What respiratory system change is accurate during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, one of the significant physiological changes that occur is an increase in tidal volume, which is the amount of air inhaled or exhaled in a single breath. This increase can be around 40 percent and occurs as the body adapts to meet the increased metabolic demands of both the pregnant individual and the developing fetus.

As pregnancy progresses, the body experiences various hormonal changes that influence the respiratory system. Specifically, the increased levels of progesterone stimulate the respiratory center in the brain, leading to an increased tidal volume. This adjustment helps ensure that there is enough oxygen delivered to both the mother and the fetus, which is critical for fetal development and overall health during pregnancy.

Other changes in the respiratory system during pregnancy include a rise in minute ventilation (the total amount of air inhaled or exhaled over a period of time) due to the combination of increased tidal volume and respiratory rate; however, the primary and most direct change is the increased tidal volume. Understanding these changes is crucial for EMTs and other healthcare providers to properly support and care for pregnant patients.