Changes to Your Heart and Lungs During Pregnancy
Causes of Varicose Veins, Diabetes, Anemia and Asthma in Pregnancy
During pregnancy all body organs adjust to the temporary change and body systems work together to sustain the forming life: the heart works harder and beats faster, lung capacity expands and the kidneys filter the increased blood volume.
Disorders such as diabetes and thyroid problems can also flare up in pregnant women without preventive nutrition and exercise.
Gestational Diabetes
The changes in hormone levels during pregnancy affect how the body uses and stores sugars. In the first trimester blood glucose levels may decrease slightly and in the last half of pregnancy, levels may rise. Increased amounts of the hormone insulin (which stores glucose), is required and is produced by the pancreas.
Consequently, preexisting diabetes may worsen during pregnancy and gestational diabetes can begin during pregnancy. High risk individuals who are overweight, have a family history of diabetes or have poor nutritional habits should be screened regularly and have a strict food and exercise regiment.
Blood Volume and Heart Rate During Pregnancy
The volume of blood pumped by the heart increases by 30 to 50% to ensure that the developing baby is well-supplied with oxygen and nutrients. By the end of the pregnancy the uterus receives one fifth of the mother's blood supply. And as cardiac output increases, the resting heart rate increases from 70 beats per minute to 85 to 90 beats per minute. Low blood pressure is therefore common and may cause dizziness and fainting. The heart rate returns to normal levels about 6 weeks after delivery. Certain heart palpitations and irregularities may appear because of the increased workload on the heart; these are usually normal and temporary, however some may require treatment. A physician can determine heart health with ECG readings, if necessary.
Asthma and Respiratory Health
Additionally, lung capacity increases during pregnancy so that there is enough oxygen for the baby and the mother. This enlarges the circumference of the mother's chest slightly. The higher levels of the hormone progesterone results in slightly faster and deeper breathing to exhale more and keep carbon dioxide levels low.
Asthma, allergies and sinus irritation are also marked in some pregnant women because as blood flow is increased, the lining of the airway swells, narrowing the airways. As a result, breathing from the nose may feel constricted and the eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear and back of the nasal cavity can become blocked, slightly changing the tone of the woman’s voice.
Anemia
Anemia or low blood iron is common during pregnancy because of the changes in blood volume and the redirection of nutrition to the baby. White blood cells which fight infection increase slightly during pregnancy and drastically during labour and immediately after delivery.
Iron tablets are not always effective or necessary. Because of the increase in blood volume it often takes some time for the body to increase production of red blood cells to match the rise in volume. This can cause the symptoms of anemia for a short time, but it does not always require treatment. Other ways to combat anemia and fatigue include increasing iron rich foods such as liver, leafy green vegetables, beets, and dried apricots, and increasing foods high in Vitamin C, which aids in the absorption of iron by the body. Limit caffeine as it hinders the absorption of iron. Safe, herbal sources of iron include parsley, nettles, dandelion root and kelp.
Varicose Veins
Pregnancy causes changes in blood volume and hormone levels and the enlarging uterus interferes with the return of venous blood from the legs and the pelvic area to the heart. These factors as well as the relaxation of the muscular walls of the blood vessels, can cause or aggravate swelling (edema) and varicose veins especially in the legs, ankles and feet. Genetics also play a part in varicose veins.
Measures to decrease the risk of varicose veins and make them more likely to disappear after delivery include: wearing elastic support hose, avoiding crossing the legs, sitting on a low cushion instead of a chair, resting frequently with the legs elevated, lying on the side and regular exercise. Eating plenty of fiber and foods with vitamins A, C, E and B as well as adding plenty of raw garlic, onions and parsley to your diet helps to increase the elasticity of the veins.
Maintaining health during pregnancy and understanding the changes to the body systems will help expectant mothers avoid common disorders such as diabetes and varicose veins which can remain even after the delivery.
Heart Health Important in Pregnancy
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