The female body undergoes significant changes during pregnancy, which are necessary to perform one important task - the bearing of the fetus and its successful birth. During pregnancy, all body systems are under serious stress. The consequence of this may be exacerbation of existing diseases of a different nature, their complications. To avoid negative consequences, you need to register with the doctors of the antenatal clinic as soon as possible. In this case, all the changes that one way or another occur in the body of a woman will be under the supervision and control of specialists, which means that in case of any complications, appropriate decisions will be made on time.

organs of the reproductive system

The reaction of the body to the growth and development of the fetus in each woman is individual. The same symptoms manifest themselves in all with varying degrees of intensity. However, in general, restructuring affects the same organs and tissues in all expectant mothers. Most of all, pregnancy affects the genitals, primarily the uterus.

Before the fertilized egg takes root in the epithelium, this organ is small (7-8 cm) and weighs (up to 50 g). During pregnancy, it regularly increases in size and by the end of this period reaches 30-35 cm in height and 1-1.2 kg in weight. The volume of the uterus increases almost 500 times. Such growth becomes possible due to the fact that placental hormones contribute to an increase in the size of muscle fibers. In addition, under the influence of the same factor, blood vessels expand, and their number also increases.

Also, many women feel uterine contractions, which resemble contraction and become more active towards the end of the gestation period. This symptom is called Braxton Hicks contractions. Normally, they appear after the 29th week of pregnancy. For the body, this acts as a kind of training before real contractions.

Pregnancy also affects position of the uterus. Already by the end of the 3rd month, this organ does not fit within the pelvis. Immediately before childbirth, the uterus reaches the hypochondrium zone. The correct position helps to keep the ligaments that stretch during the entire period of gestation. At the same time, some women experience characteristic pains on the sides in the abdomen, especially when changing the position of the body. This is due to the tension of the ligaments.

Pregnancy also affects intensity of blood supply to the genitals. It becomes stronger, which leads to the appearance of varicose veins on the labia and vagina, as well as on the legs.

Weight gain

The body responds during pregnancy weight gain. This is caused by the growth of the fetus and the ongoing changes in the body. On average, a pregnant woman by the end of the gestation period has an increase in weight by 13 kg. This change fluctuates in the range from 8 to 18 kg. If there was a lack of mass before pregnancy, then during this period weight gain occurs more intensively. As a rule, in the first half of pregnancy, the weight increases by 4 kg, and in the rest by 8 kg. On average, a woman adds 30-40 grams per week.

Heart

During the period of gestation, the cardiovascular system is subjected to additional stress. This is due to the fact that another circle for blood circulation appears - placental. Also, the fetus itself requires oxygen, its development makes it necessary to supply additional substances and hormones.

In the placenta of a pregnant woman, the blood flow is very high. In 60 seconds, 0.5 liters of blood passes here. The cardiovascular system and the heart itself are easily rebuilt. It grows in size and increased blood flow. Its volume in the body of a pregnant woman also increases. This is necessary to provide the fetus with the substances it needs. If before pregnancy contains about 4 liters of blood, then during this period an additional 1.3-1.5 liters appear. This criterion reaches its maximum by the 7th month of pregnancy.

Due to the fact that pregnancy significantly affects the cardiovascular system, expectant mothers with cardiac diseases may face complications. As a rule, in such cases, hospitalization in special maternity hospitals is recommended already at week 27.

Arterial pressure

If the pregnancy proceeds without any deviations, then there are practically no changes in this indicator. Arterial pressure, on the contrary, can stabilize by the middle of the period, if before that it was elevated. This is due to the fact that the hormone progesterone, which is present in large quantities in the body of a pregnant woman, reduces the tone of peripheral vessels.

In rare cases, towards the end of pregnancy, blood pressure may begin to rise. If in the last trimester it reaches very high values, then this fact may signal late toxicosis. This condition is very dangerous for the woman and the fetus and requires emergency childbirth.

Lungs

During pregnancy, the restructuring of the body also affects the respiratory system. A woman needs large volumes of air so that the fetus can get rid of the used oxygen through the placenta. In this regard, the activity of the lungs increases.

