Respiratory physiology

Question 1

Oxygen demand changes in pregnancy

Answer 1

Metabolic rate increases by 15% –> oxygen consumption increase of 20%

Question 2

Effects of progesterone on respiratory system

Answer 2

Acts as respiratory stimulant which leads to bronchodilation, direct stimulation of respiratory centre, increased respiratory centre sensitivity of CO2, concentrates carbonic anhydrase in RBCs –> more pCO2