How It Works: 7. Understanding Physiological Adaptations: Maternal Cardiovascular Wellbeing

As part of routine care post birth for childbearing women and people, it is important to ensure cardiovascular wellbeing. Understanding the physiological adaptations that occur in pregnancy will not only highlight how well the body can compensate for blood loss during birth, but also the difficulty and delay in identifying conditions such as hypovolemia which can lead to morbidity and mortality. This article will help develop a better understanding of the physiology related to cardiovascular adaptations during pregnancy and birth to support vascular function, uterine perfusion and prevention of blood loss.