What vital sign change is typically monitored closely during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, it is important to monitor for an increase in heart rate. As the body goes through various physiological changes to support the developing fetus, the heart works harder to increase blood circulation, which is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to both the mother and the unborn child.

Typically, resting heart rate may rise as maternal blood volume increases, along with cardiac output, which peaks during the late second or early third trimester. This increase in heart rate is a normal adaptive response to the demands of pregnancy and helps ensure adequate perfusion to the placenta.

Monitoring heart rate is critical because significant deviations from the expected range can indicate underlying problems, such as maternal or fetal distress. For example, an excessively high heart rate may suggest complications like dehydration, anxiety, or other cardiovascular issues that could impact both maternal and fetal wellbeing.

In contrast, changes such as a decrease in heart rate or respiratory rate, or an isolated increase in blood pressure, may also occur but are not typical indicators of adaptation during a healthy pregnancy. Thus, closely monitoring a heart rate increase provides valuable insight into the health status of both the mother and the developing fetus.