Understanding how pregnancy changes the body, may help you understand the nutritional changes and challenges during this time

Sample Solution

Based on the video "How Your Body Changes During Pregnancy | Conception to Delivery" [1], here are the answers to your questions:

1. Immune System Response: While the embryo's DNA doesn't exactly match the mother's, the body doesn't reject it due to a special protein produced by the placenta called human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G). This protein signals the mother's immune system to tolerate the fetus and prevent an attack.

2. Muscle Loosening Hormone: The hormone relaxin signals the muscles in the pelvis and abdomen to loosen and relax, allowing the uterus to expand and accommodate the growing fetus.

3. Constipation and Heartburn: During pregnancy, progesterone, a key pregnancy hormone, slows down the digestive system, leading to constipation. Additionally, the growing uterus can put pressure on the stomach, pushing stomach acid back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn or reflux.

4. Progesterone and the Respiratory System: Progesterone increases the respiratory rate, causing pregnant women to breathe slightly faster. This helps deliver more oxygen to the developing baby.

5. Anemia During Pregnancy: Two reasons why pregnant women are prone to anemia:

   • Increased blood volume: The body produces more blood to support the fetus, but red blood cell production might not keep up, leading to diluted blood and iron deficiency anemia.
   • Iron deficiency: Iron is essential for red blood cell production and fetal development. Insufficient iron intake or absorption can lead to iron deficiency anemia even without blood volume increase.

6. Harder Working Heart: During pregnancy, the heart needs to pump more blood to supply the growing baby with oxygen and nutrients. This increased workload causes the heart to beat faster and work harder.

Full Answer Section

1. Vena Cava and Blood Flow: The expanding uterus can press on the vena cava, a large vein that carries blood back to the heart from the lower body. This can impede blood flow and cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting in some cases.

2. Fetal Descent and Breathing: Shortly before delivery, the baby's head (or presenting part) descends into the lower pelvis, taking pressure off the diaphragm. This allows the diaphragm to move more freely, making breathing easier for the pregnant woman.

3. Lack of Information on Brain Effects: Research on the long-term effects of pregnancy on the brain is still ongoing and evolving. There's evidence of changes in brain structure and function during pregnancy, but the full understanding and long-term implications are still being explored.

Note: This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and information related to your specific health and pregnancy concerns.