What happens to the Body During Pregnancy???

Though each pregnancy is different, here are some of the things to expect:

Endocrine System will have:

• massive hormonal changes will effect all the endocrine glands and all the body systems
• the hormone relaxin softens tendons, ligaments, and fascia throughout the body, giving added space in the pelvis in preparation for birth
• estrogen increases the size of the the breasts, uterus, and cervix; it changes the metabolism; and increases skin pigmentation
• progesterone promotes fat storage in thighs, buttock, hips, and around the internal organs in preparation for breast feeding; affects mood; increases breathing frequency; and dilates peripheral blood vessels and relaxes smooth muscles
• HCG increases the basal metabolic rate and body temperature by about 1 degree

Gastrointestinal and urinary System

• stomach motility decreases, which contributes to nausea and vomiting common during the 1st trimester
• peristaltic activity and colon muscle tone decrease while pressure from the uterus on sigmoid colon increases, which contribute to constipation
• around the 20th week, the stomach is pushed upward into the diaphragm, creating indigestion and heartburn
• increased urination, fueled by the pressure of the growing uterus
• strain on the pelvic floor muscles creates stress incontinence and often hemorrhoids

Respiratory System

• the ribcage may begin to flare in the 2nd trimester as teh baby grows and the diaphragm elevates at the rib attachments--breathing becomes more costal than abdominal
• in the 3rd trimester, breathing becomes more challenging
  

Skin

• Stretch marks may appear on breasts, abdomen, hips, and legs
• nipples darken and veins becomes more visible; a brownish line from the xyphoid to the pubic line appears
• increased pigmentation of the skin may create the "mask of pregnancy" in some women

Circulatory System

• metabolic rate increases due to the demands of new tissue growth
• 30-50% increase in total blood volume. Plasma increases 40% by 24-34 weeks, but as red blood cells increase more slowly, anemia may occur
• varicose and spider veins occur as a result of increases pressure in the veins
  
• clotting activity increases

Musculoskeletal System

• as a result of increased levels of relaxin, muscle tension increases as muscles attempt to hold the relaxed joints in gravity; some women may become hypermobile
• the additional anterior weight of the baby and breasts causes an increased anterior pelvic tilt, increased lateral hip rotation, anteriorly rotated shoulders, and forward head position
• though all muscles are effected, the most stressed are postural muscles
• increased pressure on hip, sacroiliac, lumbosacral, and pubic symphysis joints

Emotions

• they can "roller coaster" from ellation to feeling out of control
• a changing self image as the woman struggles with her feelings of becoming a mother and her ever-changing body
• relationships with her partner, the baby, her family, and her workplace often change
• the sense of independence and interdependence change
• fear about the baby and anxiety about labor