Physiological Changes During Pregnancy

Changes In Respiratory System

The rate of respiration increases. This is due to the growing demands of the foetus. Sometimes, breathlessness could also occur.

Changes In Urinary System

As the uterus expands, the bladder could experience some amount of pressure. Also, the kidneys tend to work harder to eliminate wastes. This could cause frequent urination.

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Changes In Cardiovascular System

Heart rate and cardiac output could increase due to the growing foetus. Blood pressure could decrease after the second trimester.

Changes In Abdomen

As the midsection expands to accommodate the baby, some women may experience pain at the sides of the abdomen. Some may also experience back pain as the body adjusts itself by realigning the muscles and skeleton to carry the baby.

Changes In Endocrine System

Metabolic rate could increase due to the hormonal surges. Some women could also experience hot flashes.

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Changes In Gastrointestinal System

As the uterus bulges a bit, visceral organs could displace a bit due to which acid reflux could occur. In some women, constipation could also occur due to relaxation of certain muscles because of progesterone.

Changes In Breasts

Due to the rising progesterone and estrogen levels, tenderness of the breasts is commonly experienced by many women. Also, the size of the breasts could increase by the time of the delivery. This happens to prepare the body to feed the baby.

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Other Changes

Stretch marks could occur, hormones could cause nail and hair growth, feet could swell and body temperature could increase. This way, many changes occur in the body during pregnancy.