During pregnancy, which blood pressure change is typical?

During pregnancy, which blood pressure change is typical?

• A. Systolic blood pressure significantly increases
• B. Diastolic blood pressure decreases 10 to 15 mmHg overall
• C. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures both rise
• D. Blood pressure remains stable and unchanged

Answer: (B)

During pregnancy, hormonal changes lead to vasodilation and a drop in systemic vascular resistance, while plasma volume expands and cardiac output rises. The net effect is a fall in blood pressure, especially in the diastolic value, in the mid-pregnancy period. Diastolic blood pressure typically decreases about 10 to 15 mmHg overall, while systolic pressure stays about at pre-pregnancy levels or may decrease only slightly. By the late third trimester, pressures generally return toward baseline. This pattern explains why a diastolic drop of 10–15 mmHg is the typical change. Rises in systolic pressure, simultaneous rises in both numbers, or no change are not characteristic of uncomplicated pregnancy.

During pregnancy, hormonal changes lead to vasodilation and a drop in systemic vascular resistance, while plasma volume expands and cardiac output rises. The net effect is a fall in blood pressure, especially in the diastolic value, in the mid-pregnancy period. Diastolic blood pressure typically decreases about 10 to 15 mmHg overall, while systolic pressure stays about at pre-pregnancy levels or may decrease only slightly. By the late third trimester, pressures generally return toward baseline.

This pattern explains why a diastolic drop of 10–15 mmHg is the typical change. Rises in systolic pressure, simultaneous rises in both numbers, or no change are not characteristic of uncomplicated pregnancy.