Question

Pregnancy does not just affect the reproductive system, but the entire female body. Research the physiological symptoms of pregnancy.

• Based on your observations of others and your research, what are two or three physiological symptoms that seem to be the most common complaints? What are two or three symptoms that seem to be less common?
• What are the physiological causes of two or three of the symptoms you chose, and how do they relate to the development and growth of the fetus?

Answer 1

Physiological symptoms of pregnancy -

First trimester-

• Amenorrhea
• Hyperemesis gravidarum
• Fatigue and mood swings
• Fetal organogenesis begins
• Increased micturition frequency

Second trimester -

• Uterus becomes more gravid
• Heart rate , stroke volume and cardiac output increases
• Darkening of areola and enlargement of Breasts.
• Frequency of micturition becomes normal

Third trimester -

• Difficulty in breathing
• Colostrum formation in breast
• Fully enlargement of uterus
• Increased micturition frequency

Most common symptoms in pregnancy -

Amenorrhea , hyperemesis gravidarum , Increased micturition frequency , mood swings , breasts enlargement.

Less experienced symptoms -

Gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension (Pre-eclampsia) , oedema of ankles.

Hyperemesis gravidarum - occurs due to increased HCG levels in the blood which causes nausea and vomiting in the morning these hormone are released by developing fetus.

Enlargement of breast - It occurs due to increased level of prolactin which is stimulated by increasing fetus which is essential for milk let down and development of lactiferous ducts.

Increased micturition frequency is due to enlargement of uterus which presses down the bladder and urination urge increases in first and third trimester.