Their capacity increases due to the expansion of the bronchi and chest. In this case, pregnancy affects the diaphragm, causing it to rise up, limiting the movement of the lungs. But even despite this, the woman receives the right amount of oxygen. The respiratory rate remains at the same level: 16-18 breaths in 60 seconds.

If you experience shortness of breath or other breathing problems during pregnancy, you should consult a doctor, as this situation is not the norm.

Gastrointestinal tract

The digestive organs are the first in the body of a pregnant woman to respond to early toxicosis. This appears in the form nausea, sometimes vomiting in the morning. These symptoms disappear, as a rule, by 3-4 months of pregnancy. In some cases later.

Also, the body during pregnancy experiences some problems with the removal of waste substances. Intestinal tone under the influence of hormones produced by the placenta decreases. The consequence of this may be frequent constipation. It is also not uncommon for there to be heartburn. These symptoms are caused by the fact that the uterus, which expands during pregnancy, pushes the intestines up. The stomach undergoes the same changes in position. Because of this, it often happens that its contents are thrown into the esophagus.

When such symptoms appear, doctors, as a rule, prescribe additional funds that relieve the woman of discomfort. Antacids such as Rennie or Maalox are used. It is also recommended to eat food 2 hours before going to bed. At the same time, during rest, it is desirable that the upper body be in a slightly elevated position.

With regards to the liver, pregnancy also affects its work. She begins to function more actively in order to neutralize the metabolic products of the expectant mother and her baby.

urinary system

During pregnancy, the body experiences an increase in loads on almost all systems. The kidneys and bladder are no exception. Pregnancy forces the first to work more actively so that the body can remove the waste products of the woman herself and the developing fetus. At the same time, the tone of the bladder under the influence of the same progesterone is weakened.

This may lead to stasis of urine. This results in various complications such as exacerbation of pyelonephritis And increased risk of hydronephrosis. The latter becomes a consequence of the fact that the uterus, turning slightly to the right, makes it difficult to drain urine by the right kidney. In this case, her pelvis and cups expand due to the increasing volume of fluid.

Normally, the reaction of the body to pregnancy from the point of view of the genitourinary system is expressed in an increase in the frequency of the urge to urinate. A pregnant woman excretes an average of 0.95-1.2 liters of urine during the day and about 400 ml at night.

joints

Pregnancy also affects this part of the woman's body. During this period, there is some looseness of the joints especially in the pelvic region. The latter helps the easier passage of the newborn during childbirth.

In this case, the pelvic joint can become so softened that a divergence of the pubic bones occurs. Because of this, pain and the so-called “duck” gait appear. Such symptoms should be reported to the doctor so that measures can be taken to alleviate the discomfort.

Mammary gland

During pregnancy, the body prepares not only for the upcoming birth, but also for the further period of lactation. Therefore, the restructuring affects the mammary glands. The number of lobules in them increases during pregnancy, fat

Leather

Changes during pregnancy also affect the skin. Many women notice a darkening of the line on the abdomen that runs from the pubis to the navel. Also, under the influence of hormones, freckles and age spots can appear.

Since the abdomen increases significantly during pregnancy, stretch marks appear on the skin, which are commonly called stretch marks. With good elasticity of the skin, they disappear within a few months after childbirth, and with a reduced rate, they remain for life.

Taste preferences

As a rule, by changing preferences, the body during pregnancy responds to early toxicosis. Often, strange tastes remain until the birth itself, but there are those women who do not notice changes in their usual diet.

Psychology of a woman

In addition to the fact that the reaction of the body to pregnancy causes a restructuring of all systems, it also affects the psychological well-being of a woman. Much in this matter depends on various factors:

• social;
• personal;
• economic.

Often, women during pregnancy experience a variety of fears and complexes that are associated with the health of the child, their own appearance. During this period, the support of loved ones, especially the husband, is very important.

With pronounced anxiety and frequent depressive states during pregnancy, you should seek appropriate advice from a specialist.

Pregnancy this is a normal (physiological) process that occurs in a woman's body during fetal development. During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes profound transformations. With the normal development of pregnancy, all the changes that take place in the body of a woman are aimed at creating a harmonious relationship between the mother's body and the body of the developing fetus. Also, from the very first days of pregnancy, the body of a pregnant woman begins to prepare for future childbirth and breastfeeding.

