Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

When does blood pressure typically begin to decrease during pregnancy?

1. First trimester

2. Second trimester

3. Third trimester

4. After delivery

The correct answer is: Third trimester

During pregnancy, hormonal changes and physiological adaptations influence blood pressure levels. Generally, there is a decrease in blood pressure that begins in the first trimester, reaching its lowest point around the second trimester. This occurs primarily due to the increase in blood volume and a decrease in vascular resistance as the body prepares to accommodate the growing fetus and its circulatory needs. By the third trimester, while some women may experience a return of blood pressure levels towards baseline or even an increase due to factors like increased body weight and changes in posture, the typical significant decrease occurs earlier. It's also important to note that after delivery, blood pressure does tend to stabilize or return to pre-pregnancy levels, but the key decrease noted in most pregnancies happens during the second trimester, not the third. This understanding of blood pressure dynamics is crucial in monitoring the health of both the mother and the fetus during pregnancy.