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Reasoning Question - BP in Pregnancy

A pregnant woman in 2nd trimester shows slightly lower Blood Pressure than pre-pregnancy. The most likely cause is?

A. Increased blood viscosity
B. Decreased progesterone
C. Systemic vasodilation
D. Decreased cardiac output

The Answer is C: 

  • Systemic vasodilation

Reason: 

  • Progesterone hormone causes vasodilation which leads to decrease in Total Peripheral Resistance which leads to slightly lower Blood Pressure