A pregnant woman in 2nd trimester comes to the office due to a change in her bowel habits. her bowel habit is every 3 days and her stools have become increasingly hard and pellet-like. her bowel movement were normal till 4 weeks ago. She also has mild crampy abdominal pain and bloating, both of which improve after defecation. Medical history and family history are both unremarkable. This is the patient's first pregnancy and has so far been uncomplicated. On physical examination, the abdomen appears gravid but nontender. Which of the following best explains this patient's symptoms?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Many changes occur during pregnancy in the gastrointestinal system which include inhibit colonic smooth muscle contractions and the fasting migrating myoelectric complex by elevation of progesterone that result in constipation, as well as decreased lower esophageal sphincter pressure (leading to gastroesophageal reflux) and gallbladder stasis (leading to gallstone formation).

A Pregnant Woman in 2nd Trimester Comes to the Office