Question

Maternal blood volume can increase by how much during pregnancy?

a. It doesn't increase
b. It increases by as much as 1.5 times normal blood volume
c. It increases by as much as 2 times normal blood volume
d. It increases by as much as 3 times normal blood volume

Answer 1

Maternal blood volume increases by about 30 percent during pregnancy, which is approximately 1-2 liters more than the preconception level.

Step-by-step explanation:

During pregnancy, the maternal blood volume can increase significantly to manage the demands of fetal nourishment and waste removal. By the time of childbirth, maternal blood volume exceeds its preconception level by about 30 percent, which amounts to an approximate increase of 1-2 liters. This increased blood volume can lead to a moderate rise in pulse and blood pressure, as well as contributing to the development of varicose veins or hemorrhoids due to the compression of pelvic blood vessels.