Question

• Describe the anatomical, metabolic, and physiological changes a woman undergoes during pregnancy

Answer 1

Anatomical changes

• Women undergo many physical changes during pregnancy which is due to hormonal fluctuation that are needed to accomodate a growing fetus.
• As fetus grows , there occur many anatomical changes in the female body to accomodate growing fetus including placental development , weight gain , abdominal extension , breast enlargement , glandular devlopment and posture changes.
• During 2nd trimester, there occur many anatomical changes such as, morning sickness subsides, the uterus expands up to 20 times its normal size , enlargement of breast and also movement of fetus also felt.
• During 3rd trimester, feus develop most rapidly and final weight gain occur .The abdomen drops and fetal movement can become quite strong .

Metabolic changes

• During pregnancy metabolism shifts to provide the growing fetus with more nutrients as well as to ensure the development of uterine lining and breast glandular tissue.
• Increase in nutrient requirements and fat deposition occur due to hormonal changes.
• Insulin resistance can develop , which lead to gestational diabetes.

Physiological changes

• Women undergo physiological changes during pregnancy , which includes cardiovascular , hematologic , metabolic ,renal and respiratory changes which provide adequate nutrition and gas exchange for the developing fetus.
• Level of Progesterone and estrogen rises continually through pregnancy , together with blood sugar , breathing rate , an cardiac output.
• Plasma and blood volume increases during the course of pregnancy and which leads to change in heart rate and blood pressure.Pregnant women have high risk of blood clots , especially in the week following labor.
• Growth of Breast occurs and prepare for lactation once the infant is born.