Below we will consider in more detail the most important changes in a woman's body during pregnancy, as well as their significance for normal evolution of pregnancy itself, childbirth and the period of breastfeeding.

Body systems that undergo changes during pregnancy
From the very first days of pregnancy, the body of a pregnant woman undergoes profound transformations. These transformations are the result of the coordinated work of almost all body systems, as well as the result of the interaction of the mother's body with the child's body.

Changes in the nervous and endocrine system
The nervous and endocrine systems play the main roles in the implementation of the transformations of the female body during pregnancy.

At the level central nervous system(brain and spinal cord), complex nervous mechanisms are launched aimed at maintaining the constancy of substances in the body of a pregnant woman necessary for the normal development of the fetus. For example, it has been noted that up to the 39th week of pregnancy, impulses coming from the sensitive receptors of the uterus are blocked at the level of the spinal cord, which allows the preservation of pregnancy and prevents premature birth. Changes in the central nervous system lead to some changes in the mood and behavior of a pregnant woman. Especially in the first weeks of pregnancy, a woman may notice increased irritability, fatigue, drowsiness - all these are defense mechanisms developed by the central nervous system to prevent excessive fatigue of a pregnant woman. Changes in smell (intolerance to certain odors), taste and gastronomic preferences, as well as incoming nausea, vomiting and dizziness are associated with a change in the tone of the vagus nerve (the nerve that regulates the functioning of most of the internal organs).

It is well known that the nervous and endocrine systems are in close interaction. This interaction is especially clear during pregnancy, the normal course of which is the result of the interaction of these two systems. The inclusion of the endocrine system in the development of pregnancy takes place even before the moment of fertilization. The normal functioning of the hypothalamus (the center of the brain responsible for the transmission of nerve signals from the nervous system to the endocrine system), the pituitary gland (the central human endocrine gland) and the ovaries (the sex glands of the woman's body), make it possible for the development of the egg and prepare the female reproductive system for fertilization. From the first days of pregnancy until the 10th week, the development of pregnancy is supported by hormones secreted by the ovaries. During this period, there is an intensive growth of the placenta of the fetus. The placenta, as you know, in addition to the role of nutrition of the fetus, also carries out the synthesis of hormones necessary for the normal development of pregnancy. The main hormone of the placenta is estriol (it is also called the protector of pregnancy). This hormone stimulates the development of blood vessels and improves the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.

In smaller quantities, the placenta synthesizes estrone and estradiol. Under the influence of these hormones, the genital organs of a pregnant woman grow: the uterus, vagina, mammary glands, an increase in the volume of circulating blood in the mother's body (to improve the nutrition of the fetus). In case of violation of the functioning of the placenta (during various diseases of the mother or fetus), abortion or impaired fetal development (underdevelopment).

Also, the placenta synthesizes progesterone, which stimulates the development of the mammary glands and prepares them for lactation. Under the action of progesterone, the muscles of the uterus and intestines relax. Progesterone has an inhibitory effect on the nervous system, determining the drowsiness and fatigue described above. The effect of progesterone on the development of adipose tissue of a pregnant woman is important. The storage of nutrients in adipose tissue during pregnancy is necessary to ensure fetal nutrition and milk production in the postpartum period.

In addition to hormones synthesized in the placenta, various hormones produced by the endocrine system of the mother's body play an important role. It should be noted that at the initial stages of development, the fetal body is not able to synthesize many hormones, but they come to it from the mother's body. For example, thyroid hormones are an extremely important factor in fetal development. These hormones stimulate bone formation, brain growth and development, and energy production. To meet the needs of the fetus, the mother's body synthesizes large amounts of hormones.

Various incoming changes, such as skin pigmentation and an increase in the width of bones and facial contours, occur due to the action of the pituitary gland of a pregnant woman, which synthesizes melanotropin (a hormone that stimulates the production of skin pigment) and somatotropin (a hormone that stimulates body growth).

Changes in the metabolic process
Metabolic changes during pregnancy are aimed at meeting the needs of the developing fetus. It is clear that for the normal course of metabolism, and, consequently, the development of the fetus, the normal functioning of metabolic processes in the mother's body is necessary.

