title: Alterations in physiology and anatomy during pregnancy.
abstract: Pregnant women undergo profound anatomical and physiological changes so that they can cope with the increased physical and metabolic demands of their pregnancies. The cardiovascular, respiratory, haematological, renal, gastrointestinal and endocrine systems all undergo important physiological alterations and adaptations needed to allow development of the fetus and to allow the mother and fetus to survive the demands of childbirth. Such alterations in anatomy and physiology may cause difficulties in interpreting signs, symptoms, and biochemical investigations, making the clinical assessment of a pregnant woman inevitably confusing but challenging. Understanding these changes is important for every practicing obstetrician, as the pathological deviations from the normal physiological alterations may not be clear-cut until an adverse outcome has resulted. Only with a sound knowledge of the physiology and anatomy changes can the care of an obstetric parturient be safely optimized for a better maternal and fetal outcome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, National University Health System, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 12, Singapore 119228, Singapore. Electronic address: dr.ektan@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Eng Kien
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: Eng Loy
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Tan
mesh_terms: D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D004064:Digestive System / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D004068:Digestive System Physiological Phenomena; D004703:Endocrine System / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012143:Respiratory Physiological Phenomena; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D013318:Stroke Volume / Q000502:physiology; D014566:Urogenital System / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology
keywords: anatomy; endocrinology; physiology; pregnancy; pregnancy high risk