Fimbriae (common pili) and flagella on the surface of bacterial cells. Left: dividing Shigella enclosed in fimbriae. The structures are probably involved in the bacterium's ability to adhere to the intestinal surface. Right: dividing pair of Salmonella displaying both its peritrichous flagella and its fimbriae.
Relaxin's peak is reached during the 14 weeks of the first trimester and at delivery. It is known to mediate the hemodynamic changes that occur during pregnancy, such as increased cardiac output, increased renal blood flow, and increased arterial compliance.
Women can begin massage therapy at any point in their pregnancy â during the first, second, or third trimester. Many facilities will refuse to offer massage to a woman who is still in her first trimester because of the increased risk for miscarriage associated with the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.