Breasts -Increase in size, nodularity and sensitivity. Production of colotsrum occurs in late pregnancy. Breasts weigh each 1/2 pound by delivery ¡@ Uterus- It's weight increses from 2 oz to 2 lb at term and volume of its cavity increases from 10 mL (2 tsp) to 2-10 L at term ¡@ Blood- Total blood plasma volume increases by 50% ¡@ Lungs-Expansion and flaring of lower ribs due to increased capacity of lung volume. Oxygen consumption increases by 14%, half going to developing fetus, and rest consumed by growing uterus, breast tissue, and increased respiratory abd cardiac demands. ¡@ Heart -increases in size due to increased worload and cardiac output. Heart moves upward and laterally from non-pregnant position ¡@ Bladder -Growing uterus displaces the bladder forward and upward. Bladder volume decreases as compression of uterus increases |
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Common Physical Changes
Shortness of Breath Your growing uterus puts pressure on some of your internal ogans. As a result your lungs do not have as much room to expand. Here are some measures that may help:
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Swelling During pregnancy you jave more blood and other fluids in your body. In addition, your growning uterus puts pressure on some large blood vessels. As a result some swelling is common, particularly in your hands and feet. Here are a few preventative measures:
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Frequent Urination As your baby grows, your bladder has less room to expand. Even a small amount of urine inyour bladder may give you an urge to "go". many women also find that a cough, sneeze or laugh can cause a small amount of urine to leak out. Here are some suggestions that may help:
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Heartburn With pressure from a growing uterus, it is not unusual to have some stomach contents pushed upward into the esophagus. This causes a burning sensation. In addition, digestion can be slower in pregnancy. Food stays in the stomach longer, incresing the chances of heartburn. Here are some suggestions:
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Hemorrhoids and Constipation The hormones and physical changes of pregnancy slow digestion, making constipation common. Iron supplements can also worsen constipation. During pregnancy you can develop hemorrhoids, swollen veins in the rectum. Some ways to prevent or minimize these problems:
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Fatigue and Insomnia Fatigue is common in pregnancy. Often fatigue incerases as your baby gets bigger and you have more weight to carry around. Insomnia is especially common in the last trimester when finding a comfortable sleeping position can be challenging. Some suggestions to make sleeping easier:
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