To increase the amount of assimilated food, the mother's body produces more digestive enzymes. At the level of the lungs, oxygen saturation increases. This is mainly due to an increase in the number of red blood cells, and an increase in the content of hemoglobin in them.

In the blood of a pregnant woman, there is an increase in the concentration of glucose and insulin, as well as fatty acids, proteins and amino acids. All these nutrients pass through the placenta into the blood of the fetus, thereby providing the developing organism with material for growth and development.

It is important to change the metabolism of minerals in the body of a pregnant woman. There is an increase in the concentration in the blood of many minerals: iron, calcium, phosphorus, copper, cobalt, magnesium. Like nutrients, these elements enter the blood of the fetus through the placenta and are used by the growing body for development.

During pregnancy, the woman's body's need for vitamins increases. This is due to the intensification of metabolic processes, both in the body of a pregnant woman, and with the fact that part of the vitamins from the mother's body passes into the body of the hearth and is used by them for their own development.

Changes in internal organs during pregnancy
During pregnancy, many internal organs undergo significant restructuring. These changes are adaptive in nature, and, in most cases, are short-lived and completely disappear after childbirth.

The cardiovascular system mothers during pregnancy are forced to pump more blood to ensure an adequate supply of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus. In this regard, during pregnancy, the thickness and strength of the heart muscles increase, the pulse and the amount of blood pumped by the heart in one minute increase. In addition, the volume of circulating blood increases. In some cases, blood pressure increases. The tone of blood vessels during pregnancy decreases, which creates favorable conditions for increased supply of tissues with nutrients and oxygen.

All of the above changes in the cardiovascular system completely disappear after childbirth.

Respiratory system works hard during pregnancy. The respiratory rate increases. This is due to an increase in the need of the mother and fetus for oxygen, as well as in the limitation of the respiratory movements of the diaphragm due to an increase in the size of the uterus, which occupies a significant space of the abdominal cavity.

The most significant changes, however, occur in the genitals of a pregnant woman. These changes prepare the woman's reproductive system for childbirth and breastfeeding.

Uterus pregnant woman increases significantly in size. Its mass increases from 50 g - at the beginning of pregnancy to 1200 g - at the end of pregnancy. The volume of the uterine cavity by the end of pregnancy increases by more than 500 times! The blood supply to the uterus is greatly increased. In the walls of the uterus, the number of muscle fibers increases. Cervix filled with thick mucus that clogs the cavity of the cervical canal. Fallopian tubes and ovaries also increase in size. In one of the ovaries, there is a "corpus luteum of pregnancy" - a place for the synthesis of hormones that support pregnancy.

The walls of the vagina loosen, become more elastic.

external genitalia(small and large labia), also increase in size and become more elastic. The tissues of the perineum are loosened. In addition, there is an increase in mobility in the joints of the pelvis and a divergence of the pubic bones. The changes in the genital tract described above are of extremely important physiological significance for childbirth. Loosening the walls, increasing the mobility and elasticity of the genital tract increases their throughput and facilitates the movement of the fetus through them during childbirth.

Leather in the genital area and along the midline of the abdomen, it usually becomes darker in color. Sometimes "stretch marks" (striae gravidarum) form on the skin of the lateral parts of the abdomen, which turn into whitish stripes after childbirth.

Mammary gland increase in size, become more elastic, tense. When pressing on the nipple, colostrum (first milk) is released.

The body weight of a pregnant woman increases in size. Normal weight gain at the end of pregnancy is 10-12 kg. Or 12-14% of the body weight of a pregnant woman.

All the changes described above that occur during pregnancy should be distinguished from the signs of the so-called "imaginary" or "false pregnancy". A false pregnancy occurs when a non-pregnant woman is convinced that she is pregnant. This situation is observed in some cases in patients with mental or endocrine disorders. At the same time, the power of a woman's self-hypnosis is so great that some physiological changes characteristic of a real pregnancy occur: an increase in the mammary glands, the appearance of colostrum, the disappearance of menstruation. Examination of the patient helps to establish the diagnosis and recognize a false pregnancy. It is also important to recognize a false pregnancy from a simulated pregnancy, in which a woman knows that she is not pregnant, but based on some considerations, she tries to convince others of the opposite.

