Final answer:
The menstrual cycle prepares a woman's body for pregnancy, involving changes in the ovaries and uterus, influenced by hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. During pregnancy, organ systems adapt, the uterus enlarges, and hormonal changes support fetal development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The menstrual cycle is a series of changes a woman's body goes through to prepare for pregnancy. This cycle includes the maturation of eggs and the preparation of the uterus for pregnancy. It involves changes in both the ovaries and uterus and is controlled by pituitary hormones (FSH and LH) and ovarian hormones (estrogen and progesterone).
During the course of pregnancy, significant changes occur within various organ systems. These include the digestive and urinary system adjustments to accommodate the growing fetus. Pregnancy is the period from fertilization to birth where the embryo and fetus develop in the mother's body. Hormonal changes significantly influence the experience of pregnancy, with estrogens, progesterone, and hCG playing pivotal roles in maintaining pregnancy, promoting fetal viability, and stimulating growth.
As pregnancy advances to the second and third trimesters, the uterus grows dramatically to contain the developing fetus, contributing to anatomical changes in the mother, including weight gain and increased blood volume. The female monthly cycle is integral to this process, preparing the uterus each month for the potential of a fertilized egg that could develop into a child.