Maternal physiological changes in pregnancy are the normal adaptations that a woman undergoes during
pregnancy to better accommodate the
embryo or
fetus. They are
physiological changes, that is, they are entirely normal, and include
cardiovascular,
hematologic,
metabolic,
renal and
respiratory changes that become very important in the event of complications. The body must change its physiological and homeostatic mechanisms in pregnancy to ensure the fetus is provided for. Increases in blood sugar, breathing and cardiac output are all required. Levels of progesterone and estrogens rise continually throughout pregnancy, suppressing the hypothalamic axis and subsequently the menstrual cycle. The woman and the placenta also produce many hormones.