By term, plasma volume has increased by what percent?

By term, plasma volume has increased by what percent?

• A. 45 percent
• B. 25 percent
• C. 60 percent
• D. 10 percent

Answer: (A)

During pregnancy the body makes a significant fluid expansion to support the fetus, placenta, and increased blood flow to the uterus. By term, the maternal plasma volume is roughly 45% greater than nonpregnant levels. This large rise helps maintain uteroplacental perfusion and stable blood pressure despite other cardiovascular changes, and it also contributes to the common physiologic anemia of pregnancy because plasma volume increases more than the red cell mass. So, the best choice reflects about a forty-five percent increase. Other percentages don’t match the typical adaptive change seen in term pregnancy.

During pregnancy the body makes a significant fluid expansion to support the fetus, placenta, and increased blood flow to the uterus. By term, the maternal plasma volume is roughly 45% greater than nonpregnant levels. This large rise helps maintain uteroplacental perfusion and stable blood pressure despite other cardiovascular changes, and it also contributes to the common physiologic anemia of pregnancy because plasma volume increases more than the red cell mass. So, the best choice reflects about a forty-five percent increase. Other percentages don’t match the typical adaptive change seen in term pregnancy.