During pregnancy, GFR
**Question:** During pregnancy, GFR
**Core Concept:** Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is the amount of urine filtered out by the kidneys per minute. It reflects the kidney function and is influenced by various factors including pregnancy.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** In pregnancy, the GFR increases due to hormonal changes, particularly placental hormones such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and placental proteins. These hormones cause a reduction in renal vascular resistance, which leads to increased glomerular blood flow and subsequently, higher GFR.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. **False:** GFR decreases during pregnancy. The correct explanation is provided above.
B. **False:** Lower GFR is associated with impaired kidney function, not improved health.
C. **False:** Increased GFR is a normal physiological adaptation during pregnancy.
D. **False:** Lower GFR indicates kidney disease, not a healthy response to pregnancy.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact:** The increased GFR during pregnancy helps maintain adequate renal perfusion, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to the placenta, ensuring proper fetal development.
**Correct Answer:** C. Increased GFR is a normal physiological adaptation during pregnancy.