What is a common cardiovascular change that occurs during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, a common cardiovascular change is increased blood volume. This physiological adjustment is crucial as it supports the growing fetus and prepares the body for the demands of labor and delivery. The increase in blood volume can be significant, often around 30-50%, and is essential for enhancing nutrient delivery, oxygen transport, and waste removal for both the mother and the fetus.

Higher blood volume also influences other cardiovascular parameters, such as cardiac output, which typically increases due to the increased volume and the heart's efforts to pump more blood to accommodate both maternal and fetal needs. As a result, this adjustment contributes to improved perfusion of vital organs.

The other options reflect changes that do not align with the typical physiological adaptations of pregnancy. For instance, the heart rate generally increases to help manage the augmented blood volume, and cardiac output also rises due to increased stroke volume and heart rate. While oxygen use may increase as the body requires more energy to support both the mother and fetus, it is the increase in blood volume that stands out as a hallmark cardiovascular change during this time.