Why do pregnant women's character deteriorate? External changes during pregnancy.

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

Reproductive organs

The body's response to the growth and development of the fetus is individual for each woman. The same symptoms manifest themselves in everyone with varying degrees of intensity. However, in general, the restructuring affects the same organs and tissues in all expectant mothers. Pregnancy has the greatest impact on the genital organs, primarily the uterus.

Before the fertilized egg takes root in the epithelium, this organ is small in size (7-8 cm) and weight (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 dilate, and their number also increases.

Also, many women feel contractions of the uterus, which resemble compression 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. By the end of the 3rd month, this organ does not fit within the pelvis. Immediately before birth, the uterus reaches the hypochondrium area. The correct position is helped by ligaments that stretch during the entire period of gestation. At the same time, some women experience characteristic pain on the sides in the abdominal area, especially when changing body position. This is due to tension in the ligaments.

Pregnancy also affects intensity of blood supply to the genital organs. 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 experiences a weight gain of 13 kg by the end of gestation. This change ranges from 8 to 18 kg. If there was a lack of weight before pregnancy, then during this period weight gain occurs more intensely. As a rule, the weight normally increases by 4 kg in the first half of pregnancy, and by 8 kg in the remaining part. On average, a woman gains 30-40 grams per week.

Heart

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

There is a lot of blood flow in the placenta of a pregnant woman. In 60 seconds, 0.5 liters of blood passes through here. The cardiovascular system and the heart itself are easily restructured. It increases in size and also 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 there is about 4 liters of blood, then during this period an additional 1.3-1.5 liters appears. 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, already at 27 weeks, hospitalization in special maternity hospitals is recommended.

Arterial pressure

If pregnancy proceeds without any deviations, then there is practically no change in this indicator. Blood pressure, on the contrary, can stabilize by the middle of the period, if it was elevated before. This is due to the fact that the hormone progesterone, 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, changes in the body also affect the respiratory system. A woman needs large volumes of air so that the fetus can get rid of 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 upward, limiting the movement of the lungs. But even despite this, the woman receives the required amount of oxygen. The breathing rate remains at the same level: 16-18 breaths in 60 seconds.

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

Gastrointestinal tract

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

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

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

As for the liver, pregnancy also affects its functioning. It 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 stress on almost all systems. The kidneys and bladder are no exception. Pregnancy forces the former to work more actively so that the body can remove waste products from 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 stagnation of urine. This results in various complications, such as exacerbation of pyelonephritis And increased risk of hydronephrosis. The latter is a consequence of the fact that the uterus, turning slightly to the right, makes it difficult for the right kidney to drain urine. In this case, the pelvis and calyx expand due to the increasing volume of fluid.

Normally, the body's reaction 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 produces 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 a woman’s body. During this period there is some joint laxity, especially in the pelvic area. The latter helps the newborn pass more easily during childbirth.

In this case, the pelvic joint can become so soft that the pubic bones diverge. Because of this, pain and the so-called “duck” gait appear. It is imperative that you report such symptoms to your 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 also 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 their stomach that runs from the pubis to the navel. Freckles and age spots may also appear under the influence of hormones.

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 indicator they remain for life.

Taste preferences

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

Psychology of women

In addition to the fact that the body’s reaction 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 and their own appearance. During this period, the support of loved ones, especially the husband, is very important.

If you experience severe anxiety and frequent depression during pregnancy, you should seek appropriate advice from a specialist.

Incredible facts

1. You get a completely new organ

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

Once the placenta has formed, its job is to create a barrier between the bloodstream of mother and baby. Maternal vessels carry nutrients and oxygen to the intervillous area of ​​the placenta, from where the fetus takes them. This way he only takes what he needs.

The placenta plays another, lesser known role as a temporary organ. This 2.2 kg dark red “disc” is also an endocrine organ, that is, it secretes hormones. These hormones, from human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG, the hormone used in pregnancy tests) to estrogen and progesterone, are critical to maintaining pregnancy and preparing the breasts for breastfeeding.

2. Bones "relax"

The baby's head must come out somehow. Fortunately, the pregnant body produces the hormone relaxin, which relaxes the cartilage that holds the bones together. Relaxin weakens the pubic symphysis, the area on the pubic bone located just in front of the bladder. Such relaxation greatly facilitates the birth process, 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 some women's increased shoe sizes during pregnancy.

