The body of a pregnant woman is exposed to various natural physiological changes, some of which are obvious, while others - almost imperceptible. These changes are necessary to help the development of the fetus and to prepare a woman's body for childbirth. How does the body during pregnancy?

Changes in the respiratory system

The respiratory rate increases to compensate for the increased oxygen consumption mother, which is necessary for the uterus, placenta and fetus.

• Increased respiratory rate;
• Increase the volume of ventilation;
• Appears respiratory alkalosis;
• Reduced functional capacity of the lungs;
• Increased tidal volume;
• Shortness of breath may occur.

  

Changes in cardiovascular system

During pregnancy, the entire cardiovascular system is reconstructed, the blood volume increases dramatically, new blood vessels, and because of the increasing pressure of the uterus on the large veins slows down the blood flow to the heart.

• Increases in cardiac output;
• Increased blood volume;
• Quickens the pulse at rest;
• It reduces peripheral vascular resistance;
• Reduced blood pressure (the second trimester).

  

Changes in the gastrointestinal tract

The growing uterus rises up and out of the pelvic cavity. It shifts the stomach, intestines and other adjacent organs. Progesterone causes relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter.

• Reduced gastric motility;
• Enhanced reflux Reflux: the failure of the esophagus ;
• It appears heartburn.

  

Changes in the mammary glands

Mammary glands are increased and become more sensitive because of rising levels of hormones estrogen and progesterone. As you approach childbirth hormonal changes further increase mammary glands, preparing them for feeding baby Feeding your baby - optimal breastfeeding .

• Nipples can act stronger.
• In the third trimester may be released from the nipple colostrum - yellowish liquid that precedes the appearance of breast milk.

The changes in the endocrine system

Hormonal changes reshaping the entire system of the body. The placenta during pregnancy is a temporary endocrine gland. By the tenth to twelfth week of pregnancy, it produces large amounts of estrogen and progesterone. It supports the growth of the uterus, helps to control uterine activity and is responsible for many changes in the body of the future mother.

• Pregnant women may feel warmth or experiencing hot flashes caused by the increase in hormone levels and metabolic rate.
• The thyroid gland is slightly increased in size due to the increasing demand for calcium.
• By the end of pregnancy, the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland begins to produce prolactin. It stimulates the production of breast milk.

Changes in the abdomen

During the second trimester belly starts to grow, and by the end of this trimester, the tip of the uterus will be near the rib cage. A pregnant woman may experience pain in the abdomen, then one, then the other, because the abdominal wall and ligaments that support the uterus stretch.

Changes in the urogenital system

The growing uterus presses on the bladder, urethra and pelvic floor muscles. This leads to a temporary difficulty with bladder control, such as frequent urination and even urinary incontinence during sneezing, coughing or laughing. Kidneys work with additional load, as they need to display products of decomposition from the mother and fetus.

The changes in the musculoskeletal system

During pregnancy, the restructuring of the curves of the spine is to maintain a balance. This posture changes: increased lumbar lordosis appears gait characteristic of late pregnancy. Relaxation of the ligaments caused by elevated levels of relaxin, strengthens back pain and dysfunction of the pubic symphysis. Ligaments that hold together the pelvic bones, progressively relaxed, preparing mother struggles to leave.

Changes in the skin

• Stretch marks (striae pregnant) usually appear in the second half of pregnancy on the thighs, buttocks, abdomen and chest. This is caused by stretching of the skin.
• Hyperpigmentation in the navel, nipples, midline of the abdomen and the face (chloasma) - are common during pregnancy, due to hormonal changes.
• The increased blood flow and high levels of estrogen can cause vascular spider veins and redness of palms.

Other common changes

• Because of hormonal changes, many pregnant women celebrate change the texture of hair and nails Hair: structure, characteristics of growth and development As well as their increased growth.
• Leg cramps can be caused by fatigue because of the increased weight, the pressure on the blood vessels in the legs, excess phosphorus shortage of calcium or magnesium, or fluctuations in hormone levels during pregnancy. Feet and ankles may swell due to excess fluid in the body during pregnancy.
• In the early stages of pregnancy showed a slight increase in body temperature. The temperature returns to normal about the sixteenth week of pregnancy.

Changes in body weight

• From 1 to 15 weeks - 1-1, 5 kg
• From 16 to 27 weeks -7, 5 kg
• From 28 to 40 weeks - 12-17 kg
• The total increase in weight - 12-17 kg

Fruit and supporting tissue (fluid):

• The child - 3-4 kg
• Placenta - 0, 5-1 kg
• Uterus - 0, 5-1 kg
• Amniotic fluid - 1-1, 5 kg

Liquids and stocks mother:

• Chest - 0, 5-1 kg
• Blood - 1, 5-2 kg
• Proteins and fats - 4-5 kg
• Bodily fluids - 1, 5-2 kg

Related Articles

Toxicosis: expectant mothers as interesting

Sex during pregnancy - as it is safe for the baby?

Stretching - Get a wasted no time

Complications in pregnancy: folk medicine to help