King's College London

The anatomical and physiological changes that accompany normal pregnancy are profound. It is therefore not surprising that, as the various systems adapt, changes result that overlap with those seen in disease. Additionally, sub-clinical disease can be unmasked during pregnancy, when the physiological adaptation to pregnancy provides an additional stress test. Common symptoms may include palpitations, dyspnoea, peripheral oedema, nausea, vomiting and pruritus. Underlying alterations in major organs can explain a large number of benign symptoms and signs. It is prudent that clinicians are aware of symptoms and signs that warrant further investigation and that may be associated with disease. Furthermore, biochemical and haematological variables may also be altered in pregnancy, and this should be taken into account when interpreting blood results.