Obstetrics and Gynecology - A. M. Gromova 2000
Changes in the Woman's Body During Pregnancy
Integumentary System and Weight Changes in Pregnancy
A woman's body weight increases by an average of 10-12 kg during Pregnancy. Approximately 4.8 kg of this accounts for the products of conception (fetus, Placenta, Amniotic Fluid); 1.4-1.8 kg for the enlargement of the Uterus and Mammary Glands; and 3.6-4.4 kg represents the "net" weight gain of the woman herself due to the accumulation and deposition of fats, salts, and Water.
During the first three months of pregnancy, the woman's weight changes insignificantly, but starting from 20 weeks, it continuously increases by 350-450 g per week.
As pregnancy progresses and the uterus enlarges, the woman's abdominal wall stretches. The linea alba widens in pregnant women. Fat deposition increases near the pubic area, buttocks, and mammary glands. Striae gravidarum appear in the areas of greatest Skin stretching.
Changes in the vasomotor function of skin capillaries contribute to the appearance of red dermographism. Skin capillaries become more permeable, causing a predisposition to edema. The appearance of varicose Veins is quite characteristic, especially in the lower extremities (shins, thighs, but not the feet), and less frequently in the external genitalia, vaginal walls, mammary glands, and anterior abdominal wall.
Sweat and sebaceous gland secretion increases. Nails become thinner. The subcutaneous adipose layer increases.
All the presented data on the changes occurring during pregnancy indicate their complex and multifaceted nature. All major systems of the woman's body participate in ensuring the proper development of pregnancy. These changes are adaptive in nature, and their normal progression ensures the continuation of the species.
1. What placental Hormones do you know, and what is their effect on the pregnant Organism?
2. What is The Effect of Prostaglandins on the Reproductive System?
3. What are the Specific features of central endocrine gland function during pregnancy?
4. What is the "gestational dominant"?
5. What are the main metabolic changes that occur in pregnant women?
6. How do key cardiovascular function parameters change depending on the gestational age?
7. What is autohemodilution?
8. What changes occur in the Blood Coagulation SYSTEM?
9. How does respiratory function change during pregnancy?
10. What changes in the Urinary System create conditions for The Development of Pyelonephritis?
11. What changes does the uterus undergo during pregnancy?
12. Under METABOLISM/18.html">The Influence of which hormones do changes in the mammary glands occur?
13. What is relaxin, and what is its effect on the pregnant organism?
14. How does a woman's weight change during pregnancy?
Last update: 08/08/2026
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