3. Memory deteriorates

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

4. You may feel sick

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

The analysis found that morning sickness is most often triggered by strong odors and tastes, suggesting that the body is trying to prevent the consumption of potentially harmful substances. The peak frequency of weakness coincides with the time of initial organ development in the embryo, which once again confirms that the body is in a state of heightened alert during this period.

5. Frequent heartburn

Heartburn occurs due to the pressure that the expanding uterus puts on the digestive system. Typically, stomach acid is held in place by the esophageal sphincter (a muscle in the diaphragm that is activated and closes the esophagus when abdominal pressure increases). 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 becomes flattened

Surely, you have more than once seen a pregnant woman standing in line for the toilet, 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 implies a frequent urge to go to the toilet, but also causes “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 often comes with side effects such as varicose veins, hemorrhoids and shiny skin. The extra 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 pianist to know what it is, since pregnancy is a common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. This side effect, marked by numbness or tingling, is caused by the swelling experienced by a pregnant woman. Excess fluid (which accounts for 25 percent of pregnancy weight) can accumulate in your ankles or wrists due to gravity. On the wrists, it “touches” the nerves, which causes tingling.

During pregnancy, significant physiological changes occur in a woman’s body, which ensure the proper development of the fetus and prepare the body for the upcoming birth and feeding. During this difficult period, the load on all organs and systems of a woman’s body increases significantly, which can lead to exacerbation of chronic diseases and the development of complications. That is why you should register with the antenatal clinic as early as possible, go through all the necessary specialists and get tested. This will allow you to take adequate preventive measures and prepare for childbirth.

Heart during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the cardiovascular system performs more intense work, as an additional placental circulation appears in the body. Here the blood flow is so great that 500 ml of blood passes through the placenta every minute. The heart of a healthy woman during pregnancy easily adapts to additional loads: the mass of the heart muscle and cardiac blood output increase. To meet the growing needs of the fetus for nutrients, oxygen and building materials, the blood volume in the mother’s body begins to increase, reaching a maximum by the 7th month of pregnancy. Instead of 4000 ml of blood, 5300-5500 ml now circulates in the body. In pregnant women with heart disease, this load can cause complications; that is why, at 27-28 weeks, they are recommended to be hospitalized in specialized maternity hospitals.

Changes in blood pressure during pregnancy

Blood pressure remains virtually unchanged during a normal pregnancy. On the contrary, in women who have an increase in it before or in the early stages of pregnancy, in the middle of pregnancy it usually stabilizes and is in the range of 100/60-130/85 mmHg. This is due to a decrease in the tone of peripheral blood vessels under the influence of the hormone progesterone.

However, in the last trimester of pregnancy, blood pressure can increase, reaching very high values. High blood pressure (140/90 mmHg and above) is one of the signs of late toxicosis in pregnancy. This condition is very dangerous and may require emergency delivery.

Lungs during pregnancy

Due to the increase in the woman's body's need for oxygen, lung activity increases during pregnancy. Despite the fact that as pregnancy progresses, the diaphragm rises upward and limits the respiratory movements of the lungs, their capacity increases. This occurs due to the expansion of the chest, as well as due to the expansion of the bronchi. Increasing the volume of inhaled air during pregnancy makes it easier for the fetus to remove used oxygen through the placenta. The respiratory rate does not change, remaining 16-18 times per minute, increasing slightly towards the end of pregnancy. Therefore, if shortness of breath or other breathing problems occurs, a pregnant woman should definitely consult a doctor.

Kidneys during pregnancy

The kidneys function under great strain during pregnancy, as they remove metabolic products from the body of the pregnant woman and her growing fetus. The amount of urine produced varies depending on the volume of fluid drunk. A healthy pregnant woman excretes an average of 1200-1600 ml of urine per day, with 950-1200 ml of urine excreted during the day, and the rest at night.

Under the influence of the hormone progesterone, the tone of the bladder decreases, which can lead to stagnation of urine. Under these conditions, the introduction of infection into the urinary tract is facilitated, so pregnant women often experience exacerbation of pyelonephritis. A urinary tract infection is indicated by the appearance of leukocytes in urine tests - more than 10-12 per field of view.

