PHYS30001 Lecture 25: 25 Cardiovascular and renal adaptations in pregnancy A
Document Summary
Dynamic process with maternal adaptations: anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, metabolism. Cardiac output and blood volume: to supply new organ, placenta. 280 days (40 weeks) from last menstrual period. Hypercoaguable: huge blood loss during delivery of baby and placenta. Increased tissue fluid: can get oedematous, puffy ankles (fluid balance isn"t right in late pregnancy) Blood flow, oxygen, nutrients must support exponential increase in fetus weight. Breast tissue and uterine muscle is a major component of oxygen consumption (breasts are a massive adaptation to provide nutrition to baby after birth) Placenta and fetus: massive increase in oxygen consumption. Peaks 32 weeks vessels, and maternal renal vasculature. Changes required to support maternal and fetal circulation and tissues. Glucose is primary energy source for fetal and placental growth, and maternal metabolism alters to meet these demands. Maternal hypoglycemia in late gestation despite insulin resistance by tissues. Insulin synthesis & secretion due to increased beta-cell division (proliferation) and size.
