{"id":3130,"date":"2023-11-30T18:02:00","date_gmt":"2023-11-30T18:02:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/?p=3130"},"modified":"2026-01-08T11:57:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T19:57:16","slug":"a-quick-reference-guide-to-common-conditions-associated-with-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-common-conditions-associated-with-pregnancy","title":{"rendered":"A Quick Reference Guide to Common Conditions Associated with Pregnancy"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">In This Article<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-common-conditions-associated-with-pregnancy\/#Nausea_and_Vomiting_During_Pregnancy\" >Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-common-conditions-associated-with-pregnancy\/#Skin_Changes_Due_to_Pregnancy\" >Skin Changes Due to Pregnancy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-common-conditions-associated-with-pregnancy\/#Constipation_During_Pregnancy\" >Constipation During Pregnancy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-common-conditions-associated-with-pregnancy\/#Supine_Hypotension_Low_Blood_Pressure_During_Pregnancy\" >Supine Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure) During Pregnancy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-common-conditions-associated-with-pregnancy\/#Explore_Additional_Common_Conditions\" >Explore Additional Common Conditions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-common-conditions-associated-with-pregnancy\/#About_the_Author\" >About the Author<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-common-conditions-associated-with-pregnancy\/#Reviewers\" >Reviewers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-common-conditions-associated-with-pregnancy\/#Resources_References\" >Resources &amp; References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>In today&#8217;s Osmosis from Elsevier blog, we&#8217;re exploring common pregnancy conditions &#8211; nausea, skin changes, constipation, and supine hypotension &#8211; along with the causes of those conditions, their symptoms, and effective treatments.<\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pregnancy, typically spanning about forty weeks or nine months, is (quite literally) a transformative experience involving adaptions the human body makes to nurture and support a growing fetus. Some of these physiologic adaptations include dealing with nausea and vomiting, skin changes, constipation, and supine hypotension.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s discuss these common conditions seen during&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Pregnancy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pregnancy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"751\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/person-nausea.png?w=1024\" alt=\"A pregnant individual with morning sickness or nausea, kneeling in front of a toilet, with their hand on their head, looking very uncomfortable and distressed.\" class=\"wp-image-3136\" style=\"width:438px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/person-nausea.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/person-nausea.png?resize=300,220 300w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/person-nausea.png?resize=768,563 768w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/person-nausea.png?resize=1024,751 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Nausea_and_Vomiting_During_Pregnancy\"><\/span>Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Often referred to as \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Nausea_and_vomiting_of_pregnancy%3A_Clinical_sciences\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">morning sickness<\/a>,\u201d the nausea and vomiting that expectant individuals experience are most common during the initial trimester and early second trimester (i.e., weeks 5-20). Contrary to the name, it can strike at any time of the day or night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While the exact cause of nausea and vomiting is unknown, hormones like human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), estrogen, and progesterone play crucial roles. For instance, increased progesterone, essential to maintaining the uterine lining, decreases smooth muscle contractility, which can decrease gastric motility, contributing to nausea and vomiting.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Typically self-reported, the signs and symptoms of morning sickness are accompanied by normal vital signs during a physical examination. However, if they become severe and persistent, the patient\u2019s vital signs may be abnormal, with signs of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2020\/06\/23\/the-importance-of-staying-hydrated\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dehydration<\/a>. When nausea and vomiting result in a loss of more than five percent of the patient\u2019s pre-pregnancy weight and are accompanied by the presence of ketones in the urine, this is known as&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Hyperemesis_gravidarum%3A_Nursing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Diagnosis is typically based on history and a physical examination, but can include lab tests such as a complete metabolic panel (CMP) to assess for dehydration and a urine dipstick to evaluate specific gravity and ketones.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Treatment typically involves supportive care and, when necessary,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/answers\/antiemetics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">antiemetics<\/a>. Supportive care can include non-pharmacologic options like small, frequent meals, ginger tea, or alternative therapies such as acupuncture are recommended. Pharmacologic choices like pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) and doxylamine are used as first-line medications to treat nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. If symptoms persist, other antiemetic drugs may be added and can include diphenhydramine, dimenhydrinate, promethazine, or prochlorperazine. If symptoms persist despite first- and second-line treatments, other prescription drugs, such as ondansetron and metoclopramide, can be used.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"566\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/list-of-possible-skin-changes.png?w=1024\" alt=\"An illustrated list of of possible skin changes during pregnancy including the background, contributing factors, and treatments.