In addition, the pregnant uterus, turning slightly to the right, can cause difficulty in the outflow of urine from the right kidney. In this case, the risk of hydronephrosis increases, that is, expansion of the pelvis and calyces due to excessive accumulation of urine in them.

Changes in the digestive organs

In the first 3 months of pregnancy, many women experience changes in the digestive organs: nausea and often vomiting in the morning (signs of early toxicosis), taste sensations change, and a craving for unusual substances (clay, chalk) appears. As a rule, these phenomena disappear by 3-4 months of pregnancy, sometimes at a later date. Under the influence of placental hormones, intestinal tone decreases, which often leads to constipation. The intestines are pushed upward by the pregnant uterus, the stomach is also shifted upward and compressed, and some of its contents can be thrown into the esophagus and cause heartburn (especially in the second half of pregnancy). In such cases, it is recommended to take antacid medications (for example, Maalox, Rennie), eat food 2 hours before bedtime, and lie in bed with the head end elevated.

Liver during pregnancy works with greater load, as it neutralizes the metabolic products of the woman and the fetus.

Joints during pregnancy

During pregnancy, women experience some joint laxity. The joints of the pelvis become especially mobile, which facilitates the passage of the fetus through it during childbirth. Sometimes the softening of the pelvic joints is so pronounced that a slight divergence of the pubic bones is observed. Then the pregnant woman experiences pain in the pubic area and a “duck” gait. You should inform your doctor about this and receive appropriate recommendations.

Changes in the mammary glands during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the mammary glands prepare for the upcoming feeding. The number of lobules and adipose tissue increases in them, and blood supply improves. The mammary glands increase in size, the nipples become hard.

Changes in the genital organs during pregnancy

Largest changes during pregnancy occur in the genitals and concern mainly the uterus. The pregnant uterus constantly increases in size, by the end of pregnancy its height reaches 35 cm instead of 7-8 cm outside pregnancy, the weight increases to 1000-1200 g (without a fetus) instead of 50-100 g. The volume of the uterine cavity by the end of pregnancy increases by approximately 500 once. A change in the size of the uterus occurs due to an increase in the size of muscle fibers under the influence of placental hormones. The blood vessels expand, their number increases, they seem to entwine the uterus. Irregular contractions of the uterus are observed, which become more active towards the end of pregnancy and are felt as “squeezing”. These so-called Braxton Hicks contractions, which normally occur from the 30th week of pregnancy, are considered as training for real labor contractions.

The position of the uterus changes according to its size. By the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy, it extends beyond the pelvis, and closer to childbirth it reaches the hypochondrium. The uterus is held in position by ligaments, which thicken and stretch during pregnancy. Pain that occurs on the sides of the abdomen, especially when changing body position, is often caused by tension in the ligaments. The blood supply to the external genitalia increases, and varicose veins may appear in the vagina and labia (the same varicose veins can also appear on the lower extremities and in the rectum).

Weight gain during pregnancy

Fetal growth and physiological changes in the pregnant woman's body affect her body weight. In a healthy woman, by the end of pregnancy, body weight increases by an average of 12 kg with fluctuations from 8 to 18 kg. Usually in the first half of pregnancy it increases by 4 kg, in the second half - 2 times more. Weekly weight gain up to 20 weeks is approximately 300 + 30 g, from 21 to 30 weeks - 330 + 40 g and after 30 weeks before birth - 340 + 30 g. In women with underweight before pregnancy, weekly weight gain may be even greater more.

Psychology of women

In addition to physiological changes in the body, a pregnant woman’s mental state changes.

A woman’s attitude towards pregnancy and childbirth is influenced by various factors, including social, moral, ethical, economic, etc., as well as the personality characteristics of the pregnant woman herself.

In the first half of pregnancy, most women are more concerned about their own health; in the second half, especially after the appearance of fetal movements, all the thoughts and concerns of the expectant mother are aimed at the well-being of the fetus. A woman can address her child with affectionate words, she fantasizes, endowing him with individual characteristics. Along with this, many women deliberately give up some attachments and habits for the sake of upcoming motherhood.

Pregnant women may also experience various concerns and fears. During this period, a woman may be concerned about changes in appearance, loss of attractiveness, and relationships with her husband. Close relatives (especially the husband) should become a reliable support for the pregnant woman and try to provide the woman with psychological comfort. If a pregnant woman experiences severe anxiety or depression, it is recommended to seek advice from a specialist.

