What physiological change occurs to blood pressure during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, blood pressure generally decreases in the second trimester due to a combination of factors, including hormonal changes that lead to the dilation of blood vessels and an increase in blood volume. As blood vessels expand to accommodate increased blood flow, systemic vascular resistance may decrease, resulting in lower blood pressure readings.

In response to the reduction in blood pressure, the heart rate often increases as a compensatory mechanism to maintain adequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to both the mother and the developing fetus. This adjustment is essential to ensure that the body meets the increased metabolic demands associated with pregnancy.

Therefore, the physiological changes during pregnancy include a decrease in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate, reflecting the body's adaptations to support the growing fetus.