Bodily Changes That Occur During Pregnancy

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The changes that occur to a woman’s body during pregnancy is a broad topic as many changes are bound to occur. We are going to discuss all of the basic body systems and some of the specific changes occur during pregnancy.

One system that is strongly affected during pregnancy is the respiratory system. As pregnancy progresses, the woman’s requirements for oxygen increases because she is breathing for both herself and her baby. Additionally, a pregnant woman’s lungs are being compressed because of her growing abdomen. For these reasons it is often necessary for a pregnant woman to breathe faster and more often during pregnancy which make her feel short of breath. What was once a very easy and automatic process can become quite difficult and seem like a chore. If you are pregnant and feeling short of breath, don’t worry as it is a usually quite common symptom. However, if the shortness of breath becomes extreme, you definitely should speak with your doctor to ensure that your issues are not because of something more extreme. Women who have respiratory problems such as asthma can be even more affected by pregnancy than others.

The cardiovascular system is another area of the body that is often affected by pregnancy. The cardiovascular system refers to the heart and the blood vessels that carry blood throughout the body. The blood volume in one’s cardiovascular system is much greater for a pregnant woman. Also a pregnant woman’s heart rate is typically higher than if she were not pregnant. There can also be significant changes in blood pressure during pregnancy. It is important for your doctor to monitor your blood pressure to ensure that your blood pressure is normal and that you are not developing hypertension or any other high blood pressure symptoms during pregnancy.

The system of veins in the body, known as the venous system, are the blood vessels that bring blood back to the heart. Because of the increased pressure in the abdomen, there may be buildup of blood in the veins. One’s legs are particularly prone to this increased pressure which can often times cause varicose veins, spider veins, and hemorrhoids. Many of these symptoms are very common during pregnancy. Fortunately they often times resolve after pregnancy.

The gastroenterologic system, the system associated with the stomach and digestive tract, is also affected by pregnancy. One of the most common manifestations of these changes is heart burn and upset stomachs. These symptoms are caused by the fact that it is easier for stomach acid to reflux back into the esophagus. Often times, antacids alone are enough to help but many women require greater assistance for this problem. If you are having gastroenterological problems, definitely speak with your doctor about available options. Also, many pregnant women feel fuller faster. This is because their stomachs are being compressed by the developing baby and uterus. They may find themselves eating more meals but smaller meals.

A pregnant woman’s musculoskeletal system, the system of muscle and bones, also changes dramatically during pregnancy. Some of these changes will cause one to experience low back pains, various muscle cramps, aches and pains. The pubic bone can sometimes separate and stretch which will cause pain when during walking. Certainly if you are experiencing any of these symptoms during pregnancy, speak with your doctor to discuss remedies. Fortunately almost all of these changes are usually not uncomfortable for most pregnant woman. You’ll be happy to know that when the baby is born, most of these problems will resolve on their own.

If you have any further questions about the bodily changes that occur throughout pregnancy, feel free to drop a line and we’ll answer you shortly.