1. Physiological Changes During Pregnancy
By: Sarah Kim and Gabbi White

2. 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

3. Anatomical Changes

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

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

8. Thank you

9. References http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12756474 ml
Marieb, E.N., Hoen, K. (2016). Human Anatomy and Physiology Tenth Edition. Pearson.