Which factors are essential for a pregnant woman’s respiratory system to accommodate?

The correct choice emphasizes the increased maternal-fetal requirements during pregnancy, which significantly impact the pregnant woman’s respiratory system. As the fetus grows, there is a heightened demand for oxygen and a need for efficient waste removal, particularly carbon dioxide.

To meet these increased demands, a woman's respiratory system must adapt by enhancing gas exchange capabilities. This involves several physiological changes, such as an increase in minute ventilation (the total volume of gas inhaled or exhaled per minute) and alterations in lung volumes and capacities. The body accommodates these increased requirements by adjusting breathing patterns and increasing the efficiency of oxygen transport across the placenta.

Through these adaptations, the mother ensures that both she and the developing fetus receive adequate oxygenation to support fetal growth and development, as well as to maintain her own health.