The Physiology of Pregnancy: Clinical Pathologic Correlations

Abstract

Pregnancy is a physiologic stress test during which subtle impairment of any organ system is manifested. The hepatic and gastrointestinal systems are the least affected by pregnancy, whereas the endocrine system probably undergoes the greatest stress and presents some of the most confusing test results. Only by being aware of the physiologic changes that accompany pregnancy can the physician make sound clinical judgments regarding both mother and fetus.