Bibliography:

• Kokhanevich E.V. Topical issues of obstetrics, gynecology and reproduction, M Triada-X, 2006
• Savelyeva G.M. Obstetrics, Medicine, M., 2000
• Carr F. Obstetrics, gynecology and women's health, MEDpress-inform 2005

Incredible Facts

1. You have a brand new organ

The placenta is the only transitional organ in the human body. It begins to form when a fertilized egg, which at the time is a multicellular blatocyst, attaches itself to the wall of the uterus about a week after conception. The outer layer of the blatocyst, called the trophoblast, forms into what is later called the placenta.

Once the placenta is formed, its job is to build a barrier between the mother's and baby's blood flow. Maternal vessels carry nutrients and oxygen to the intervillous region of the placenta, from where the fetus takes them. So he only takes what he needs.

The placenta plays another less well-known role as a temporary organ. This 2.2-kilogram dark red "disk" is also an endocrine organ, that is, it secretes hormones. These hormones, from human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG, based on the presence of this hormone, pregnancy tests work) to estrogen and progesterone, are essential for maintaining pregnancy and for preparing the mammary glands for feeding.

2. Bones "relax"

The baby's head has to come out somehow. Fortunately, the "pregnant body" produces the hormone relaxin, which relaxes the cartilage that holds the bones together. Relaxin relaxes the pubic symphysis, a spot on the pubic bone just in front of the bladder. Such relaxation greatly facilitates the process of childbirth, however, unfortunately, it does not affect only the bones in the pelvic area. During pregnancy, the level of the hormone relaxin in a woman's body is 10 times higher than normal, and it affects all bones. The hormone is one of the reasons why many women experience back and joint pain as their pregnancy progresses. Relaxin is also to blame for the fact that some women experience an increase in shoe size during pregnancy.

3. Memory deteriorates

Wait, what did I do? The "pregnant brain" is not a myth, according to a 2010 study that found women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy performed worse than non-pregnant women on spatial memory tests. It's entirely possible, according to study author Diane Farrar, that hormonal changes, which are known to be responsible for dramatic mood swings during pregnancy, are to blame.

4. You may feel sick

First, the bad news: "morning weakness" is a misconception. A pregnant woman can experience nausea and vomiting at any time of the day. Fortunately, the "side effect" of pregnancy usually goes away by about the 12th week. No one knows exactly why morning sickness affects nearly half of all pregnant women, but a 2008 study suggested that nausea may be an adaptation process to keep the developing embryo safe.

The analysis showed that morning sickness is most often triggered by strong smells and tastes, suggesting that the body is trying to prevent the consumption of potentially harmful substances. The peak frequency of the onset of weakness coincides with the time of the initial development of the organs in the embryo, which once again confirms that the body is on high alert during this period.

5. Frequent heartburn

Heartburn occurs due to the pressure exerted by the expanding uterus on the digestive system. Normally, stomach acid is retained by the esophageal sphincter (a muscle in the diaphragm that activates and closes off the esophagus when abdominal pressure rises). But during pregnancy, the hormone progesterone relaxes the sphincter. Meanwhile, as the child grows, the pressure on the intestines and stomach increases.

6. The bladder "flattens"

Surely, you have seen a pregnant woman standing in line for the toilet more than once, and you probably know that expectant mothers have a frequent need to go to the toilet. What is the reason? The growing baby is to blame because it puts pressure on the bladder, urethra, and pelvic muscles. This kind of pressure not only means frequent urination, but is also the cause of "leakage" when coughing, sneezing or laughing.

7. You now have 50 percent more blood.

Pregnancy is hard work for the body, which requires more blood vessels and more blood. By the 20th week of pregnancy, the body contains 50 percent more blood than at the time of conception. However, all the extra blood is often accompanied by side effects such as varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and "shiny" skin. Additional blood can also cause nosebleeds and nasal congestion due to swelling of the mucous membranes.

8. Tingling hands

You don't have to be a typist or a pianist to know what it is, as pregnancy is often the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. Marked with numbness or tingling, this side effect is caused by the swelling experienced by a pregnant woman. Excess fluid (which is responsible for 25 percent of pregnancy weight) can accumulate in the ankles or wrists due to gravity. On the wrists, it "touches" the nerves, which causes tingling.

