The physiologic changes of during pregnancy
The bones also undergo some changes during the pregnancy, there is an increase amount of Calcium and phosphorus level because this is needed for foetal bone growth. There is also the presence of the hormone relaxin wherein this helps in relaxing some bones especially in the pelvic area which will aid during childbirth. This will help widen the symphysis pubis to be ready for passage of the baby during childbirth. At the last trimester of pregnancy, we may also notice that they have a lordotic posture because of the pressure of the weight of the foetus inside the womb.
There is also frequent urination during pregnancy especially when the enlarging uterus tends to put pressure on the urinary bladder, this cause the pregnant woman to have frequent urination.
Lastly, the endocrine function also changes during pregnancy. As it was mentioned above, the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin( HCG) is the first hormone which has high levels in the blood during the first stages of pregnancy. Oestrogen hormone is responsible for the breast and uterine changes while progesterone maintains the linings of the uterus which maintains the pregnancy. The relaxin as it was stated above helps in relaxing the pelvic bones. Human Placental Lactogen also becomes available to the enlarging foetus. Prostaglandin is responsible for the contractions of smooth muscles which will aid during childbirth. Oxytocin is tasked for the let-down reflex.( famildoctor. org 2015)
( flickr. com 2013)
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