Final answer:
During pregnancy, the filtration rate and the number of nephrons are affected. Increased urine production exacerbates the filtration rate, and the maternal urinary system processes both maternal and fetal wastes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The filtration rate and the number of nephrons are affected during pregnancy. Filtration rate refers to the rate at which blood is filtered by the kidneys. The increased urine production during pregnancy can exacerbate the filtration rate. Additionally, the maternal urinary system processes both maternal and fetal wastes, leading to an increase in the total volume of urine.
During pregnancy, the circulatory system undergoes changes. Blood volume increases substantially to meet the demands of fetal nourishment and waste removal. This increased blood volume helps manage the demands of pregnancy, but it can also lead to changes in blood pressure and the development of conditions like varicose veins or hemorrhoids due to compression of pelvic blood vessels by the growing uterus.
The respiratory system is not directly related to the changes in filtration rate and number of nephrons during pregnancy.