Changes in the body of a woman during pregnancy

With the onset of pregnancy in the body of a woman there are numerous changes, while an integral part of the gestation process is the restructuring of the body's organs and systems. This is necessary, first of all, for the correct development of the fetus, as well as the preparation of the future mother for such an important process as delivery. Let's consider these processes in more detail, and we will dwell in detail on the changes taking place in the main systems of the woman's organism during pregnancy.

What happens to internal organs with the onset of the gestational period?

In view of the fact that the load on the organism of the future mother sharply increases, the existing chronic processes can become aggravated, which subsequently leads to the development of complications of pregnancy with a high probability. That is why it is important to have an early registration.

As for the physiological changes in the body of a woman when pregnancy occurs, first of all they affect the following organs:

1. A heart. As is known, with increasing volume of circulating blood, the load on this organ also increases. Appears placental circulatory system, which carries the connection between mother and baby. By the 7th month, the blood volume is more than 5 liters (in a non-pregnant woman - about 4 liters).
2. Lungs. Strengthening of the respiratory system is also due to an increase in the body's oxygen demand. The diaphragm gradually shifts to the top, which, as the gestation period increases, limits the respiratory movements and causes shortness of breath in later periods. Normally, respiration should often be 16-18 times per minute (ie, the same as in the absence of pregnancy).
3. The kidneys. When the baby is born, the excretory system works with a high voltage, in view of the fact that the products of metabolism are not only for the mother's body, but also for the fetus. So, a healthy woman in the position releases about 1.2-1.6 l of urine per day (in the usual state - 0.8-1.5 l).
4. Digestive system. Often in the early stages of pregnancy, the first changes in the body of a woman are related precisely to the work of this system. Thus, to the first subjective signs of gestation include such phenomena as nausea, vomiting, changes in taste sensations, the appearance of strange taste preferences. Most often it goes to 3-4 months of pregnancy.
5. Musculoskeletal system. The greatest changes in the work of this system are observed in late terms, when there is increased mobility of the joints, the joints of the pelvis become softened.

How does the reproductive system change?

The greatest changes in the female body during pregnancy are observed in the reproductive system. First of all, they concern the uterus, which increases in size together with the gestation period (reaches 35 cm by the end of pregnancy). The number of blood vessels increases, and their lumen enlarges. The position of the organ also changes, and by the end of the first trimester the uterus extends beyond the small pelvis. In the correct position, the organ retains the ligaments, which, when stretched, may mark painful sensations.

The blood supply of the genital organs increases, as a result of which the veins can protrude into the vagina and on the large labia.

Thus, as can be seen from the article, the changes occurring in the body of a woman during pregnancy are numerous, so it is by no means always possible for her to independently distinguish the norm from the disorder. In cases when the expectant mother something is alarming, it is best to seek medical advice from a doctor.