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physiological changes in these organs during pregnancy - Coggle Diagram
physiological changes in these organs during pregnancy
1 THE UTERUS
• The uterus increases in size to accommodate the growing fetus this expansion is facilitated by the stretching of the uterine muscles and the relaxation of the ligaments supporting the uterus.
• the walls of the uterus thickens to provide a supportive environment for the developing fetus.
• there is an increased blood flow in the uterus, blood flow increases significantly during pregnancy so to support the growing fetus. This increased blood flow helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the fetus and removes waste products.
• through pregnancy, the uterus may experience occasional contractions known as Braxton kicks contraction which are irregular and painless to help prepare the uterus for labour.
. THE CERVIX
• the cervix softens becoming more playable and elastic this is known as cervical ripening and is facilitated by hormonal changes particularly increased levels of estrogen and progesterone.
• Blood flow to the cervix increases causing it to become engorged with blood, this increased blood flow contributes to the softening and dilation of the cervix.
• As pregnancy progresses, the cervix gradually shifts position, it moves from a posterior, a firm position to an anterior a, more flexible position to help prepare the service for labour and childbirth.
• The cervix produces a thick mucus plaque which seals the cervical canal to protect the uterus from infection. This mucus plug serves as a barrier throughout the pregnancy, but it's may also be expelled as the service begins to delay in preparation for labour.
• In the final weeks of pregnancy, the cervix begins to dilate or to open in preparation for childbirth, this dilation allows the baby to pass through the birth canal during labour.
THE VAGINA
• There is an increased blood flow to the vagina area leading to a swelling and a feeling of fullness, this increased blood flow is caused by hormonal changes and helps maintain vaginal health during pregnancy.
• Vaginal secretions known as leukorrhea and typically increases during pregnancy. These secretions help keep the vagina clean and prevent any infections however, if the discharge changes in color consistency or odor it may indicate an infection and should be evaluated by the healthcare provider.
• the tissues of the vaginal canal soften and become more elastic in preparation for childbirth, this softening allows the vagina to stretch more easily during delivery accommodating the passage for the baby.
. THE SKIN
• many women experience hyperpigmentation around the nipples abdomen and the genital area. This hyperpigmentation is caused by the increased melanin production stimulated by the hormonal changes.
• Stretch marks or strae may develop on the abdomen breast thighs or buttocks as the skin stretches to accommodate the growing fetus.
• A dark vertical line called Linea nigra may appear on the abdomen extending from the navel to the pubic bone caused by hormonal changes and usually fades away after birth.
• There is an increased oil production due to hormonal changes which stimulates the sebaceous gland to produce more oil leading to oily skin and increase risk of acne breakout.
• The skin may become more sensitive during pregnancy making it prone to irritation or allergic reactions from skin care products or environmental factors.
. BREASTS
• women undergo the significant enlargement and swelling as they prepare for lactation. Hormonal changes particularly increased levels of oestrogen and progesterone stimulates the growth of the breast tissue and the development of the milk ducts.
The areolas surrounding the nipples become larger during pregnancy this change is thought to help newborns locate the nipples more easily for breastfeeding.
• Many women experience breast tenderness and sensitivity during pregnancy particularly in the early stages. This is due to hormonal fluctuations and increased blood flow to the breasts.
• In the later stages of the pregnancy the breast may begin to produce colostrum a nutrient rich yellowish fluid that is the precursor to breast milk. Colostrum provides important antibodies and nutrients to the newborn during the first days of life.
THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
• The blood volume increases up to 50% during pregnancy to support the needs of the growing fetus and the placenta.
• Cardiac output, the blood amount pumped by the heart per minute increases during pregnancy to meet the demands of the uterus and the placenta. This increase is primarily due to a rise in stroke volume which is the amount of blood pumped per heartbeat.
• The heart rate typically increases during pregnancy especially in the first trimester to compensate for the increased blood volume and cardiac output, however, the heart rate may gradually decrease as pregnancy progresses due to hormonal changes and improved cardiovascular efficiency.
• Pregnancy leads to change in blood composition including an increase in red blood cells mass and plasma volume this adaptation helps prevent anemia and ensures an adequate oxygen supply to the fetus.
GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT
• Many women experience nausea and vomiting especially during the first trimester of pregnancy commonly referred to as morning sickness. Hormonal changes and increased sensitivity to certain orders and taste contribute to these symptoms.
• Pregnancy hormones particularly progesterone can slow down gastrointestinal motility leading to constipation and bloating. This slowdown allows for increased absorption of nutrients from food to support fetal growth but may result in discomfort for the mother.
• The growing fetus can put pressure on the stomach causing gastric contents to reflux into the esophagus leading to heartburn and acid, reflux hormonal changes particularly the relaxation of the low esophageal sphincter also contributes to these symptoms.
• Some women experience increased appetite during pregnancy especially in the second and third trimester to meet the increased energy demands of the growing fetus. However, individual appetite changes vary widely among pregnant women.