Respiratory physiologic changes in pregnancy.
In summary, the major physiologic changes that occur in pregnancy are the increased minute ventilation, which is caused by increased respiratory center sensitivity and drive; a compensated respiratory alkalosis; and a low expiratory reserve volume. The vital capacity and measures of forced expiration are well preserved. Patients who have many lung diseases tolerate pregnancy well, with the exception of those who have pulmonary hypertension or chronic respiratory insufficiency from parenchymal or neuromuscular disease.
Wise
Robert A
RA
Department of Medicine (Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5501 Hopkins Bayview Circle, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA. rwise@jhmi.edu
Polito
Albert J
AJ
Krishnan
Vidya
V
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000502:physiology*; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D012143:Respiratory Physiological Phenomena; D012307:Risk Factors; D012890:Sleep / Q000502:physiology