In the 'Symptoms - Reproductive - General' section of our in-depth questionnaire we ask the following question about which trimester you are in:
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Which trimester are you in?
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Your answer |
...indicates |
...and suggests |
| 1. |
"Don't know" |
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| 2. |
"1st trimester" |
Being in early pregnancy |
A risk factor |
| 3. |
"2nd trimester" |
Being in mid-pregnancy |
A risk factor |
| 4. |
"3rd trimester" |
Being in late pregnancy |
A risk factor |
| 5. |
"Delivery expected within next two weeks" |
Being in late pregnancy |
A risk factor |
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Your answer will affect the likelihoods of the conditions below.
Any answers in green reduce the likelihood of the condition.
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| Answers |
Condition |
Comment |
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2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Anemia (Iron deficiency) |
Pregnancy can deplete iron stores. |
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2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Biotin Requirement |
A deficiency of biotin (one of the B-complex vitamins) may occur in as many as 50% of pregnant women, and this deficiency may increase the risk of birth defects. [American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2002; 75: pp.295-9]
In this study, laboratory evidence of biotin deficiency was found both in the early (first trimester) and late (third trimester) stages of pregnancy, and was corrected by supplementation with 300mcg of biotin per day for 14 days. Researchers had already suspected that biotin deficiency is common during pregnancy, but previous studies had used only an indirect method of determining biotin status. |
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4 |
5 |
Heartburn / GERD / Acid Reflux |
Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to GERD in their third trimester as the growing uterus puts increasing pressure on the stomach. Heartburn in such cases is often resistant to dietary interventions and even antacids. |
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2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Motherhood Issues |
(Women only) (Obvious connection) |
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2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Problems Caused By Being Overweight |
Women generally gain 15-40 pounds (7-18kg) during pregnancy, depending on their weight before pregnancy and how many babies they are carrying. Obviously this needs to be taken into account when deciding if weight is a problem for you. |
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2 |
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Progesterone Excess |
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GLOSSARY
Antacid (Antacids)
Neutralizes acid in the stomach, esophagus, or first part of the duodenum.
Biotin
An essential coenzyme that assists in the making of fatty acids and in the burning of carbohydrates and fats for body heat and energy. It is also essential for function of red blood cells and hemoglobin synthesis.
Gastric Reflux Disease (Gastric Reflux, Gastroesophageal Reflux, Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease, GERD)
A common relapsing condition affecting approximately 10% of the U.S. population and caused by an abnormal exposure of the lower esophagus to refluxed gastric contents, causing irritation and injury to the esophageal tissues. GERD develops as a result of relaxations of the transient lower esophageal sphincter. Typical presenting symptoms are heartburn, an epigastric burning sensation and acid regurgitation. However, some patients may present with atypical symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing.
Iron
An essential mineral. Prevents anemia: as a constituent of hemoglobin, transports oxygen throughout the body. Virtually all of the oxygen used by cells in the life process are brought to the cells by the hemoglobin of red blood cells. Iron is a small but most vital, component of the hemoglobin in 20,000 billion red blood cells, of which 115 million are formed every minute. Heme iron (from meat) is absorbed 10 times more readily than the ferrous or ferric form.
Kilogram (kg, kgs, Kilogramme, Kilogrammes, Kilograms)
1000 grams, 2.2lbs.
Microgram (mcg, Micrograms, ug)
0.000001 or a millionth of a gram.
Stomach
A hollow, muscular, J-shaped pouch located in the upper part of the abdomen to the left of the midline. The upper end (fundus) is large and dome-shaped; the area just below the fundus is called the body of the stomach. The fundus and the body are often referred to as the cardiac portion of the stomach. The lower (pyloric) portion curves downward and to the right and includes the antrum and the pylorus. The function of the stomach is to begin digestion by physically breaking down food received from the esophagus. The tissues of the stomach wall are composed of three types of muscle fibers: circular, longitudinal and oblique. These fibers create structural elasticity and contractibility, both of which are needed for digestion. The stomach mucosa contains cells which secrete hydrochloric acid and this in turn activates the other gastric enzymes pepsin and rennin. To protect itself from being destroyed by its own enzymes, the stomach’s mucous lining must constantly regenerate itself.
Uterus (Uterine)
The part of the female reproductive system specialized to allow the implantation, growth and nourishment of a fetus during pregnancy.
Last updated: May 10, 2007
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