Name a common cardiovascular change in a pregnant woman.

During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes numerous physiological changes to accommodate the growing fetus, one of which involves an increase in stroke volume. Stroke volume refers to the amount of blood ejected by the heart with each contraction. As pregnancy progresses, there is an increase in blood volume to support the needs of both the mother and the developing baby. This increase is accompanied by enhanced cardiac output—which is a function of both heart rate and stroke volume.

The increase in stroke volume helps ensure that adequate blood is delivered to the placenta, allowing for proper nutrient and oxygen transfer to the fetus. This adaptation is vital for maintaining maternal health and supporting fetal development, particularly as physical demands increase during pregnancy.

Other options do not align with typical cardiovascular changes in pregnancy. While heart rate can also increase, it's the stroke volume that predominantly reflects the heart's efficiency and the body's capacity to support the increased metabolic demands during this time.