Download – Changes in Maternal Physiology During Pregnancy (Update 20)

Maternal physiology undergoes many changes during pregnancy. These changes, which are largely secondary to the effects of progesterone and oestrogen, begin as early as 4 weeks gestation and are progressive. In the first 12 weeks of pregnancy progesterone and oestrogen are produced predominately by the ovary and thereafter by the placenta. These changes both enable the fetus and placenta to grow and prepare the mother and baby for childbirth.

Bernhard H Heidemann