1. PHYSIOLOGYICAL CHANGES DURING
PREGNANCY

2. CHANGES IN THE BLOOD VOLUME
• There is an increase in blood volume which begins at
week 6 of gestation.
• Total blood volume increases by 50% by the end of
pregnancy.
• The blood volume in pregnant women at term is about
100mls/kg.
• Plasma volume expansion is accompanied by a lesser
increase in red cell volume,as a result the Hb
level/concentration decreases resulting in anaemia.
• The increase in total blood volume is to meet the
demands of the enlarged uterus and provide extra blood
flow for placental perfusionand to supply extra metabolic
needs of the fetus.

3. CHANGES IN THE GASTRO-INTESTINAL
SYSTEM

4. CHANGES IN THE GASTRO-INTESTINAL
SYSTEM
• Women can experience:
NAUSEA AND
VOMITING
 due to elevated hCG
hormone
 anxiety
 relaxation of the smooth
muscle in the stomach.

5. HAEMORROIDS
 due to elevated pressure
in the veins.
 constipation.

6. CONSTIPATION
 Due to reduced motility of
large
intestine( progesterone
effect).
 Increased water
reabsorption from large
intestine.

7. GALLSTONES
 Due to delayed emptying
of gall bladder.

8. HEART BURN
 Due to reflex of acidic
gastric contents to the
oesophagus.

9. INCREASE IN APPETITE
 Due to the effects of
progesterone which acts
as a appetite stimulant.

10. INCREASE IN APPETITE
 Due to the effects of
progesterone which acts
as a appetite stimulant.