Pathophysiology of Respiratory Disorders in Pregnant Women: 2nd Trimester

Pregnancy is a unique physiological condition that profoundly affects the respiratory system through alterations in mechanical function and gas exchange, causing a more vulnerable pathway to different respiratory diseases. In the second trimester (weeks 13 to 28), marked by rapid fetal growth and the most dramatic maternal physiologic alterations, the risk for respiratory complications is increased. Management of patients during the latter stages of respiratory diseases requires recognition of the unique pathophysiology occurring at this point in time.