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6 Week Pregnancy Symptoms.
Heartburn
Heartburn discomfort (pyrosis) is one of the most common complaints of pregnancy. It may begin early, although generally it becomes more severe later in pregnancy. It is usually caused by the backing up (reflux) of gastric and duodenal contents into the esophagus. This occurs more frequently during pregnancy for two reasons—food moves more slowly through the intestines, and the stomach is compressed by the uterus as it enlarges and moves up into the abdomen.
Symptoms are not severe for most women. Eat small, frequent meals and avoid some positions, such as bending over or lying flat. One sure way to get heartburn is to eat a large meal, then lie down! (This is true for anyone, not just pregnant women.)
Some antacids provide considerable relief, including aluminum hydroxide, magnesium trisilicate and magnesium hydroxide (Amphojel®, Gelusil®, Milk of Magnesia® and Maalox®). Follow your caregiver's advice or the instructions on the package relating to pregnancy. Don't overdo taking antacids! Avoid sodium bicarbonate because it contains excessive amounts of sodium that may cause you to retain water.
Constipation
Your bowel habits will probably change during pregnancy. Most women notice some constipation, often accompanied by irregular bowel movements. Hemorrhoids may occur more often (see Week 14).
You can help avoid constipation problems during pregnancy. Increase your fluid intake. Exercise also helps. Many doctors suggest a mild laxative, such as Milk of Magnesia or prune juice, if you have problems. Certain foods, such as bran and prunes, can increase the bulk in your diet, which may relieve constipation.
Do not use laxatives, other than those mentioned, without your healthcare provider's OK. If constipation is a continuing problem, discuss treatment with your doctor. Try not to strain when you have a bowel movement. Straining can lead to hemorrhoids.
How Your Actions Affect Your Baby's Development
During pregnancy, a sexually transmitted disease (STD) can harm your growing baby. Take care of any STD as soon as possible.
Genital Herpes Simplex Infection
Usually a herpes infection during pregnancy is a reinfection, not a primary infection. Infection in the mother is associated with higher risks of premature delivery and low-birthweight infants. We believe an infant can be infected when traveling through the birth canal. When membranes rupture, the infection may also travel upward to the uterus.
There is no safe treatment during pregnancy for genital herpes. When a woman has an active herpes infection late in pregnancy, a Cesarean section is done to deliver the baby.
Monilial Vulvovaginitis
Monilial (yeast) infections are more common in pregnant women than in nonpregnant women. They have no major negative effect on pregnancy, but they may cause you discomfort and anxiety.
Yeast infections are sometimes harder to control when you're pregnant. They may require frequent retreatment or longer treatment (10 to 14 days instead of 3 to 7 days). Creams used for treatment are usually safe during pregnancy. Your partner does not need to be treated.
A newborn infant can get thrush after passing through a birth canal infected with monilial vulvovaginitis. Treatment with nystatin is effective. Avoid the use of fluconazole (Diflucan®); it may not be safe to use during pregnancy.
Trichomonal Vaginitis
This infection has no major effects on pregnancy. However, a problem in treatment may arise because some doctors believe metronidazole, the drug of choice, shouldn't be taken in the first trimester of pregnancy. Most healthcare providers will prescribe metronidazole for a bad infection after the first trimester.
Condylomata Acuminatum
This condition is commonly called venereal warts. If you have extensive venereal warts, a Cesarean delivery may be necessary to avoid heavy bleeding.
Warty skin tags often enlarge during pregnancy. In rare instances, they have blocked the vagina at the time of delivery. Infants have also been known to get laryngealpapillomas (small benign tumors on the vocal cords) after delivery.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea presents risks to a woman and her partner, and to her baby when it passes through the birth canal. The baby may contract gonorrheal ophthalmia, a severe eye infection. Eyedrops are used in newborns to prevent this problem. Other infections may also result. Gonorrheal infections in the mother are easily treated with penicillin or other medications that are safe to use during pregnancy.
Syphilis
Detection of a syphilis infection is important for you, your partner and your infant. Fortunately this rare infection is also treatable. If you notice any open sore on your genitals during pregnancy, have your healthcare provider check it out. Syphilis can be treated effectively with penicillin and other medications that are safe in pregnancy.
Chlamydia
You may have heard or read about Chlamydia. It is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD); between 3- and 5-million people are infected every year. It may be difficult to determine if you have a chlamydial infection because you may not have symptoms. Infection is caused by a germ that invades certain types of healthy cells. Infection may be passed through sexual activity, including oral sex.
Between 20 and 40% of all sexually active women have probably been exposed to Chlamydia at some time. Infection can cause serious problems if left untreated, but these problems can be avoided with treatment.
Chlamydia is most likely to occur in young people who have more than one sexual partner. It may also occur in women who have other sexually transmitted diseases. Some doctors believe Chlamydia occurs more commonly in women who take oral contraceptives. Barrier methods of contraception, such as diaphragms and condoms used with spermicides, may offer protection from infection.
One of the most significant complications of Chlamydia is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a severe infection of the upper genital organs involving the uterus, the Fallopian tubes and even the ovaries. There may be pelvic pain, or there may be no symptoms at all. PID can result from an untreated infection that spreads throughout the pelvic area.
Chlamydia is one of the main causes of PID. If a PID infection is prolonged or recurrent, the reproductive organs, Fallopian tubes and uterus may be damaged, with formation of adhesions. Surgery may be required to repair them. If tubes are damaged, scar tissue can increase the risk of ectopic or tubal pregnancy.
Chlamydia in Pregnancy
During pregnancy, a mother-to-be can pass the infection to her baby as it comes through the birth canal and vagina. The baby has a 20 to 50% chance of getting Chlamydia if the mother has it. It may cause an eye infection, but that is easily treated. Complications that are more serious include pneumonia, which may require hospitalization of the baby.
Research has shown that chlamydial infection may be linked to ectopic pregnancy. One study showed 70% of the women they studied who had an ectopic pregnancy also had Chlamydia. If a woman is trying to get pregnant, she may want to be screened for this STD, which can be treated easily.
Testing for Chlamydia
Chlamydia can be detected by a cell culture, but as we've said, more than half of those infected have no symptoms. Symptoms that may appear include burning or itching in the genital area, discharge from the vagina, painful or frequent urination, or pain in the pelvic area. Men may also experience symptoms. Rapid diagnostic tests can be done in the doctor's office. They can provide a result quickly, possibly even before you go home.
Chlamydia is usually treated with tetracycline, but this drug should not be given to a pregnant woman. During pregnancy, erythromycin may be the drug of choice. After treatment, your healthcare provider may want to do another culture to make sure the infection is gone. If you're concerned about a possible chlamydial infection, discuss it with your healthcare provider. He or she will advise you.
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