The ability to communicate your knowledge in oral and written formats is a core academic skill set you should acquire whilst at University. Learning Outcomes Successful completion of this assignment should allow you to: – Identify information relevant to the topic – Structure a written article to effectively convey the information in an organised and logical fashion – Integrate information obtained from a variety of sources – Discuss the normal development of pregnancy and the expected changes to maternal body systems. Rationalise how these changes are important for paramedic practice. – Broaden your understanding of the relationships between body systems. Assignment Requirements A 2000 word assignment exploring the normal development of pregnancy, the impact pregnancy has on key body systems, and how the body compensates for the changes that occur. It is expected you will obtain your information from a range of sources including text books and a minimum of 5 journal articles. Accessing journal articles will ensure you read the primary source of information, rather than relying on the interpretation provided in a text book. 

The assignment should be structured to answer the following Questions. The focus is the maternal impact of pregnancy (during gestation) – do not discuss changes occurring during labour or postpartum. 1. What is the rationale/reason for reproduction, what does it require and what does it mean for us as humans? (5 marks) – ie provide a brief overview of the biological basis/rationale for reproduction 2. What are the 3 stages (periods) of Normal Pregnancy? (5 marks); – ie provide a brief overview of normal pregnancy, the general maternal changes you might expect and how foetal development aligns with these stages. 3. What are the key structural and functional changes that occur to the maternal reproductive, musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal systems and how do they impact on the mother? (15 marks) – ie describe the structural changes to the reproductive organs necessary to support the developing foetus and what this means for the mother – ie describe how and why changes occur to the musculoskeletal system and what this means for the mother – ie describe the changes that occur to the gastrointestinal system and identify the key symptoms the mother may experience 4. What are the key adaptations of the cardiovascular system that occur during pregnancy? (20 marks) ie consider the following; – Haemodynamic changes involving;  blood (ie volume and composition)  cardiac output  blood pressure – Physical changes to the heart – Changes to maternal coagulation and haemostasis 5. What are the key adaptations of the respiratory system that occur during pregnancy? (20 marks) ie consider the following; – Changes in respiratory function related to;  mechanical factors  hormonal factors  foetal demands – Lung volume/function related changes – Acid/base changes 

6. What are the key adaptations of the renal system that occur during pregnancy? (20 marks) ie consider the following; – Structural changes – Changes in renal haemodynamics – Fluid and electrolyte homeostasis 7. When considering how the maternal body adapts to pregnancy, what are the key interactions between body systems that you think are most important? (5 marks) – ie provide an overview describing how the body as a whole compensates during pregnancy, linking key responses of the different body systems discussed. Hints  There is a lot of information you can provide for each area and you only have 2000 words (+/- 10%). You will need to decide what’s important and provide this information in a logical, concise manner being careful not to repeat yourself. Make sure you use the mark allocation to determine how you distribute your words.  Consider developing sub-headings within each of these sections to help organise your information and to limit repetition. Headings are NOT included in the word count.  Consider using diagrams or figures to help explain information. Diagrams/figures do NOT add to your word count, but you should refer to them actively in the text (ie Figure one shows….) – don’t just put them into your document without reference to them.  Make sure you reference your sources accurately and consistently. Use the Author/date (Harvard) system. In-text citations and the reference list/bibliography are NOT included in the word count.