Musculoskeletal Changes in Pregnancy Flashcards
7 cards from real PMC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Musculoskeletal Changes in Pregnancy flashcards as text
When is diastasis recti MOST commonly assessed in a prenatal massage intake?
Answer: At any point during pregnancy as part of the abdominal assessment
Diastasis recti can develop progressively during pregnancy and should be assessed throughout prenatal care to guide appropriate abdominal massage techniques.
Which massage technique should be AVOIDED directly over the sacroiliac joint of a client with pregnancy-related SI joint hypermobility?
Answer: Deep cross-fiber friction
Deep cross-fiber friction over a hypermobile SI joint can further irritate already lax ligaments and worsen instability and pain.
The common complaint of 'round ligament pain' during pregnancy involves which specific structure?
Answer: Round ligament of the uterus connecting to the inguinal region
Round ligament pain occurs as the round ligament of the uterus, which runs to the inguinal region, is stretched by the rapidly growing uterus.
A client in her 28th week reports difficulty sleeping due to hip pressure in side-lying. Which pillow placement best addresses musculoskeletal alignment?
Answer: Pillow between the knees with upper knee supported at hip height
Placing a pillow between the knees aligns the pelvis and reduces strain on the hip abductors, SI joint, and lumbar spine during side-lying.
Which change to the lumbar intervertebral discs occurs as a result of prolonged increased lumbar lordosis in pregnancy?
Answer: Increased posterior disc compression and potential posterior herniation risk
Exaggerated lumbar lordosis loads the posterior aspects of the intervertebral discs, increasing risk of posterior disc bulging or herniation.
How does relaxin affect the pubic symphysis during pregnancy, and what clinical symptom can result?
Answer: Relaxin loosens the fibrocartilage; excessive mobility causes anterior pelvic pain
Relaxin causes the fibrocartilaginous symphysis pubis to loosen excessively, leading to symphysis pubis dysfunction with anterior pelvic pain.
Which muscle is most commonly responsible for false sciatica (piriformis-mediated sciatic pain) in pregnant clients, and where should massage focus?
Answer: Piriformis; focus on the deep external rotators of the hip
The piriformis muscle can compress the sciatic nerve as it passes nearby, and massage targeting the deep external hip rotators can relieve this referred pain.