Evaluation of Gastrointestinal Complications in Lebanese Pregnant Females

Sahar Abo Rida*, Sara Alzein, Jihan H. Safwan, Faraj K. Saade

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, and treatment of gastrointestinal complications encountered by females during gestation in Lebanon. Methods: A community based retrospective multicenter observational study was conducted. Information regarding frequency, severity, and treatment taken for nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and constipation in pregnant females was recorded. Results: We retrieved data for 381 females. The incidence of nausea and vomiting was 77.1%, of whom 53.8% had everyday symptoms and 72% had moderate to severe ones. Medical therapy was sought by 15% of the patients who were prescribed mostly pyridoxine (35.1%) and barely ondansetron (1.4%). Heartburn was reported in 70.9%, who were prescribed antacids (25.2%), histamine 2 receptor antagonists (12.1%), and proton pump inhibitors (10.2%). Constipation was encountered by 33.3% of the females and 11.8% received laxatives to lessen their symptoms. Conclusion: Our data show that the management is not very well understood and entails a risk in terms of adequacy and safety.