What anatomical change occurs regarding the heart during the second trimester of pregnancy?

During the second trimester of pregnancy, the heart is displaced upward due to the expanding uterus and the growing fetus. As the uterus increases in size, it pushes against the abdominal organs, including the diaphragm, which causes the heart to shift slightly upward from its normal position. This displacement is a normal physiological adaptation to accommodate the changes in the mother's body as the pregnancy progresses.

The upward movement of the heart can have implications for cardiac function and may be assessed during routine prenatal examinations to ensure that the heart is functioning properly under these new conditions. This upward displacement distinguishes this stage of pregnancy and highlights the importance of understanding how the body adapts anatomically and physiologically during this time.