Cardiopulmonary Physiological Alterations in Pregnancy

doi:10.1017/9781108163705.004

4 - Cardiopulmonary Physiological Alterations in Pregnancy

from Section 2 - The Basics: for the Non-Obstetrician

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 14 April 2020

Niamh Hayes and

Thomas Drew

Edited by

Stephen E. Lapinsky and

Lauren A. Plante

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Stephen E. Lapinsky: Affiliation:
Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto
Lauren A. Plante: Affiliation:
Drexel University Hospital, Philadelphia

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Summary

Multisystem physiological changes in pregnancy are designed to provide for the increase in metabolic demand from the growing fetoplacental unit, the developing uterus and other maternal adaptations. Basal oxygen (O2) consumption increases by 50 ml/min or about 25% at term gestation, and basal metabolic rate increases similarly. There is further increased oxygen consumption during labour and vaginal delivery. Global O2 delivery is determined by the O2 carrying-capacity of arterial blood and cardiac output.

Type: Chapter
Information: Respiratory Disease in Pregnancy , pp. 25 - 33

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108163705.004 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2020

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