Changes in a woman's body during pregnancy are subject to a single important goal - the full provision of conditions for the proper development and growth of the embryo (fetus).

• Physiological changes
• Heart and blood vessels
  • Phlebeurysm
  • Haemorrhoids
• Digestive organs
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea, vomiting, constipation
• Hormonal changes
• Breast changes during pregnancy
• The immune system
• Muscles and back pain
• Respiratory system
• genitourinary system
• Uterus and cervix

From the moment of implantation to the onset of childbirth, the requirements of the fetus will steadily increase, which will entail changes in all systems of the female body and tissues:

• endocrine system;
• central and peripheral nervous system;
• cardiovascular;
• digestive;
• excretory;
• in the musculoskeletal system;
• immune;
• skin and its appendages (hair, nails).

The basal exchange is changing. The developing fetus will force the body of a pregnant woman to constantly adapt to the increasing load, in connection with this, physiological changes will be observed.

All important microelements, proteins, carbohydrates, fats will be received from maternal blood, through which the excretion of metabolites of metabolism and decay will occur. This is one of the reasons for changes in taste, appearance, changes in the color of stools and urine.

In 85% of cases, pregnant women do not need intervention from doctors. All that is required is observation and psycho-emotional support. 15% fall into a certain risk group due to the presence of chronic diseases. These women require close medical supervision.

Changes in the cardiovascular system during pregnancy

During pregnancy, changes in the cardiovascular system are the most significant. Because the volume of circulating blood increases. A normal human blood volume is 5 liters on average. The amount of blood begins to increase from the first weeks of pregnancy and reaches a peak at 32 weeks, which is 35-45% more than outside of pregnancy. As a result, the number of blood cells changes.

As a result of a sharp increase in plasma volume, physiological hemodilution is observed - the increase in blood cells (erythrocytes) "lags behind" and occurs.

Physiologically, there is a change in the composition of the blood. Slightly reduced:

• the number of red blood cells;
• hemoglobin concentration ();
• hematocrit value;
• plasma folic acid levels.

This increases:

• the number of leukocytes;
• erythrocyte sedimentation rate;
• fibrinogen concentration.

An increase in blood volume meets the increased requirements of the uterus and fetus, protects against hypotension syndrome in the supine position, and prevents critical fluid loss during childbirth.

During pregnancy, functional early (sometimes medium) systolic murmurs, extrasystoles (premature myocardial contractions) may appear.

From the third month by 10-15 mm. rt. Sat lowers blood pressure. Starting from the third trimester, on the contrary, a rise in blood pressure is characteristic. due to peripheral dilatation - a decrease in the resistance of the vessels of the hands, feet, increased metabolism and a formed arteriovenous placental shunt.

Peripheral vasodilation leads to an increase in the secretion of nasal mucus, which leads to discomfort. This condition is called rhinitis pregnant, which disappears with the outcome of pregnancy. There are complaints:

• for nasal congestion;
• difficulty in nasal breathing;
• nosebleeds.

An increase in venous pressure in the lower extremities and compression of the central venous lines by an enlarged uterus contributes to hemorrhoids.

Edema often occurs during pregnancy. note 50-80% of pregnant women. They are localized on the lower extremities, but may have a different localization - on the face, fingers. Because of this, there is a change in the appearance of the pregnant woman. Such edema is characterized by gradual development, smoothly combined with weight gain. Another external changes on the face appear due to the action of the somatotropin hormone. This substance awakens the remaining growth zones of bone tissue. There may be a slight increase in the superciliary arches, the tip of the nose grows, the joints of the fingers thicken.

1. Avoid prolonged standing, sitting. Move more and encourage active exercise.
2. Do not wear tight clothing.
3. During sleep, the legs should be in an elevated position.
4. Sleep on your side.
5. Do not cross your legs while sitting.
6. Wear elastic stockings or tights.

Discomfort from hemorrhoids

Complaints of hemorrhoids during pregnancy often occur for the first time. To avoid its development, it is necessary to establish the work of the gastrointestinal tract. To do this, it is enough to slightly change the diet due to fiber. In severe cases, resort to drugs in the form of suppositories and antihemorrhoidal creams.

