1. Physiological changes in pregnancy
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha

2. Pregnancy is a load causing alterations not just in the mother’s
pelvic organs but all over the body.
Fetal physiology is different from that of an adult, but it interacts with the mother’s systems, causing adaptation and change of function in her body. These adaptations generally move to minimize the stresses imposed and to provide the best environment for the growing fetus; they
are usually interlinked smoothly so that the effects on the
function of the whole organism are minimized.
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

3. Cardiovascular system
Increased load on the heart in pregnancy is due to greater needs for oxygen in the tissues:
The fetal body and organs grow rapidly and its tissues have an even higher oxygen consumption per unit volume than the mother’s.
The hypertrophy of many maternal tissues, increases oxygen requirements.
The mother’s muscular work is increased to move her increased size and that of the fetus.
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

4. Cardiac output
C/O is increased in pregnancy by a rise in pulse rate with a small increase in stroke volume
Cardiac muscle hypertrophy occurs so that the heart chambers enlarge and output increases by 40%; this occurs rapidly in the first half of pregnancy and steadies off in the second.
In the second stage of labour, cardiac output is further increased, with uterine contractions
increasing output by a further 30% at the height
of the mother’s pushing.
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

5. Position of the heart during preg.
During pregnancy the heart is enlarged and pushed up by the uterus .
The aorta is unfolded and so the heart is rotated upwards and outwards.
This produces electrocardiographic and radiographic changes which, although normal for pregnancy.
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

6. Blood pressure May be reduced in mid-pregnancy
pulse pressure is increased
peripheral resistance generally decreases during late pregnancy.
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

7. Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

8. Blood volume
Maternal blood volume increases, the changes in plasma volume being proportionally greater than the increase in red cell bulk.
Haemodilution occurs
Called a physiological anaemia.
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

9. Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

10. The heart sounds The heart sounds are changed:
A systolic ejection murmur is common.
A third cardiac sound is commonly heard accompanying ventricular filling.
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

11. The electrical activity of the heart on an electrocardiogram changes.
The ventricles become hypertrophied, the left to a greater extent than the right and therefore left ventricular, QRS deviation.
Heart valves and chamber volumes may change during pregnancy.
The heart becomes more horizontal so cardiothoracic ratio is increased and it has a straighter upper left border.
These changes can be visualized by cross-sectional echocardiography, which depends on the reflection of high frequency sound from inside the heart.
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

12. Respiratory system Changes in chest radiographs in normal pregnancy
Lungs
• Show increased vascular soft tissue
• Often have a small pleural effusion especially straight after
delivery
Only when there are strong indications should chest radiography be performed in pregnancy
In early pregnancy women breath more deeply but not more frequently under the influence of progesterone.
Alveolar ventilation is increased by as much as a half above pre-pregnant values so that PO2 levels rise and carbon dioxide is relatively washed out of the body.
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

13. Respiratory system
Later the growing uterus increases intra-abdominal pressure so that the diaphragm is pushed up and the lower ribs flare out.
Expiratory reserve volume is decreased but the vital capacity is maintained by a slight increase in inspiratory capacity because of an enlarged tidal volume.
This may lead to a temporary sensation of breathlessness.
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

14. Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

15. Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

16. Urinary system Changes in clearance
Renal blood flow is increased during early pregnancy by 40%.
The increase in glomerular filtration rate is accompanied by enhanced tubular reabsorption
Plasma concentrations of urea and creatinine decrease.
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

17. Urinary system
The muscle of the bladder is relaxed because of increased progesterone.
Increased frequency of micturition due to increased urine production is a feature of early pregnancy.
Later the bladder is mechanically pressed on by the growing uterus.
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

18. Urinary system The ureters become larger, wider, and of lower tone.
Sometimes stasis occurs in the ureters; therefore proliferation of bacteria and the development of urinary infection is more likely to occur.
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

19. Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

20. Endocrine system
All the maternal endocrine organs are altered in pregnancy, largely because of the increased secretion of trophic hormones from the pituitary gland and the placenta.
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

21. Pituitary gland
The pituitary gland is increased in size during pregnancy, mostly because of changes in the anterior lobe.
Anterior lobe
Prolactin. Within a few days of conception the rate of prolactin production increases.
Prolactin affects water transfer across the placenta and
therefore fetal electrolyte and water balance.
It is later concerned with the production of milk, both initiating and maintaining milk secretion.
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

22. Anterior lobe of the pituitary gland
Gonadotrophins. The secretions of both follicular stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone are inhibited during pregnancy.
Growth hormone. The secretion of growth hormone is inhibited during pregnancy, probably by human placental lactogen.
Adrenocorticotrophic hormone concentration increases slightly in pregnancy despite the rise in cortisol concentrations.
Thyrotrophin secretion seems to be the same as that in non- pregnant women.
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

23. Posterior lobe of the pituitary gland
Oxytocin which is released from the pituitary gland during labor to stimulate uterine contractions. Its secretion may also be stimulated by stretching of the lower genital tract. Oxytocin is also released during suckling and is an important part of the let down reflex.
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

24. Thyroid gland
Pregnancy is a hyperdynamic state and so the clinical features of hyperthyroidism may sometimes be seen.
The basal metabolic rate is raised and the concentrations of thyroid hormone in the blood are increased, but thyroid function is essentially normal in pregnancy
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

25. Adrenal gland
The adrenal cortex synthesises cortisol from cholesterol.
In pregnancy there is an increase in adrenocorticotrophic hormone concentration along with an increase in total plasma cortisol concentration because of raised binding globulin concentrations.
The cortex also secretes an increased amount of renin, possibly because of the increased oestrogen concentrations.
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

