During pregnancy, which changes occur in the respiratory system?

During pregnancy, which changes occur in the respiratory system?

• A. Decreased Tidal Volume and Increased Rate
• B. Increased Tidal Volume and Increased Rate
• C. Increased Tidal Volume and Decreased Rate
• D. Decreased Tidal Volume and Decreased Rate

Answer: (A)

During pregnancy the respiratory system adapts to meet higher metabolic demands, with the key change being an increase in tidal volume driven by hormonal effects—primarily progesterone increasing the sensitivity of the respiratory center to CO2. This deeper breathing boosts minute ventilation, helping to remove more CO2 and deliver more oxygen to the mother and fetus. Because of this, the rate may stay the same or rise only modestly; the important shift is toward larger breaths rather than much faster breathing. A decrease in tidal volume would not fit the physiological changes seen in pregnancy, whereas increased tidal volume (often with a small increase in rate) aligns with the known pattern of respiratory adaptation.

During pregnancy the respiratory system adapts to meet higher metabolic demands, with the key change being an increase in tidal volume driven by hormonal effects—primarily progesterone increasing the sensitivity of the respiratory center to CO2. This deeper breathing boosts minute ventilation, helping to remove more CO2 and deliver more oxygen to the mother and fetus. Because of this, the rate may stay the same or rise only modestly; the important shift is toward larger breaths rather than much faster breathing. A decrease in tidal volume would not fit the physiological changes seen in pregnancy, whereas increased tidal volume (often with a small increase in rate) aligns with the known pattern of respiratory adaptation.