Question
During pregnancy, several physiological parameters increase above non-pregnant values. Which of the following parameters reaches its maximum earlier in pregnancy and shows a slight decline towards full term, although it remains elevated compared with the non-pregnant state?
| A. |
Minute volume
|
| B. |
GFR
|
| C. |
Blood volume
|
| D. |
Cardiac output
|
Show Answer
|
Correct Answer » B
Explanation
|
|
A. Minute ventilation
- Increases progressively due to progesterone-induced increase in tidal volume.
- Remains elevated throughout pregnancy.
- Incorrect.
B. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
- Increases by 40–50% early in pregnancy.
- Peaks during the first and second trimesters.
- Declines slightly during late third trimester.
- Still remains above non-pregnant values.
- Correct.
C. Blood volume
- Increases progressively.
- Maximum expansion occurs around 32–34 weeks and remains elevated at term.
- Incorrect.
D. Cardiac output
- Increases by 30–50%.
- Peaks around 20–28 weeks.
- Shows a minimal decline near term due to caval compression, but remains substantially elevated at term.
- Incorrect.
