Pregnancy and Childbirth: Changes in the Mother's Body
Overview
- Pregnancy is an incredible biological process with both beautiful and challenging aspects.
- Focus on commonly experienced symptoms during pregnancy, not the negative aspects.
- Discussion aided by cadaver studies in the lab.
Common Symptoms During Pregnancy
Morning Sickness
- Often misunderstood; can occur any time, not just morning.
- Likely caused by the hormone HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin).
- Secreted by the blastocyst, later by the placenta.
- Levels double every 48-72 hours in the first 12 weeks.
- Peaks and then decreases after 12-16 weeks, correlating with the reduction of morning sickness.
- Other hormones like progesterone and estradiol might also contribute.
- Hypothesized as an evolutionary mechanism to protect the embryo by making mothers more selective with food.
- Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Extreme form of morning sickness leading to significant symptoms.
Fatigue
- Not caused by a single factor; progesterone and its metabolite allopregnanolone involved.
- Allopregnanolone increases responsiveness to GABA, leading to drowsiness.
- Progesterone levels increase throughout pregnancy.
- Fatigue often ends in the second trimester but can return in the third.
Changes in Taste
- Frequently reported as metallic or bitter taste.
- Likely influenced by estradiol affecting taste perception.
- Can lead to strong food aversions or cravings.
Physical Changes
Internal Organs and Uterus
- Uterus: Expands significantly, affecting surrounding organs.
- Fundus can be used to track the progress of pregnancy.
- Pushes intestines anteriorly and superiorly.
- Stomach: Elevation and transition to horizontal position, possibly causing acid reflux.
- Liver and Gallbladder: Shift upward, affecting diaphragm and lungs.
- Heart: Shifts anteriorly, increasing its proximity to the sternum.
- Lungs: Compressed but ribs flare out, allowing space for breathing.
Additional Notes
- Other changes include liver metabolism, kidney function, and digestive peristalsis.
- Future videos may explore more aspects of pregnancy changes.
- Sponsor Mention: AG1 supplement, benefits for gut microbiota.
- Encouragement for viewer interaction and feedback for future content.
This lecture provides a comprehensive overview of the physical and hormonal changes that occur in a mother's body during pregnancy, with insights into the potential causes and implications of these changes.