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Physiological adaptation in early human pregnancy: adaptation to balance maternal-fetal demands
- Source :
- Applied physiology, nutrition, and metabolism = Physiologie appliquee, nutrition et metabolisme. 31(1)
- Publication Year :
- 2006
-
Abstract
- After conception, the corpus luteum, placenta, and developing embryo release hormones, growth factors, and other substances into the maternal circulation. These substances trigger a cascade of events that transform the functioning of the maternal cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal systems, which in turn alter the physicochemical determinants of [H+]. Following implantation, maternal adaptations fulfill 4 important functions that support fetal growth. Increased availability of substrates and precursors for fetal-placental metabolism and hormone production is mediated by increases in dietary intake, as well as endocrine changes that increase the availability of glucose and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Transport capacity is enhanced by increases in cardiac output, facilitating the transport of substrates and precursors to the placenta, and fetal waste products to maternal organs for disposal. Maternal-fetal exchange is regulated by the placenta after 10-12 weeks gestation, but it may occur through histiotrophic mechanisms before this time. Disposal of additional waste products (heat, carbon dioxide, and metabolic byproducts) occurs through peripheral vasodilation and increases in skin blood flow, ventilation, and renal filtration. The maternal physiological adaptations described above must meet the combined demands of maternal exercise and fetal growth. More research is needed to formulate evidence-based guidelines for healthy physical activity in early pregnancy.Key words: maternal adaptation, first trimester, exercise, fetal growth and development, hormones.
- Subjects :
- medicine.medical_specialty
Physiology
Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Biology
Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena
Fetus
Pregnancy
Physiology (medical)
Internal medicine
Placenta
medicine
Humans
Nutrition and Dietetics
Embryo
General Medicine
medicine.disease
Adaptation, Physiological
Pregnancy Trimester, First
medicine.anatomical_structure
Endocrinology
Gestation
Female
Adaptation
Corpus luteum
Hormone
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 17155312
- Volume :
- 31
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Applied physiology, nutrition, and metabolism = Physiologie appliquee, nutrition et metabolisme
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....d0e853012a27bf2adab176a95c93fcd6