During the second trimester, maternal blood pressure typically does what?

During the second trimester, maternal blood pressure typically does what?

• A. Remains Unchanged
• B. Decreases 10-15
• C. Increases 10-15
• D. Decreases 30-40

Answer: (B)

During the second trimester, pregnancy causes hormonal vasodilation that lowers systemic vascular resistance. With less resistance, maternal blood pressure tends to fall modestly. The typical change is a decrease of about 10–15 mmHg, which is why this option is the best answer. This drop is a normal mid-pregnancy adaptation; blood pressure often returns toward baseline or may rise slightly in the third trimester as the pregnancy progresses. A much larger drop or a rise would be more concerning and warrant further evaluation.

During the second trimester, pregnancy causes hormonal vasodilation that lowers systemic vascular resistance. With less resistance, maternal blood pressure tends to fall modestly. The typical change is a decrease of about 10–15 mmHg, which is why this option is the best answer. This drop is a normal mid-pregnancy adaptation; blood pressure often returns toward baseline or may rise slightly in the third trimester as the pregnancy progresses. A much larger drop or a rise would be more concerning and warrant further evaluation.