ADAPTATION OF THE HUMAN BODY TO PREGNANCY 2

Adaptation of the human body to pregnancy

During the pregnancy period, the body of a woman undergoes some vital physiological

changes that are necessary to support the fetus that has begun to develop, as well as to prepare

for the childbirth and lactation. Usually, all the system in the woman’s body adapts to the

condition in order to give the fetus a conducive environment for development. The changes also

enable the adaptation of the maternal physiological needs. The psychological changes may

sometimes be misinterpreted as disease even though they are normal, especially if the woman’s

body is unable to adapt adequately to the changes. It is important for a pregnant woman to

undergo continuous assessments to assure the health of the fetus as well as her well-being. It is

also vital for the woman to understand the inner working of her body and that of the fetus. Some

of the changes during this period include respiratory changes that provide adequate oxygen to the

fetus, metabolic, renal, hematologic, and cardiovascular.

The woman’s body experiences changes in the endocrine system that occurs to support

the fetal growth. The levels of some hormones such as progesterone and estrogen continually rise

through the entire period (Blackburn, 2013). These changes occur to suppress the hypothalamic

axis and finally the menstrual cycle. Estrogen that is secreted forms the placenta plays an

essential role in maintaining the well-being of the fetus. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

is also secreted by the cells of the placenta thereby stimulating more release of estrogen by

corpus luteum. In addition, the body experiences an increased relaxation of smooth muscles due

to the presence of progesterone in plenty.