PMC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield PMC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. When should bolsters or pillows be used during prenatal massage? → Whenever needed for alignment and support
2. Which of the following is considered informed consent in prenatal massage practice? → The client understands the treatment, its benefits and risks, and agrees in writing
3. When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Postpartum Massage Techniques, what should a PMC professional prioritize? → Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation
4. When a client presents with a fever of 101°F (38.3°C) at her prenatal massage appointment, the appropriate action is to: → Reschedule the appointment and encourage her to contact her healthcare provider
5. Which of the following best describes how the diaphragm is affected as pregnancy progresses? → It is displaced superiorly by the growing uterus
6. During which trimester is the supine hypotensive syndrome (aortocaval compression) most likely to occur and why? → Third trimester, because the enlarged uterus compresses the vena cava when supine
7. Which blood pressure reading at rest would classify a pregnant client as having chronic hypertension (not gestational)? → 140/90 mmHg documented before 20 weeks gestation
8. Which nerve is most commonly compressed in carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy, and why? → Median nerve due to fluid retention and edema
9. What anatomical change explains why many pregnant clients experience shortness of breath, especially in the third trimester? → Elevation of the diaphragm reducing functional residual capacity
10. The concept of 'holding space' in the context of prenatal massage means: → Being emotionally present and non-judgmental while the client processes her experience
11. During a prenatal massage, deep pressure over the medial ankle is contraindicated primarily because this area contains: → Acupressure points associated with uterine stimulation
12. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Musculoskeletal Changes in Pregnancy for PMC professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
13. A client with a high-risk pregnancy due to advanced maternal age (AMA, 35+) has a higher incidence of: → Chromosomal abnormalities, gestational hypertension, and placenta previa
14. What is the primary purpose of the prenatal massage intake form? → To gather medical history and identify contraindications before treatment
15. What is the recommended pressure level for abdominal massage during the second trimester? → Light, superficial touch only
16. Which standard of practice is MOST important for ensuring quality in Positioning & Draping Techniques? → Following evidence-based protocols while adapting to specific circumstances
17. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Positioning & Draping Techniques for PMC professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
18. How does increased thoracic kyphosis during pregnancy affect the cervical spine? → It leads to compensatory cervical hyperextension and forward head posture
19. When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Positioning & Draping Techniques, what should a PMC professional prioritize? → Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation
20. Which acupressure point is considered most contraindicated during high-risk pregnancy due to its potential to stimulate uterine contractions? → SP 6 (Sanyinjiao) — above the medial malleolus
21. What SOAP note component captures the therapist's objective findings during a prenatal assessment? → Objective (O)
22. Which neurotransmitter, increased by massage, directly contributes to reduced feelings of depression in pregnant clients? → Serotonin
23. Which massage technique is most effective for addressing postpartum sacroiliac joint pain? → Myofascial release and gentle mobilization of surrounding musculature
24. When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in High-Risk Pregnancy Considerations, what should a PMC professional prioritize? → Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation
25. In prenatal massage, 'feathering' or nerve strokes at the end of a session primarily serve to: → Provide a soothing transition that signals the conclusion of treatment
26. Placenta previa is a contraindication primarily because prenatal massage could: → Cause uterine contractions leading to placental separation and hemorrhage
27. Which site is considered a local contraindication on ALL prenatal clients regardless of trimester? → SP6 (Spleen 6) acupressure point on the inner ankle
28. When using a full-body pregnancy pillow as a positioning aid, what is the MOST important safety check before the client lies down? → Ensure the pillow is positioned on a table with adequate width to prevent falls
29. A pregnant client in the third trimester reports hip pain that worsens when walking. Which joint is most likely destabilized by pregnancy hormones? → Sacroiliac joint
30. Research by Tiffany Field at the Touch Research Institute found that prenatal massage reduced which stress hormone associated with preterm birth risk? → Cortisol