The gastrointestinal tract is about 30 feet (9m) long from the mouth to the anus. It is comprises of four layers; mucosa, submucosa, muscle and serosa. It also includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. The associated organs are the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. In addition, the GI tract is activated by parasympathetic (excitatory) and sympathetic (inhibitory) nervous system. Peristalsis (muscle contraction that moves food from esophagus to stomach) is enhanced by parasympathetic encouragement and reduced by sympathetic motivation. Furthermore, the GI tract and attachment organs receive about 30% of the cardiac output at rest and about 35% after eating. Circulation in the GI system is distinctive
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Some women experience nausea and vomiting which may be triggered by sight or odor of various food. This usually occurs approximately 4 to 6 weeks of gestation and diminishes by the end of first semester. Physician mostly prescribe medications for patients that require antiemetic medication (e.g., Zofran). However, severe cases of vomiting accompanied by fever, pain or weight loss requires medical intervention. Oral hygiene is very important because the gums become hyperemic and swollen. It might result to bleeding due to increase in estrogen levels. Some women secrete excess saliva caused by eating starch (Lowdermilk, 2014, p. …show more content…
Constipation may also result from the type of food ingested, lack of fluids, iron supplementation, lack of exercise, and abdominal distention by the pregnant uterus, displacement and compression of the intestines. A pregnant woman who is constipated and has hemorrhoids is at risk of bleeding during defecation of stool. Physician prescribe stool softener such as Colace. In addition, foods rich in fiber (about 28g/day), wholegrain, fruits, and vegetables are needed to relieve constipation. Furthermore, adequate fluid intake (at least 50 ml/kg/day) helps to relieve constipation. Regular exercise (walking, swimming, and cycling) helps to stir up bowel motility (Lowdermilk, 2014, p. 187,
Some women experience nausea and vomiting which may be triggered by sight or odor of various food. This usually occurs approximately 4 to 6 weeks of gestation and diminishes by the end of first semester. Physician mostly prescribe medications for patients that require antiemetic medication (e.g., Zofran). However, severe cases of vomiting accompanied by fever, pain or weight loss requires medical intervention. Oral hygiene is very important because the gums become hyperemic and swollen. It might result to bleeding due to increase in estrogen levels. Some women secrete excess saliva caused by eating starch (Lowdermilk, 2014, p. …show more content…
Constipation may also result from the type of food ingested, lack of fluids, iron supplementation, lack of exercise, and abdominal distention by the pregnant uterus, displacement and compression of the intestines. A pregnant woman who is constipated and has hemorrhoids is at risk of bleeding during defecation of stool. Physician prescribe stool softener such as Colace. In addition, foods rich in fiber (about 28g/day), wholegrain, fruits, and vegetables are needed to relieve constipation. Furthermore, adequate fluid intake (at least 50 ml/kg/day) helps to relieve constipation. Regular exercise (walking, swimming, and cycling) helps to stir up bowel motility (Lowdermilk, 2014, p. 187,