Question

Hemodynamics changes of pregnancy include:

A. The stroke volume progressively declining to term following a rise early in the pregnancy
B. Cardiac output increasing 2.5-3 liter s per minute during the first trimester
C. Blood volume decreasing slightly, by 1-5%
D. Heart rate remaining about the same

Answer 1

Cardiac output increases during pregnancy, starting in the first trimester, due to rises in both heart rate and stroke volume, while blood volume also increases, not decreases.

Step-by-step explanation:

The hemodynamic changes of pregnancy include a variety of cardiovascular adaptations. The correct statement regarding these changes is that cardiac output increases significantly during pregnancy, usually by 30-50%. This increase starts in the first trimester and peaks around the middle of the second trimester. The increase in cardiac output is due to both an increase in heart rate and stroke volume. The heart rate does indeed increase during pregnancy, typically by 10-20 beats per minute. Stroke volume also increases early in pregnancy but may plateau as gestation progresses. Contrary to the options presented, blood volume increases by about 40-50% by term. Hence, the most accurate statement related to hemodynamic changes in pregnancy is that the cardiac output increases during the first trimester.

correct option B. Cardiac output increasing 2.5-3 liter s per minute during the first trimester