During pregnancy, what change occurs to stroke volume at term?

During pregnancy, particularly as the woman approaches term, there are notable changes in cardiovascular function, including stroke volume. While stroke volume initially increases during the first and second trimesters due to enhanced blood volume and cardiac output, it does not decrease to non-pregnant levels at term. Instead, it stabilizes or may plateau as the body adjusts to accommodate the growing fetus and the demands of pregnancy.

As the pregnancy progresses, significant hormonal and physiological changes occur, such as increased blood volume and cardiac output, which lead to an increase in stroke volume during the earlier phases. However, by the time a woman reaches term, the cardiovascular system is adapted to these changes, and stroke volume tends to remain elevated rather than decreasing.

Thus, the correct understanding is that stroke volume does not decrease back to non-pregnant levels. It stabilizes, reflecting the body's adaptation to the demands of late pregnancy rather than any a drop in volume. This physiological adjustment is crucial for supporting the increased metabolic needs of both the mother and the developing fetus.