Obstetrics

Obstetrics (from the Latin obstare, "to stand by") is the surgical specialty dealing with the care of a woman and her offspring during pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (the period shortly after birth). Almost all modern obstetricians are also gynaecologists; see Obstetrics and gynaecology.

Symptoms

Trimesters

First trimester: elevated ?-hCG (up to 100,000 mIU/mL by 10 weeks GA) can cause morning sickness, fatigue, mood swings and food cravings. The symptoms can last through 12 to 16 weeks of gestation.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Second trimester: The abdomen shows an obvious swelling arising from the pelvis, starting the "obvious phase" of pregnancy. Hyperpigmentation, including linea nigra may appear.

Related Topics:
Hyperpigmentation - Linea nigra

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Third trimester: The mother may experience backaches due to increased strain. Typically, the curvature of the spine is changed as pregnancy evolves in order to counteract the change in weight distribution. The mother may also suffer mild urinary incontinence due to pressure on the bladder by the pregnant uterus, as well as heartburn (due to compression of the stomach).

Related Topics:
Backaches - Urinary incontinence - Heartburn

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Overall

• Bluish discoloration of vagina and cervix (Chadwick's sign)
• Softening and cyanosis of cervix after 4 weeks (Goodell's sign)
• Softening of uterus after 6 weeks (Ladin's sign)
• Breast swelling and tenderness
• Linea nigra from umbilicus to pubis
• Telangiectasias
• Palmar erythema
• Amenorrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Breast pain
• Fetal movement