What respiratory changes are expected during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, a notable respiratory change is the increased chest diameter, which accommodates the growing uterus and promotes effective ventilation. As the diaphragm is pushed upward, there is a decrease in residual volume, which is the amount of air remaining in the lungs after exhalation. This interplay allows for the expansion needed during inhalation, leading to enhanced tidal volume while maintaining adequate gas exchange.

The increase in chest diameter helps to optimize lung function and allows for sufficient oxygen intake needed for both the mother and the developing fetus. Understanding these changes is essential for monitoring maternal respiratory health and ensuring optimal oxygen delivery during pregnancy. This physiological adaptation is vital because pregnancy increases the metabolic demands on the mother and the fetus, necessitating more efficient respiratory function.