Question

Given below are two statements: One is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A) : Maternal BP decreased during pregnancy.
Reason (R) : Due to smooth muscle relaxing effect of progesterone.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A)
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

Remember — progesterone causes smooth muscle relaxation, leading to vasodilation and lower BP in pregnancy.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

During pregnancy, it is common for maternal blood pressure (BP) to decrease, especially in the second trimester.
This decrease happens because progesterone, a major pregnancy hormone, has a relaxing effect on smooth muscle.
Relaxation of smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels leads to vasodilation.
Vasodilation lowers peripheral resistance, which results in a drop in maternal blood pressure.
Therefore, both the Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are correct.
Additionally, (R) correctly explains why (A) happens during pregnancy.
So, option (1) is the right answer.