Which clotting factors increase during pregnancy?

• A. II, V, IX
• B. I (fibrinogen), VII, VIII, XI, X, XII
• C. II, VII, IX, X
• D. I, II, III, IV

Answer: (B)

During pregnancy the hemostatic system shifts toward a hypercoagulable state to protect against major bleeding at delivery. The liver increases production of several clotting factors, most notably fibrinogen (Factor I) and factors VII, VIII, XI, X, and XII. This rise means the blood clots more readily, which helps reduce postpartum hemorrhage risk but also raises the risk of thromboembolism for the mother later in pregnancy and postpartum. The pattern described—elevations in fibrinogen and these specific factors—fits best with how coagulation changes during pregnancy, whereas other lists include factors that don’t reliably increase in this state.