Final answer:
Pregnancy is maintained by hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and hCG. Complications that may arise include substance abuse, hypertensive disorders, spontaneous abortion, gestational diabetes, and infections, highlighting the importance of prenatal care.
Step-by-step explanation:
During pregnancy, various complications can arise that pose risks to the health of the mother and the developing fetus. Conditions such as substance abuse, hypertensive disorders, bleeding, spontaneous abortion (miscarriage), and gestational diabetes are among the challenges that may be encountered. It is essential for pregnant individuals to seek routine prenatal care to monitor and mitigate these risks.
Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) play critical roles in maintaining a healthy pregnancy by supporting the growth of the fetus and preparing the woman's body for childbirth.
Weight gain during pregnancy is contributed to by several factors including the growing fetus, increased blood volume, enlargement of the uterus, amniotic fluid, and maternal fat and nutrient stores essential for supporting the developing baby and preparing for breastfeeding.
The maternal body undergoes various changes to accommodate the growing fetus. These include alterations in the digestive and urinary systems that often lead to common discomforts such as nausea, heartburn, and increased frequency of urination.
A series of events that include contractions of the uterus and changes in the cervix lead to labor. Childbirth occurs in three stages: dilation of the cervix, delivery of the baby, and delivery of the placenta.