There are many physiological changes in pregnant woman 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 . During pregnancy, progesterone and estrogen levels continuously increase 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 Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Endocrine (non-reproductive) system changes: pituitary hormones FSH/LH levels decrease due to high levels of estrogen and progesterone, ACTH and melanocyte stimulating hormone levels increase, prolactin level also increases, oxytocin also increases and ADH levels remain unchanged. Thyroid and parathyroid The concentration of thyroxine-binding globulin increases due to increased estrogen levels. T4 and T3 levels increase during the first half of pregnancy and 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 aids in lipogenesis and fat accumulation. There is an increased insulin response, so blood sugar remains normal or low. After the early stages of pregnancy, due to the 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. Changes in the cardiovascular system 5 Peripheral vasodilation is present. An increase in cardiac output of 20% is observed by week 8, and then further increases to 40% at weeks 20-28. There is a further increase in cardiac output during labor and immediately after delivery, and then returns to normal within an hour. Increasing cardiac output increases heart rate by 10 to 20 beats per minute. Respiratory System Changes 9 There is an increase in tidal volume of 200 ml, an increase in vital capacity and a decrease in residual volume occurs, 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 During early pregnancy nausea and vomiting are common. Specific cravings and appetite are usually increased. Constipation is common in pregnancy due to reduced gastrointestinal motility and transit time. This allows for greater nutrient absorption. Changes in the urinary tract: the increase in renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate up to 50-60% is due to the increase in blood volume and cardiac output during pregnancy. Which reduce blood levels of urea, urate, bicarbonate, creatinine due to increased excretion. The smooth muscles of the bladder relax, increasing capacity, which leads to the risk of urinary tract infection. Hematological changes During pregnancy, a 50% increase in plasma volume occurs. Due to this, dilution anemia occurs. By the end of the second trimester, total red blood cell mass increased due to elevated erythropoietin levels. Pregnancy requires quantity.20