Body Changes That Occur During Pregnancy
All circulation between mum and baby happens in the placenta
Maternal blood volume increases up to 30%.
Water content in blood increases result in in less oxyen being carried around the body which can often cause tiredness. or can cause anaemia.
Stroke volume and heart can grow. Oestrogen encourages extra muscle tissue within the heart increasing the ability to pump more blood out at each stroke.
The resting heart rate can slightly increase, which contributes to an increase of cardiac output by around 30%
Increased blood flow around the body can lead to an increase of bleeding hums and nose blees
Progesterone relaxes the smooth muscles on the walls of blood vessels which can cause a slight reduction in blood pressure.
Supene Hypotensive Syndrome - Reduced venous return (blood returning to the heart from the abdomen and leg) is pronounced when lying on the back. The pregnant uterus present he inferior vena cava. This can cause a reduction in cardiac output and lead to dizziness. This is why it’s advised not to lie on your back for too long or do exercise on your back.
Postural Hypotensive Syndrome - Blood can pool to the lower body if pregnant people are standing still for too long. Progesterone causes reduced tone in vein walls. This can reduce the amount of blood flowing back to the heart (venous return) and cause faintness.
Oxygen consumption can increase to 20%
In 3rd trimester the pregnant uterus forces the diaphragm up by 4cm which can restrict the movement of the diaphragm which can lead to a reduction in the total lung capacity.
Ribs move up and out by 10cm -15cm to prevent breathing being compromised, although pregnant ladies can feel slightly breathless.
Holding your breath can raise the intra-abdominal pressure, which can cause more strain on the pelvic floor.
The performance of weight-bearing task near term can require up to 20% more energy because of the increased body weight.
Movement promotes blood flow back to the heart - so keep moving ladies!