Introduction

Pregnancy requires physiological adaptations. These are often initi­ated in the luteal phase of every ovulatory cycle. They are proactive and amplified if conception occurs. All physiological systems are af­fected to some extent in order to provide a suitable environment for the growth and development of the fetus, and to protect and prepare the mother for the process of labour and the postnatal period. This chapter gives an overview of the major changes.