\" class=\"wp-image-3135\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/list-of-possible-skin-changes.png 1920w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/list-of-possible-skin-changes.png?resize=300,166 300w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/list-of-possible-skin-changes.png?resize=768,424 768w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/list-of-possible-skin-changes.png?resize=1024,566 1024w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/list-of-possible-skin-changes.png?resize=1536,849 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Skin_Changes_Due_to_Pregnancy\"><\/span>Skin Changes Due to Pregnancy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Skin changes commonly seen during pregnancy include&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/answers\/chloasma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">chloasma<\/a>&nbsp;and linea nigra. Chloasma, also known as melasma and often referred to as \u201cthe mask of pregnancy,\u201d is an acquired skin pigment disorder. While the exact cause isn\u2019t fully understood, the hormonal changes during pregnancy involving estrogen, progesterone, and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) appear to play a role.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Appearing as irregular, blotchy, hyperpigmented patches during the second or third trimesters, chloasma is commonly seen on the cheeks, nose, lips, and forehead during the second or third trimester (though it can occur at any time during pregnancy). Diagnosis is typically based on the clinical presentation, but can include a Wood\u2019s lamp examination to assess the extent of chloasma, and a skin biopsy can be done if the diagnosis is uncertain.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It typically requires no treatment and fades post-delivery, but if treatment is required, options include topical skin-lightening agents, like azelaic acid, hydroquinone, or tranexamic acid; chemical peels, like glycolic acid; and laser- or light-based therapies. Preventative measures include strict sun protection to limit sun exposure, using broad-spectrum sunscreens, and wearing wide-brimmed hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Linea nigra, Latin for \u201cblack line,\u201d commonly appears as a dark vertical line on the abdomen, running from the umbilicus to the pubic bone, during the second trimester of pregnancy. Diagnosed clinically, its exact cause is currently unknown. However, the rise in MSH, estrogen, and progesterone likely contributes. Treatment is usually not required, as it tends to fade following delivery.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"404\" height=\"615\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/laxative.png\" alt=\"A bottle of laxative powder.\" class=\"wp-image-3134\" style=\"width:224px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/laxative.png 404w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/laxative.png?resize=197,300 197w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 404px) 100vw, 404px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Constipation_During_Pregnancy\"><\/span>Constipation During Pregnancy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Affecting about 25% of pregnant individuals, constipation is a common problem that is the result of increased progesterone, decreased smooth muscle contractility, and decreased peristalsis, contributing to constipation. Iron supplements, often prescribed for anemia during pregnancy, can make constipation worse.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Signs and symptoms of constipation include abdominal pain or discomfort, difficult or infrequent bowel movements, and the passage of hard, pebbled stool, colloquially known as \u201cpebble poop.\u201d&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/answers\/pebble-poop\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pebble poop<\/a>&nbsp;presents as small pieces of stool that have broken apart from a larger mass, resembling tiny pebbles. Severe or persistent constipation may lead to or worsen existing&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/answers\/thrombosed-hemorrhoid\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">hemorrhoids<\/a>, which are swollen, inflamed veins found in the anus and rectum that can cause pain and rectal bleeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Diagnosis of constipation relies on clinical presentation, with treatments involving lifestyle changes like switching to a fiber-rich diet (e.g., fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts), staying hydrated, regular exercise, and certain medications. If lifestyle changes fail, bulk-forming stool softeners, like psyllium, and certain stimulant laxatives, like bisacodyl, can be used and are typically safe for use in pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"279\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/pregnant-person-lying-down.png?w=1024\" alt=\"An illustration of a pregnant person laying down on their back.\" class=\"wp-image-3133\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/pregnant-person-lying-down.png 1084w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/pregnant-person-lying-down.png?resize=300,82 300w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/pregnant-person-lying-down.png?resize=768,209 768w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/pregnant-person-lying-down.png?resize=1024,279 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Supine_Hypotension_Low_Blood_Pressure_During_Pregnancy\"><\/span>Supine Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure) During Pregnancy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/answers\/supine-position\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Supine<\/a>&nbsp;hypotension arises when the growing uterus compresses the inferior vena cava (i.e., the major vein responsible for returning blood to the heart), decreasing venous return and resulting in hypotension (low blood pressure). It affects around eight percent of pregnant patients in their second and third trimesters and can worsen as the pregnancy progresses, causing more compression. Symptoms include dizziness, low blood pressure, sweating, tachycardia, and nausea, typically appearing 3-10 minutes after lying down. In severe cases, individuals may lose consciousness.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Diagnosis is based on the patient\u2019s history and clinical presentation, potentially including a decrease in systolic blood pressure by at least 15-30 mmHg while the individual is in the supine position (lying on their back).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Treatment includes positioning the individual into the left lateral position to relieve compression of the inferior vena cava and increase venous return. Preventing supine hypotension includes avoiding prolonged periods in the supine position (especially after 24 weeks) and adapting sleeping positions, favoring left side-lying, which can enhance venous return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"599\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/pregnant-patient-hook-up-to-monitor.png?w=1024\" alt=\"An illustration of a pregnant person hooked up to a monitor in a hospital bed.