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A. Expected physical changes
4) Gastrointestinal
(a) Nausea and vomiting are common in the first
trimester. If mother is vomiting more than once a day, she should notify
her doctor. Certain smells and tastes may aggravate it, or reversely, mother
may crave eating nonnutritive substances (called pica) such as clay, corn
starch, or soap.
(b) Gum tissue may soften and bleed when brushing teeth.
(c) Increased saliva
(d) Heartburn is the reflux of gastric acid into the
esophagus caused by softening of the sphincter between the esophagus and
the stomach and pressure on the stomach from the uterus.
(e) Bloating and constipation occur because of the
increased size of the uterus, displacement of intestines, and decreased
gastric motility. The mother should not use enemas or laxatives without
consulting her OB care provider. Increase fluid and fiber to prevent constipation.
(f) Hemorrhoids occur as a result of constipation or
decreased venous return (engorged veins).
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