Physiological changes that can be noted in a pregnant woman include:
1. Delayed gastric emptying and decreased peristalsis: During pregnancy, the hormones released can lead to a slowdown in the digestive process. This can result in delayed gastric emptying, causing symptoms like heartburn and indigestion.
2. Lordosis: Pregnant women often experience an increased curvature of the lower back, known as lordosis. This change occurs due to the shifting of the center of gravity as the baby grows, leading to an exaggerated arch in the lumbar spine.
3. Increased hemoglobin and hematocrit: Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels tend to rise during pregnancy. This is a normal adaptation to support the increased oxygen demand for both the mother and the developing fetus.
Physiological changes that are not typically noted in a pregnant woman include:
- Enlarged pituitary gland: The pituitary gland may undergo some changes during pregnancy due to hormonal fluctuations, but significant enlargement is not a common physiological change.
- Decreased prolactin levels: Prolactin levels usually increase during pregnancy in preparation for lactation and breastfeeding, rather than decreasing.
