Question

During pregnancy, cardiac output increases to its maximum at which week?

• A. 26-28 weeks
• B. 30-32 weeks
• C. 32-34 weeks
• D. 34-36 weeks

Hint:

Cardiac output peaks at roughly 40-50 percent above baseline around 30-34 weeks.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Physiology of cardiac output in pregnancy. Cardiac output equals heart rate multiplied by stroke volume. In pregnancy both rise, so cardiac output begins to climb early, from about the 5th week, driven by increased plasma volume, fall in systemic vascular resistance, and a higher heart rate.

Step 2: When the peak occurs. The rise continues through the first and second trimesters and reaches its maximum of roughly 40 to 50 percent above the non-pregnant value at about 30 to 34 weeks. After this plateau it stays high until term and then surges again briefly during labour and immediately postpartum.

Step 3: Choosing the best option. Among the given choices, 32 to 34 weeks falls squarely within the 30 to 34 week peak window, so option 3 is the answer. Earlier options like 26 to 28 weeks are before the true peak, and 34 to 36 weeks is past the plateau.

Hence the correct answer is option 3.