Physiological Changes During Pregnancy By: Sarah Kim and Gabbi White

Anatomical Changes The female reproductive organs become increasingly vascular and engorged with blood. Increases vaginal sensitivity and sexual intensity Breasts enlarge and are engorged with blood Darkening of areolas Due to rising levels of estrogen and progesterone Chloasma or “mask of pregnancy” Uterus enlargement Considerable weight gain 28 lbs is typical

Anatomical Changes

Cardiovascular Changes Heart Rate and Stroke Volume increase Due to increased blood volume and oxygen requirements of maternal tissues and the fetus. Blood Volume increases To provide nutrients to the fetus. Safeguard against blood loss during birth. Cardiac Output increases Help propel the greater circulatory volume around the body.

Cardiovascular Changes Decreased peripheral resistance Enable circulation to adapt to higher blood volume while maintaining normal vessel pressures. Decreased blood pressure Second trimester Other physiological changes Gastrointestinal, urinary, respiratory.

Metabolic Changes Early part of pregnancy (week 1-20) = Anabolic state Increase in nutrient and fat storage Affects protein and carbohydrate metabolism 1 kilogram of extra protein Half goes to fetus and placenta Other half goes to other proteins and tissues Caused by: Steroid hormones Lactogen Cortisol

Metabolic Changes Late part of pregnancy (21-40 weeks) = Catabolic state Affects liver metabolism Increased gluconeogenesis and decreased insulin sensitivity Gestational diabetes Important nutrients

Thank you

References http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12756474 http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/130/12/1003.full http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/755541_2 http://www.nature.com/nrcardio/journal/v12/n12/fig_tab/nrcardio.2015.172_F1.ht ml Marieb, E.N., Hoen, K. (2016). Human Anatomy and Physiology Tenth Edition. Pearson. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17982337 http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/71/5/1256s.full