In pregnant women, there are many physiological changes during pregnancy, which are completely normal, including changes in different trimesters and changes in different systems such as cardiovascular, metabolic, renal, hematological and respiratory changes. Progesterone and estrogen levels continually increase during pregnancy and suppress the hypothalamic axis and therefore also the menstrual cycle. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get the original essay Changes in the endocrine (non-reproductive) system: pituitary hormones FSH/LH levels decrease due to high levels of estrogen and of progesterone, ACTH and melanocyte-stimulating hormone levels increase, prolactin levels also increase, oxytocin also increases, and ADH levels remain unchanged. Thyroid and parathyroid gland The concentration of thyroxine-binding globulin increases due to increased estrogen levels. T4 and T3 levels increase during the first half of pregnancy, then normal values ​​decrease slightly during the second and third trimesters. After the first trimester, TSH production is stimulated. This increase in TSH indicates iodine deficiency or subclinical hypothyroidism. During pregnancy, women are relatively deficient in iodine, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends increased iodine intake during pregnancy. Adrenal Gland and Pancreas Cortisol levels increase during pregnancy, which contributes to lipogenesis and fat storage. There is an increased insulin response, so blood sugar levels remain normal or low. After the early stages of pregnancy, due to increased production of cortisol, progesterone, prolactin and human placental lactogen, peripheral insulin resistance increases. Gestational diabetes is thought to reflect pronounced insulin resistance of this type. Cardiovascular system changes 5 Peripheral vasodilation is present. There is an increase in cardiac output of 20% at week 8, then a further increase of up to 40% at weeks 20-28. There is a further increase in cardiac output during labor and immediately after delivery, then it returns to normal within an hour. Increasing cardiac output increases the heart rate by 10 to 20 beats per minute. Changes in the respiratory system 9 There is an increase in tidal volume by 200 ml, there is an increase in vital capacity and a decrease in residual volume and there is no significant alteration in respiratory rate. Increased metabolic rate and oxygen consumption due to increased oxygen demand. 1.2e) Changes in the digestive system At the start of pregnancy, nausea and vomiting are common. Specific cravings and appetite are generally increased. Constipation is common during pregnancy due to reduced gastrointestinal motility and transit time. This allows for increased absorption of nutrients. Urinary tract changes increase renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate by up to 50-60% due to increased blood volume and cardiac output during pregnancy. Which reduces blood levels of urea, urate, bicarbonate and creatinine due to increased excretion. The smooth muscle of the bladder relaxes, increasing its capacity, leading to a risk of urinary tract infection. Hematological changes There is an increase in volume.20