Pathophysiology
Mechanisms
poorly understood
↑ blood flow
to the gum
tissue
↑ tendency
for gingival
bleeding and
ulceration
Gingivitis
↑ neovascularizatio
n lesions on
skin
Pyogenic
granuloma
of pregnancy
(shiny red
papule with
a raspberry
like surface)
Pregnancy → hormonal and physical changes in the body
↑ human chorionic
gonadotropin
Mechanisms poorly
understood
Ptyalism (excessive
salivation)
Difficulty swallowing
excess saliva
↑ estrogen
↓ mobilization of intracellular calcium
within smooth muscle cells
↑ gallbladder stasis
Liver displaced
upwards
Uterus rises into
abdominal cavity
Liver edge generally not
palpable on exam
↑ blood pressure
in veins within
the abdomen
Fluctuating
hormone levels
combined with
pressure of growing
fetus
↓ GI motility
Delayed gastric and
intestinal emptying
Gastritis
Dysgeusia
Gallstones
Cultural influences and
psychological factors
Change in diet and
dietary cravings
↑ uterus size
Smooth muscle relaxation in tissues
such as the gallbladder & GI tract
Biliary sludge given time
to solidify within
gallbladder
Changes in taste prescription
↑ progesterone
Vomiting, stomach
pain, flatulence, &
diarrhea
Change in gut
microbiome
Stool builds up in colon,
and hardens as water is
absorbed
Constipation
↑ intra-gastric pressure
↑ backup of
stomach contents
Nausea and
vomiting
In extreme case:
Hyperemesis
gravidarum
Legend:
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
COMPLICATIONS
Veins around
rectum and anus
stretch under
pressure
Rectal bleeding &
hemorrhoids