What physiological response is expected for pregnant women during acute exercise compared to non-pregnant women?

During acute exercise, pregnant women exhibit unique cardiovascular and physiological adaptations compared to non-pregnant women. In this context, blood pressure may remain relatively stable during submaximal exercise due to the body's adaptations to maintain adequate blood flow both to the mother and the developing fetus.

Additionally, submaximal oxygen uptake—which is a measure of the efficiency with which the body utilizes oxygen during exercise—may actually be higher or maintained rather than decreased in pregnant women. This occurs because the body tends to increase the efficiency of cardiovascular and respiratory systems to support both the mother's metabolic needs and the increased demand from the fetus.

These adaptations help to ensure that despite the physiological changes and increased workload during pregnancy, the body continues to function effectively during physical activity. Therefore, the option that indicates blood pressure may remain the same while submaximal oxygen uptake is higher accurately reflects the expected physiological responses in pregnant women during acute exercise.