- The uterus enlarges as the baby does. As the pregnancy continues it starts to push into the abdominal cavity. The abdominal organs start to push on the diaphragm, which also causes the ribs to flare and the thorax to widen.
- The changes in the abdomen causes the woman's center of gravity to change and has a negative effect on the back. Often leads to the development of Lordosis.
- During the last few months of pregnancy the placenta produces a hormone relaxin that prepares the body for delivery. It starts to relax and widen the pubic bones and makes them more flexible.
- The last change is the intake of better foods as well as a slight amount more because the growing fetus needs building materials and so the mother takes them in to provide that.
Physiological Changes:
- Gastrointestinal System: The elevated levels of progesterone and estrogen causes many woman to have morning sickness (nausea) until their body adjusts. Heartburn is another problem due to the displacement of the esophagus and overcrowding of the stomach which favors reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. Constipation occurs too because motility of the digestive track declines.
- Urinary System: The body has to now dispose of fetal metabolic waste so more is produced during pregnancy. Also the uterus puts pressure on the bladder which causes the urge to urinate more frequently and urgently.
- Respiratory System:The nasal mucosa becomes swollen and congested because of estrogen. Therefore pregnant woman are more likely and do experience nasal stuffiness and nosebleeds. The respiratory rate increases but the volume compacity of the lungs decreases making it difficult to breath.
- Cardiovascular System: The total body water rises and blood volume increases by 25-40%. Blood pressure increases to help propel the greater quantity of blood throughout the body. However the pressure that comes from the uterus pushes on pelvic blood vessels and may result in varicose veins.
A premature baby on the left and a normal baby on the right.
Premature Babies:
They don't know exactly why some babies are born premature but according to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research you are more at risk to have premature baby (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) if the following thing apply to you, including :
- Having a previous premature birth
- Pregnancy with twins, triplets or other multiples
- An interval of less than six months between pregnancies
- Conceiving through in vitro fertilization
- Problems with the uterus, cervix or placenta
- Smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol or using illicit drugs
- Poor nutrition
- Some infections, particularly of the amniotic fluid and lower genital tract
- Some chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes
- Being underweight or overweight before pregnancy
- Stressful life events, such as the death of a loved one or domestic violence
- Multiple miscarriages or abortions
- Physical injury or trauma
- Unusual shape of the uterus
Although some of these are out of the mother's control it is important to monitor eating habits and stress. Also avoid injuries and drugs. Doing some of these things will help to decrease the risk. In the United States about 1 out of 8 pregnancies end prematurely.
Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premature-birth/basics/risk-factors/con-20020050
http://www.suehallmd.com/aboutprematurebabies.html
http://doctorstevenpark.com/what-all-pregnant-women-must-know
http://serviceartist.net/music-a-boon-to-premature-babies-health/
http://healthmeup.com/photogallery-healthy-living/newborn-care-weird-but-normal-things-about-your-baby/17777
http://www.csh.org.tw/dr.tcj/Educartion/teaching/PregChange1/index.htm
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