How does GFR change during pregnancy?

How does GFR change during pregnancy?

• A. Peaks at 40 to 60% above pre-pregnancy level
• B. Remains unchanged
• C. Drops below pre-pregnancy level by term
• D. Doubles from baseline

Answer: (A)

During a normal pregnancy, renal blood flow increases and the kidneys undergo hyperfiltration, driven by expanded blood volume and hormonal effects that dilate the renal arterioles. This causes the glomerular filtration rate to rise well above nonpregnant levels. It typically peaks around 40 to 60 percent higher than pre-pregnancy values, usually in the mid to late pregnancy, and then returns toward baseline after delivery. So the best description is that GFR increases and reaches a peak roughly 40–60% above the pre-pregnancy level. The other patterns—staying unchanged, dropping below baseline by term, or doubling—do not reflect the physiological trajectory seen in uncomplicated pregnancy.

During a normal pregnancy, renal blood flow increases and the kidneys undergo hyperfiltration, driven by expanded blood volume and hormonal effects that dilate the renal arterioles. This causes the glomerular filtration rate to rise well above nonpregnant levels. It typically peaks around 40 to 60 percent higher than pre-pregnancy values, usually in the mid to late pregnancy, and then returns toward baseline after delivery. So the best description is that GFR increases and reaches a peak roughly 40–60% above the pre-pregnancy level. The other patterns—staying unchanged, dropping below baseline by term, or doubling—do not reflect the physiological trajectory seen in uncomplicated pregnancy.