It is difficult not to notice that the woman awaiting the birth of an heir is changing. But these changes are not only external. What happens inside the body? How do individual organs and systems of a woman react to the birth of a new life? Is the load too heavy? Let's talk about this now.

“Strength test” and weight gain

From the first days, the fetus needs oxygen and nutrients. The mother's body itself begins to gradually prepare for childbirth and breastfeeding the baby. New tasks affect almost the entire mother’s body: the structure of organs during pregnancy changes somewhat, and their functionality expands. These changes are programmed by nature, but this does not make them any less noticeable. The stress on the mother’s body increases significantly and becomes a kind of “strength test”. Those organs that previously worked on the verge of normal may malfunction. By supporting the mother’s body in a timely manner, we obtain a certain margin of safety for the fetus.

Not only the location of organs changes during pregnancy, but also body weight; an increase of 10-12 kg over the entire 9 months is considered the norm. But the initial indicators should also be taken into account, first of all, BMI - body mass index, that is, a harmonious ratio of weight and height.

Breasts and genitals during pregnancy

The most pronounced changes are observed in the genital system of the expectant mother. During pregnancy, the genitals transform according to the growth of the embryo. First of all, this is noticeable in the example of the uterus, which not only constantly increases in size, but also changes shape from pear-shaped in the first weeks to round, and then ovoid. Mucus accumulates in the cervix, and for good reason: it will subsequently help the baby move more easily through the birth canal. The vascular system of the uterus is also undergoing changes; it is replenished with new large blood vessels, which significantly improves the process of supplying the placenta with nutrients and oxygen. The ovaries enlarge and change position.

Changes in the mammary glands become a response to the need to prepare for future lactation. They occur in parallel with hormonal changes, leading to an increase in the production of such important hormones as progesterone, prolactin, and estrogen. Towards the end of the term, the mammary gland begins to produce colostrum.

Skeleton and muscular system

Not only internal organs are rebuilt during pregnancy. The skeletal system of a pregnant woman is influenced by an increase in the concentration of relaxin and progesterone in the blood, and these hormones, in turn, contribute to the process of leaching of calcium. This microelement is not simply taken from the mother’s skeleton; calcium is used to form the bone tissue of the fetus. At the same time, another physiological reaction occurs: the pelvic bones and their joints become more elastic, which contributes to the non-traumatic movement of the child along the birth canal. The danger is leaching of calcium from the spine and foot bones. To avoid flat feet, it is important to choose the right shoes: low heels, with arch support. And the spine will be helped by wearing a bandage and special gymnastics.

The cardiovascular system

During the period of bearing a child, the volume of blood in a woman’s vessels increases significantly: by one and a half liters. Accordingly, the intensity of the cardiovascular system also increases. The pulse becomes faster, contracting the heart is forced to throw more blood into the aorta. The venous system is most vulnerable during this period. Varicose veins become a frequent complication, and not only due to the increasing weight load on the lower extremities.

The deformation of the inferior vena cava, which is responsible for collecting blood from the uterus, pelvic organs and legs, also plays a significant role. This vessel is located to the right of the spine, and when a woman sleeps on her back, it is compressed. The greater the body weight, the stronger the circulatory disturbance in the organs listed above. That is why expectant mothers are not recommended to sleep in a supine position, but using a pillow placed under their feet promotes freer blood flow. In addition, the increase in erythrocyte mass lags somewhat behind the overall increase in blood volume, while blood viscosity decreases. To improve blood composition, mothers are prescribed iron supplements.

Respiratory, digestive and other systems

The development of the fetus requires more and more oxygen, so the volume of air a woman inhales increases. Breathing becomes more frequent, but this is not critical for the mother’s body, since progesterone relaxes the smooth muscles of the bronchial walls, causing the airway lumens to become wider.

The location of the organs changes somewhat during pregnancy due to the pressure of the fetus on the abdominal cavity. But this is not the only reason for the changes taking place. Progesterone has a serious effect on the digestive organs, reducing the level of intestinal motility. At the same time, the glands begin to secrete more saliva, and the concentration of hydrochloric acid decreases. This manifests itself in the appearance of heartburn and a tendency to constipation. Some disruptions also affect the functionality of the gallbladder, bladder, and kidneys, but they are also temporary.