AMSSM Sports Medicine Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Study Resource

Vital capacity refers to the maximum amount of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inhalation. During pregnancy, various physiological changes occur in a woman's body, particularly in the respiratory system. It is commonly observed that while the total lung capacity may remain relatively stable, vital capacity can show little change.

The expansion of the uterus during pregnancy limits diaphragm movement, which can affect lung volumes. However, as the mother adapts to the increased metabolic demands of pregnancy, there can be compensatory mechanisms that maintain oxygen delivery, such as increased tidal volume. While there may be individual variations due to factors like body position and maternal health, the overarching trend is that vital capacity does not have a significant increase or decrease during pregnancy. Thus, it's accurate to note that there is generally no change in vital capacity.