What is the typical respiratory rate for a pregnant woman?

The typical respiratory rate for a pregnant woman increases due to physiological changes that occur during pregnancy. The body requires more oxygen to support the growing fetus and increased metabolic demands. As a result, the respiratory rate tends to range between 16 to 24 breaths per minute.

During pregnancy, factors such as hormonal changes, increased blood volume, and the expansion of the diaphragm contribute to this elevated respiratory rate. While normal respiratory rates in non-pregnant adults generally fall around 12 to 20 breaths per minute, the adjustments during pregnancy lead to a slight increase within the specified range.

Higher respiratory rates beyond the 16 to 24 breaths per minute range could indicate conditions such as hyperventilation, anxiety, or underlying respiratory issues, which would necessitate further evaluation. Thus, the answer indicating 16 to 24 breaths per minute accurately reflects the normal physiological adaptations experienced during pregnancy.