This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: What are some of the common pregnancy-related physical complaints reported by ... (Read 28 times)

mspears3

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 586
What are some of the common pregnancy-related physical complaints reported by women?

Question 2

How do age-related changes in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract affect nutritional status in older adults?



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

sierramartinez

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 313
Answer to Question 1

Answers may vary. Hormonal changes are believed to be the underlying cause of several common physical complaints associated with pregnancy. Morning sickness, fatigue, heartburn, constipation, and food cravings and aversions are often associated with pregnancy-related hormonal changes. Many of these discomforts occur during the early stages of pregnancy, whereas others may persist throughout. In most cases, these discomforts are not serious and can typically be managed with simple diet-related strategies. For example, some women who experience morning sickness, a condition characterized by queasiness, nausea, and vomiting, can find relief by avoiding foods with offensive odors.

Answer to Question 2

Age-Related changes in the GI tract affect nutritional status, especially in older adults. Aging muscles become less responsive to neural signals, which can impact digestive functions such as swallowing and peristalsis. In fact, difficulty swallowing is a common cause of choking in the elderly. The threat or experience of this frightening and life-threatening event can compel older adults to avoid eating certain foods altogether. Preparing foods so that they are moist and soft can help prevent choking. Decreased GI motility can also lead to constipation. Fecal material that remains in the colon for a prolonged period can become hard and compacted, making it difficult to eliminate. Drinking adequate amounts of fluids and eating fiber-rich foods can improve GI function and help prevent this problem. With increased age comes a decline in the number of stomach cells that produce gastric juice. This can reduce the bioavailability of nutrients such as calcium, iron, biotin, folate, vitamin B12, and zinc.




sierramartinez

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 313

 

Did you know?

There are over 65,000 known species of protozoa. About 10,000 species are parasitic.

Did you know?

Asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease in the world. Most children who develop asthma have symptoms before they are 5 years old.

Did you know?

Persons who overdose with cardiac glycosides have a better chance of overall survival if they can survive the first 24 hours after the overdose.

Did you know?

Calcitonin is a naturally occurring hormone. In women who are at least 5 years beyond menopause, it slows bone loss and increases spinal bone density.

Did you know?

Blood in the urine can be a sign of a kidney stone, glomerulonephritis, or other kidney problems.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library