Any woman who knows what it feels like to be pregnant also knows that it never feels good nor is it ever comfortable. Over the course of pregnancy, many women will experience physiological changes in their bodies, where such changes are necessary and are seen and treated as normal. Each pregnant woman often reacts differently to pregnancy, so the various changes will always differ over time. Having a better understanding of these changes will undoubtedly help you deal with them as well. Pregnancy involves all aspects of growth, development and many challenges, preparing the mother for the newborn, for labor and preparing the fetus for development. Such changes may be ongoing and bring the best to the mother and unborn child. Since there is such a strong link between exercise and pregnancy, a woman knows how important it is to stay fit and be active every day (during pregnancy), to improve herself, her body, her unborn child and even her style of life. Since each individual has their own opinion on exercise during pregnancy, many don't seem to see the real positives that are offered. That said, the following paragraphs will mention some of the various physiological changes that occur, the relationship between pregnancy and exercise, and the various considerations needed when exercising while a woman is pregnant. As we know, when a woman becomes pregnant, the body often needs to adapt and change accordingly to fully accommodate the developing fetus for at least nine months. These changes not only help promote fetal development, but also provide nutritional and other benefits, pro...... middle of paper ......ankle age (Sports Medicine Australia 2009). It is also noted that there will also be an increase in resting heart rate, due to the heart now working harder, transporting blood to both the mother and the fetus (increased blood volume). The decrease in blood pressure is often recognizable by the second trimester, simply because there is a development of the blood vessels needed to supply the placenta, causing the blood pressure to decrease. That said, this all relates to changes in blood volume (increase) and VO2 max. As the pregnancy develops and progresses, you will often find that oxygen transport improves as well, so due to increased or improved oxygen levels, this simply means that oxygen to other parts of the body will also increase ( muscles), all designed to meet what the growing fetus needs.