What happens to the woman`s body?

Increase in vaginal discharge

Increased risk of thrush (Campbell &Lees

2000)

Increase in heart rate

 Reduced blood pressure in early pregnancy
 Slower blood flow in lower limbs in late
pregnancy
 Blood flow to kidneys increased
 Increased blood flow to nasal passages,
hands, feet
 Increased blood flow to the breasts
What do you think this can lead to?

Dilution of the circulating blood

What do you think this can lead to?

HCG and prolactin (hormones) suppress the

immune system
What can this lead to?

Growing uterus presses on the bladder in

early pregnancy
Full term uterus reduces the bladder’s

capacity.
What are the effects of this?

Gums become swollen

Pica

Dulling of sense of taste in pregnancy

Large uterus presses on stomach and

intestines
Extra fluid, placenta, baby, amniotic fluid,

increased fat stores

Hormones relax pelvic joints


Change in skin pigmentation


Increased blood supply

New Ducts and cells are formed

What do you think happens to the breasts?

HCG produced in early pregnancy

Increases in other hormones which normally

control women`s menstrual cycle.
Progesterone relaxes smooth muscle

What do you think are the effects of hormonal
changes and physical changes in pregnancy?