Physiological adaptations in pregnancy - GIT, CNS, urinary and endocrine systems

Gastrointestinal system:
Gastric emptying time-during pregnancy is unchanged but during labour becomes prolonged.
 Pyrosis- heart burn is common feature of pregnancy.
Hemorrhoids may occur.
Liver- no histological change in liver cells but functions are depressed.
Marked atonicity of gallbladder together with high blood cholesterol level during pregnancy, favour stone formation.

Urinary system:
There will be increase in kidney size, dilatation of pelvis, calyces & ureters.
Increase in GFR( glomerular filtration rate) & RPF(renal plasma flow).
Decrease in renal Hco3 and serum osmolality.

Central nervous system:
 The changes may be seen in the mental status of the patient are anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation or memory loss etc.

Endocrine system:
 During pregnancy pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, adrenal gland and pancreas show distinct physiological changes leading to increase in output of respective hormones.
To adjust the internal environment of the mother to meet the additional requirements.


-Physiological adaptations in pregnancy - anatomical changes
-Physiological adaptations in pregnancy - weight gain, protein and fat metabolism
-Physiological adaptations in pregnancy - electrolyte and mineral metabolism
-Physiological adaptations in pregnancy - respiratory and cardiovascular systems
-Physiological adaptations in pregnancy - GIT, CNS, urinary and endocrine systems