Common Health Conditions: BPH, Cervical Cancer, AIDS & Pregnancy
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a condition that causes thickening of the prostate gland, consequently narrowing the urethra. This process, which has a high incidence and prevalence, affects males starting around age 50 and can cause alterations in urination.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is an HPV-related cancer (human papillomavirus). It typically has a slow onset.
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)
AIDS is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome caused by the HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). It causes destruction of the immune system. People infected with HIV are susceptible to contracting various diseases, which ultimately leads to death.
Changes During Pregnancy
Reproductive System Changes
- Increased capacity and weight of the uterus
- Increase in breast size, nipples become erectile and change color
Cardiorespiratory Changes
- Increased oxygen consumption, making it difficult to breathe due to the elevation of the diaphragm or displacement of the uterus.
- Increased pressure and varicose veins, edema.
Digestive System Changes
- Nausea and vomiting due to hormones irritating the stomach.
- Heartburn due to displacement of the stomach and intestines.
- Delayed emptying by the intestinal motility, causing constipation and hemorrhoids.
Urinary System Changes
- Increased urination in the 1st and 3rd trimesters due to uterine pressure on the bladder.
Skin Changes
- Nipple and areola pigmentation changes.
- Appearance of a line from the pubic hair area to the navel.
- Stretch marks on the stomach and breasts.
- Increased sebaceous and sweat gland secretion.
Other Changes
- Increased curvature in the lumbodorsal spine in the 2nd trimester.
- Secretion of the hormone relaxin, promoting dilatation of the cervix and relaxation of the ligaments to allow pelvic expansion at the time of delivery.
- Weight gain.
Care During Pregnancy
- Regular visits to the gynecologist.
- Essential tests and inspections deemed necessary.
Nutrition
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Calorie requirements are slightly increased.
- Feeding must be varied and balanced.
Exercise and Physical Activity
- Mild exercise, such as swimming or walking, to improve muscle tone.
Personal Hygiene
- Recommended daily hygienic shower.
- Avoid vaginal douches.
- Skin hydration.
- Oral hygiene to prevent cavities and inflammation of the gums.
Phases of Delivery
Expansion
Cervical dilatation from 2 to 10 cm to permit the release of the baby. This takes several hours. Uterine contractions are painful and increase progressively both in frequency and intensity. Bloody show occurs, which closes the cervix during pregnancy, as well as amniotic sac rupture.
Expulsion
Uterine contractions become increasingly frequent, every 2 or 3 minutes. The pressure pushes the fetus toward the channel formed by the birth canal and vagina. The neck appears, and the desire to push the fetus occurs. The head comes out first, followed by the body.
Delivery
Delivery of the placenta. Check that all of it is expelled. The delivery mechanism is regulated by the hormone oxytocin secreted by the placenta.
Classification of Births
- According to the way home.
- Induced or spontaneous progress.
- Eutocic or physiological: when it elapses normally.
- Dystocic: when it elapses abnormally.
Puerperium
The puerperium is the period from birth up to the normalization of the physiological changes produced in pregnancy, lasting for 6 to 8 weeks postpartum.
Characteristics
- Involution of the uterus: rapid decrease in weight and volume.
- Healing of the cervix, vagina, vulva, and perineum. Requires good hygiene.
- Vaginal discharge (lochia): blood, secretions produced to heal the placental wound.
- Breast growth and secretion.