ABSTRACT
The maternal cardiovascular system (CVS) undergoes profound changes during pregnancy, to allow the mother to respond to her own increased metabolic needs, as well as to ensure the delivery of adequate oxygenated blood to the fetus (Carlin and Alrevic, 2008; Chapman et al., 1998; Clapp et al., 1988; Clark et al., 1989; Duvekot and Peeters, 1994; Hunter and Robson, 1992; Magness, 1998; Pirani et al., 1973; Pritchard and Rowland, 1964; Robson et al., 1989b; Rovinsky and Jafn, 1965; Silversides and Colman, 2007). Changes occur in circulating blood volume (BV), peripheral vascular compliance and resistance, myocardial function and contractility, heart rate (HR) and neurohormonal system (Table 8.1). These changes cause no major problems for healthy women. However, in some women with an underlying disease, the normal physiological changes in pregnancy can compromise the CVS and threaten the lives of both mother and fetus.
