Question:medium
During pregnancy, cardiac output increases to its maximum at which week?
During pregnancy, cardiac output increases to its maximum at which week?
Show Hint
Cardiac output peaks at roughly 40-50 percent above baseline around 30-34 weeks.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
- 26-28 weeks
- 30-32 weeks
- 32-34 weeks
- 34-36 weeks
Show Solution
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Track the trajectory of cardiac output. From conception the maternal circulation adapts to support the growing fetus. Cardiac output starts rising around the 5th gestational week because plasma volume expands, vascular resistance drops, and heart rate increases. This is a progressive change rather than a sudden one.
Step 2: Identify the plateau. The output keeps increasing until it is about 40 to 50 percent higher than the pre-pregnant level, and this maximum is attained during the 30 to 34 week interval. Beyond that point it does not climb further during quiet pregnancy and merely holds steady toward delivery.
Step 3: Match with the answer choices. Of the four windows offered, only 32 to 34 weeks lies inside the recognised 30 to 34 week peak. The 26 to 28 week option is too early and the 34 to 36 week option comes after the plateau, so the single correct pick is 32 to 34 weeks.
\[\boxed{\text{32-34 weeks (option 3)}}\]
Step 2: Identify the plateau. The output keeps increasing until it is about 40 to 50 percent higher than the pre-pregnant level, and this maximum is attained during the 30 to 34 week interval. Beyond that point it does not climb further during quiet pregnancy and merely holds steady toward delivery.
Step 3: Match with the answer choices. Of the four windows offered, only 32 to 34 weeks lies inside the recognised 30 to 34 week peak. The 26 to 28 week option is too early and the 34 to 36 week option comes after the plateau, so the single correct pick is 32 to 34 weeks.
\[\boxed{\text{32-34 weeks (option 3)}}\]
Was this answer helpful?
0