\" class=\"wp-image-3132\" style=\"width:530px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/pregnant-patient-hook-up-to-monitor.png 1312w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/pregnant-patient-hook-up-to-monitor.png?resize=300,175 300w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/pregnant-patient-hook-up-to-monitor.png?resize=768,449 768w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/pregnant-patient-hook-up-to-monitor.png?resize=1024,599 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Explore_Additional_Common_Conditions\"><\/span>Explore Additional Common Conditions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2023\/10\/23\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-common-conditions-in-older-adults\">A Quick Reference Guide to Common Conditions in Older Adults<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-common-conditions-associated-with-long-covid\">A Quick Reference Guide to Common Conditions Associated with Long Covid<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-common-conditions-associated-with-gut-health\">A Quick Reference Guide to Common Conditions Associated with Gut Health<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-common-conditions-related-to-sexual-health-bacterial-infections\">A Quick Reference Guide to Common Conditions Related to Sexual Health: Bacterial Infections<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-common-conditions-related-to-sexual-health-part-2-viruses\">A Quick Reference Guide to Common Conditions Related to Sexual Health, Part 2: Viruses<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-conditions-related-to-cortisol\">A Quick Reference Guide to Conditions Related to Cortisol<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-signs-and-symptoms-associated-with-diabetes-mellitus\">A Quick Reference Guide to Signs and Symptoms Associated with Diabetes Mellitus<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-male-reproductive-health-disorders\">A Quick Reference Guide to Male Reproductive Health Disorders<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-female-reproductive-health-disorders\">A Quick Reference Guide to Female Reproductive Health Disorders<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_the_Author\"><\/span>About the Author<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/profile\/kelsey-lafayette\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><strong><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/alyssa-haag\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alyssa Haag, BA, MS-4<\/a>,\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong>obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Biology and Education from the University of California, Berkeley, in 2019. She then spent a year as a Medical Assistant at a primary care office in New York City before entering medical school at Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, FL. She will be obtaining her Doctor of Medicine degree (MD) in May of 2024 and is currently in the process of applying for a Family Medicine residency. Her passion for education and accessible patient education brought her to Osmosis, where she works as a scriptwriter and editor for the Osmosis Q&amp;A project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reviewers\"><\/span><strong>Reviewers<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/profile\/kelsey-lafayette\"><strong>Kelsey LaFayette, DNP, ARNP, FNP-C,<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/a>Nursing Content Manager<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/profile\/lisa-miklush\"><strong>Lisa Miklush, PhD, RN, CNS,<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/a>Senior Content Editor<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Resources_References\"><\/span>Resources &amp; References<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cunningham FG, Leveno KJ, Dashe JS, Hoffman BL, Spong CY, Casey BM. Williams Obstetrics. McGraw Hill Medical; 2022.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kim DR, Wang E. Prevention of supine hypotensive syndrome in pregnant women treated with transcranial magnetic stimulation. Psychiatry Res. 2014;218(1-2):247-248. doi:10.1016\/j.psychres.2014.04.001<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lee NM, Saha S. Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2011;40(2):309-vii. doi:10.1016\/j.gtc.2011.03.009<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trottier M, Erebara A, Bozzo P. Treating constipation during pregnancy. Can Fam Physician. 2012;58(8):836-838.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vora R, Gupta R, Mehta M, Chaudhari A, Pilani A, Patel N. Pregnancy and skin. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care. 2014;3(4):318. doi:https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4103\/2249-4863.148099<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/login\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/think-clinically-banner.png?w=700\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-248\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/think-clinically-banner.png 700w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/think-clinically-banner.png?resize=300,107 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em><strong><em>Try Osmosis today! Access your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/login?type=create\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free trial<\/a>\u00a0and find out why millions of current and future clinicians and caregivers love learning with us.<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In today&#8217;s Osmosis from Elsevier blog, we&#8217;re exploring common pregnancy conditions &#8211; nausea, skin changes, constipation, and supine hypotension &#8211; along with the causes of those conditions, their symptoms, and effective treatments. Pregnancy, typically spanning about forty weeks or nine months, is (quite literally) a transformative experience involving adaptions the human body makes to nurture [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":195,"featured_media":3131,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[27,10,21,32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3130","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-medicine","category-clinical-skills","category-guides","category-nursing"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>A Quick Reference Guide to Common Conditions Associated with Pregnancy - Osmosis Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-common-conditions-associated-with-pregnancy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"A Quick Reference Guide to Common Conditions Associated with Pregnancy - Osmosis Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"In today&#8217;s Osmosis from Elsevier blog, we&#8217;re exploring common pregnancy conditions &#8211; nausea, skin changes, constipation, and supine hypotension &#8211; along with the causes of those conditions, their symptoms, and effective treatments. 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