure in veins within the abdomen Veins around rectum & anus stretch under pressure ↑ blood flow to the gum tissue ↑ tendency for gingival bleeding & ulceration Gingivitis ↑ neo- vascularization in lesions on skin Pyogenic granuloma of pregnancy (shiny red papule with a raspberry-like surface) Mechanism poorly understood Ptyalism (excessive salivation) Difficulty swallowing excess saliva ↑ gallbladder stasis Biliary sludge given time to solidify within gallbladder Gallstones ↓ mobilization of intracellular calcium within smooth muscle cells Smooth muscle relaxation in tissues such as the gallbladder & GI tract Changes in taste perception Dysgeusia Cultural influences and psychological factors Change in diet and dietary cravings ↓ lower esophageal sphincter tone Retrograde transport of gastric contents into esophagus Gastroesophageal reflux ↓ GI motility Delayed gastric and intestinal emptying Stool builds up in colon, and hardens as water is resorbed Constipation Pooling of blood within rectal veins àvenous thrombosis Hemorrhoids Fragile veins, more easily torn Rectal bleeding Change in gut microbiome Authors: Simonne Horwitz, Yan Yu* Reviewers: Claire Lothian, Crystal Liu, Ronald Cusano* * MD at time of publication Legend: Pathophysiology Mechanism Sign/Symptom/Lab Finding Complications Published April 29, 2020 on www.thecalgaryguide.com