Question

explain what occurs to maternal cardiac output lung tidal volume and glomerular filtration rate and why?

Answer 1

During the pregnancy, foetus requires the nutrients and oxygen for development which is supplied by the Placenta. Placenta supplies the nutrients through the circulation of maternal blood. To fulfill the requirement the there are several physiological changes in maternal physiology. Cardiovascular changes includes release of estradiol from placenta which induces the vasodilation of systemic vessels increasing the venous return, resulting, cardiac output increase to help ensuring the supply the sufficient and rapid supply of nutrients to foetus. Respiratory changes involves increases in tidal volume by 40 % to increase the pulmonary ventilation , increasing the oxygen content per mL of blood to supply the foetus and mother sufficiently. Renal physiology changes includes the increase in Glomerular filtration rate,this is due to decrease in the vascular resistance of systemic vessel, increasing the renal blood flow increasing the excretion of waste released from foetus through placenta into maternal blood. It help in elimination waste from maternal body rapidly.