What physiological change occurs during pregnancy related to respiratory function?

During pregnancy, the physiological changes that occur in a woman's body include an increase in tidal volume, which refers to the amount of air displaced during normal inhalation and exhalation at rest. As the pregnancy progresses, several factors lead to this increase.

The growing uterus exerts pressure on the diaphragm and the chest cavity, necessitating more efficient breathing patterns. To meet the increased oxygen demands of both the mother and developing fetus, the body adapts by enhancing the tidal volume. This increase allows for greater oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide elimination, thereby supporting the metabolic needs during pregnancy.

Additionally, while other respiratory capacity measures, such as functional residual capacity, residual volume, and inspiratory capacity, may decrease due to the same pressure dynamics caused by the expanding uterus, the tidal volume compensatory increase is a critical adaptation to ensure adequate respiratory function and oxygenation.