What happens to total plasma protein during pregnancy?

• A. Increases 10 to 14%
• B. Decreases 10 to 14%
• C. No change
• D. Increases 20%

Answer: (B)

During pregnancy, plasma volume expands a lot to support the growing fetus, often increasing more than the red cell mass. This creates a dilutional effect on circulating proteins. Even though the liver can ramp up production, it usually can’t fully keep pace with the rapid plasma-volume expansion, so the concentration of total plasma protein falls. In healthy pregnancy, total plasma protein typically decreases by about 10–14%. This dilution lowers oncotic pressure modestly and can contribute to edema, but it’s a normal physiologic change rather than a sign of pathology.