Changes and discomfort during pregnancy from the gastrointestinal tract (GIT)

Frequent complaints during pregnancy are made by women from the digestive system. It is also caused by physiological changes:

• decrease in the level of hydrochloric acid in gastric juice, enzymes;
• a decrease in intestinal motility and the digestive system as a whole under the influence;
• an increase in the reabsorption of water from the large intestine under the action of the hormone aldosterone.

The change in taste during pregnancy is the result of a decrease in the sensitivity of the taste buds on the tongue.

Discomfort during pregnancy from the gastrointestinal tract is manifested in the following:

• There are complaints of nausea, increased salivation, vomiting as a result of a decrease in the level of hydrochloric acid and a decrease in the level of the pepsin enzyme.
• Preferences in smells change, familiar ones begin to annoy, unusual ones begin to please.
• Constipation occurs (due to intestinal hypotension caused by progesterone).

Breast changes during pregnancy begin to appear in the early stages:

• the volume of the breast changes (by 2-3 sizes) under the influence of estrogen and progesterone - the volume of the connective tissue grows and the milk ducts develop;
• metabolic processes, blood filling increase, which makes the breast more sensitive and painful when touched, a vascular network may appear on the skin;
• nipples grow, the circumference of the areolas increases (from 3 cm to 5 cm), they take on a more saturated color due to increased synthesis of melatonin (from dark red to brown).

In the later stages, there is a high probability of the appearance of cicatricial changes - stretch marks (this is a consequence of the rupture of the collagen fibers of the breast skin) and the release of colostrum.

By the end of pregnancy, the synthesis of oxytocin increases, which takes part in the birth act itself.

Changes in the immune system during pregnancy

An orthopedic consultation is indicated for severe pain, if it extends to the legs or if neurological symptoms are present.

Changes in the body during pregnancy. Respiratory system

Respiratory system - undergoes minimal changes. The growing uterus shifts the diaphragm upward, but the volume of exhalation and inhalation remains unchanged. The respiratory rate remains within the physiological range - 14-15 per minute.

Physiological changes during pregnancy. genitourinary system

During pregnancy, changes in the body of a woman are pronounced precisely in the genitourinary system. Renal blood flow and glomerular filtration increases by 50% (more blood passes through the vessels of the kidneys at an increased rate), which leads to an increase in urine volume. Therefore, pregnant women begin to complain of frequent urination. There is an urge to urinate at night. 1-2 trips to the toilet per night for a pregnant woman is the norm.

Under the influence of progesterone and the pressure of the enlarging uterus on the upper edge of the pelvis.

Changes in the uterus during pregnancy

Obviously, there are changes in the uterus during pregnancy. It is increasing in size. Its volume by the end of pregnancy grows 1000 times, the mass is 1000 g (for comparison, in a non-pregnant state, the mass is within 70 grams).

From the first trimester, the uterus begins to contract irregularly and painlessly - In the later stages, they can cause significant and noticeable discomfort.

In early pregnancy, the cervix retains its density. The isthmus softens, the cervix becomes more mobile.

Changes in the cervix in early pregnancy include:

• a change in color (due to an increase in the number of vessels and blood flow, the neck acquires a cyanotic color);
• provisions;
• consistency (loosened);
• shape and size.

In the lumen of the cervix, a mucous plug is formed - a mechanical and immune barrier for the penetration of infection into the uterine cavity.

Normally, there is a change in the volume of discharge from the vagina (under the influence of estrogen). Pathological discharge should be excluded, for example, with candidal infection, which quite often worries women in an interesting position. The appearance of bloody discharge after intercourse makes it possible to suspect erosion of the cervix, which already becomes very vulnerable.

The walls of the vagina become loose and elastic, the labia increase, change color to a more saturated one.

Changes in the CNS

The first 3-4 months of pregnancy are accompanied by inhibition of the central nervous system (CNS). Excitability increases after 4 months. A decrease in reflex excitability helps to relax the uterus, which ensures the normal development of pregnancy in a woman's body.

In connection with changes in the nervous system, there are complaints about:

• drowsiness;
• mood swings;
• imbalance;
• change in taste preferences;
• salivation;
• vomiting;
• tendency to dizziness;
• general fatigue.