26. Adrenal gland
Renin produces angiotensin I, which is associated with maintaining blood pressure.
Increase production of aldosterone
Retention of sodium by the kidneys
Results in edema
Usually recommend no added salt intake.
Some renin also comes from the uterus and the chorion
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

27. Adrenal glands Increase production of aldosterone
Retention of sodium by the kidneys
Results in edema
Usually recommend no added salt intake.
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

28. Placenta
The oestrogen, progesterone, and cortisol endocrine functions of the placenta.
In some susceptible women, progesterones may soften critical ligaments so that joints are less well protected and may separate (e.g. separation of the pubic bones at the symphysis).
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

29. `INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
CAUSES:
Hormonal alterations
Mechanical stretching
Hyper pigmentation is stimulated by APGH melanotropin.
Darkening of the nipples, areola,, axillae, and vulva at 16th week gest.
Facial melasma(cholasma), or mask of preg: is a brown hyper pigmentation of the skin over the cheeks, nose, and forehead especially in the dark woman
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

30. Linea nigra:
Is a pigmented line extend from the symphysis pubis to the fundus in the midline, it is known as linea alba before preg. Not all pregnant women develop LN.
Stria gravidarum, or stretch marks, appear in 50% to 90% of pregnant women at the second half of preg.
It reflect separation within the underling connective tissue (collagen)
Common sites are the abdomen, thighs, breasts.
Its color vary; in with light skin: pinkish
In dark skinned women: lighter than the surrounding tissue.
In multiparas: appears silvery in light skinned women and purplish in in dark skinned women.
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

31. Nail growth can be accelerated, but soft and thin.
Gum hypertrophy (epulis): is a red, raised nodule on the gums that bleeds easily. Advice woman to avoid trauma, it will disappear after delivery.
Nail growth can be accelerated, but soft and thin.
Oil skin and acne Vulgaris may appear
Clear and radiant skin in some women.
Hirsutism is commonly reported
Increased blood supply to skin lead to increased perspiration
Women feel hotter during preg. Related to increase progesterone which leads to increase basal metabolic rate.
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

32. Genital tract
The uterus changes in pregnancy; the increase in bulk is due mainly to hypertrophy of the myometrial cells, which do not increase much in number but grow much larger. Oestrogens stimulate growth, and the stretching caused by the growing fetus and the volume of liquor provides an added stimulus to hypertrophy.
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

33. Genital tract
The blood supply through the uterine and ovarian arteries is greatly increased so that at term 1.0–1.5 L of blood are perfused every minute. The placental site has a preferential blood supply, about 85% of the total uterine blood flow going to the placental bed.
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

34. Genital tract
The cervix, which is made mostly of connective tissue, becomes softer after the effect of oestrogen on the ground substance of connective tissue encourages an accumulation of water.
The ligaments supporting the uterus are similarly stretched and thickened.
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

35. Musculoskeletal Systems
Relaxation and increased mobility of pelvic joints.
Posture is affected with shift in center of gravity forwards.
Backache
Waddling gait( the proud walk of pregnancy)
Increase in lumbosacral curve( lordosis)
Aching, numbness, and weakness of the upper extremities may result.
Slight relaxation and increased motility of the pelvic joints
Obesity and multifetal pregnancy tend to increase pelvic instability
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

36. Estrogen and relaxin hormones aid in relaxation and softening
During the third trimister the rectus abdominis muscle may separate, allowing the abdominal content to protrude at the midline. The umbilicus flatness or protrudes.
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

37. Nervous system Mood changes during pregnancy Post-partum blues
Usually mild, but true psychosis may develop in rare cases.
Food cravings:
Unusual/strange food combinations
Non-food substance (pica)
Compression of the pelvic nerves sensory changes in the legs
Lordosis pain
Edema involve the peripheral nerves carpal tunnel syndrome.
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

38. Carpal tunnel syndrome.
Parasthesia
Pain in the hands radiating to the elbow
The sensation are caused by edema that compresses the median nerve beneath the carpal ligament of the rest.
Smoking and alcohol consumption can impair the microcirculation and worsen the symptoms
The dominant hand mostly affected
Symptoms regress after pregnancy
Acrosthesia: numbness and tingling of the hands
Tension headache is common
A light headnes, faintness, are common in early pregnancy
Hypocalcemia may cause neuromuscular problems( tetany)
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

39. Gastrointestinal System
Heartburn, flatulence, and nausea and vomiting with reduced peristalsis
Slower peristalsis also results in constipation
Appetite: early in preg. The woman has nausea and vomitting due to increase hCG and altered carbohydrate metabolism
pica: nonfood cravings such as ice, clay, and changes in the dietary intake due to changes in the sense of taste.
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

40. Mouth Bleeding gums, with softening of gums with >>estrogen.
The gum become hyperemic, spongy, and swollen during pregnency.
Bleeding gums, with softening of gums with >>estrogen.
Ptylism in some women: excessive salivation
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

41. Esophagus, stomach and intestine
Hiatal hernia occurs after the 7th or 8th month of preg in about 15%- 20%
It occurs in mulipara than nullipara
Increased estrogen production cause decrased secretion of hydrochloric acidthre fore peptic ulcer is uncommon during pregnency
Increased progesterone production causes decrease tone and motility of smooth muscle
Resulting in esophageal regurgitation, slower emptying time of the stomach.
As a result woman may experience indigestion or heart burn ( pyrosis)
Increased progesterone, cause loss of muscle tone and decrease peristalsis result in increase water absorption from the colon and cause constipation
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017

42. Gall bladder and liver
The gall bladder is often distended because fo decrease its muscle tone
Increase emptying time and thickening of the pile caused by prolonged retention
Increased progesterone lead to hypercholestremia which may increase the chance of GB stone formation during pregnancy
Mrs. Mahdia Samaha Kony
4/19/2017