When teaching about second trimester changes, which cardiovascular change should a nurse mention?

During the second trimester of pregnancy, there are significant cardiovascular adaptations that occur as the body adjusts to the growing fetus and the increased demands on the circulatory system. Cardiac output, which refers to the amount of blood the heart pumps per minute, notably increases during this period. This increase is essential to supply adequate blood flow to both the mother and the developing fetus, supporting the exchange of nutrients and oxygen while removing waste products.

The increase in cardiac output is primarily due to enhanced stroke volume, which is the volume of blood ejected by the heart with each contraction. This adaptation occurs as the body responds to hormonal changes, increased plasma volume, and overall physiological demands of pregnancy. Increased cardiac output is crucial for maintaining maternal and fetal well-being, particularly as the pregnancy progresses.

Understanding this change helps healthcare providers monitor maternal and fetal health effectively. If deviations occur in expected cardiovascular changes, it can indicate potential complications that may need further investigation or management.