An increase in the excitability of the peripheral nerves makes you feel pain, in response to irritation, which before pregnancy caused just discomfort. There are neurological pains in the lower back, sacrum, cramps in the calf muscles.

Changes in a woman's body during pregnancy are physiological and are not symptoms of the disease. They can be manifested by discomfort and unpleasant sensations, but do not require treatment, with the exception of pathological conditions.

Related Articles

The first changes that occur in the body of a pregnant woman at the same time help about the very fact of pregnancy. And if some signs can only be seen by a doctor during examination (cyanosis of the mucous membrane of the vagina and cervix, a slight increase and softening of the uterus), then most of the changes are noticeable to the expectant mother herself.

First of all, this is the cessation of menstruation. Delay is one of the main signs of pregnancy. In rare cases, menstruation does not stop in the first few months, but if bleeding occurs after pregnancy is confirmed, this is an occasion for immediate medical attention, especially if it is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen.

In the first weeks, the breast increases in size and becomes heavier, it becomes more sensitive, pain or tingling in the mammary glands may be noted.

Changes in hormonal levels cause changes in the work of the intestines and bladder - urination becomes more frequent, but many women complain of constipation.

An elevated basal body temperature may indicate the onset of pregnancy. If the temperature usually rises during ovulation and decreases before the onset, it rises slightly with the onset of pregnancy and remains so even in later ones.

Everything you can't see with your eyes

Women's mood swings are proverbial. Due to changes in hormonal levels, a woman can feel overwhelmed, tired, and even the joy of her new condition cannot always smooth it out. The emotional state of a woman during this period easily changes from sadness to inexplicable fun. Often, expectant mothers note that they become more nervous and even whiny.

Sensitivity to odors changes, habitual perfumes may dislike, the sense of smell becomes unusually sharp. It is not uncommon to have an aversion to certain types of food and a desire for certain foods or unusual combinations of them. The craving for salty and sour foods has been known for a long time - sometimes the desire for pickled or pickled cucumbers betrays pregnancy before other signs appear.

Toxicosis with nausea and weakness usually begins at 6-7 weeks of gestation and disappears by the end of the first trimester. Some women do not suffer from it at all or experience mild nausea in the morning, but others suffer from repeated vomiting throughout the day. Frequent vomiting is dangerous because it can lead to dehydration, so it is better to consult a doctor - he will explain with toxicosis, and with frequent vomiting, he will advise you to go to the hospital.

Often there is low blood pressure, leading to drowsiness, weakness, dizziness and even fainting. Possible tachycardia associated with an increase in blood volume.

In the early stages, existing chronic diseases and sluggish infections may worsen. If you did not pay attention to treatment during pregnancy planning, the first is not the right time for taking medications and certain medical procedures. If you cannot do without them, the doctor will select the most sparing treatment regimen for you.
Pregnant women are often annoyed by pain in the lower back, lower abdomen, joints or headaches. Pain in the abdomen can be explained by an increase in the sensitivity of the uterus and stretching of the ligaments that support it. In some cases, there is hypertonicity of the uterus - the lower abdomen seems to be "". In this case, you need to move less, perhaps the doctor will recommend taking safe antispasmodics.

External changes

Barely seeing two stripes, a woman expecting her first child is already peering intently into the mirror in anticipation of a change in appearance.

In the first weeks of pregnancy, external changes are insignificant. First of all, this is a change in the color of the areolas - the areas around the nipples noticeably darken. Later, pigmentation of the white line of the abdomen leading from the navel to the pubis may appear. Spots on the face, which women often fear, appear much later, if they appear at all.

Fluctuations in hormonal levels and a decrease in immunity, characteristic of early pregnancy, can spoil the appearance for a while - the skin and hair sometimes become more oily and dull, the face swells. This is a temporary condition, usually by the end of the first trimester it passes, the hair becomes thick and lush.

In rare cases, pregnant women notice an increase in body hair growth. This may be due to increased levels of male hormones and requires consultation with an endocrinologist.

The abdomen until the second trimester of pregnancy, and sometimes longer, is almost invisible. However, other women notice that the stomach has nevertheless increased in volume, but this is not due to an increase in the uterus, but to fluid retention in the body and intestinal hypotension.