Practice Test Geeks(PMC) Prenatal Massage Certification Practice Test
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Pregnancy Body Basics 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 Pregnancy Body Basics flashcards as text

  1. Increased lumbar lordosis during pregnancy results primarily from:

    Answer: The anterior shift of the center of gravity as the uterus enlarges

    As the pregnant abdomen grows anteriorly, the center of gravity shifts forward, prompting compensatory increased lumbar lordosis to maintain balance.

  2. Which term describes the common condition where the pregnant uterus rotates slightly to the right?

    Answer: Dextrorotation

    Dextrorotation (rightward rotation) of the uterus is common because the rectosigmoid colon on the left side displaces the uterus toward the right.

  3. Carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy is largely caused by:

    Answer: Fluid retention causing edema that compresses the median nerve at the wrist

    Pregnancy-associated edema increases fluid in the carpal tunnel, compressing the median nerve and producing tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand.

  4. The hormone progesterone contributes to constipation during pregnancy primarily by:

    Answer: Reducing intestinal smooth muscle motility

    Progesterone relaxes smooth muscle throughout the body, including the intestines, slowing peristalsis and causing the constipation common in pregnancy.

  5. During pregnancy the cardiac output increases by approximately:

    Answer: 30–50%

    Cardiac output rises 30–50% above pre-pregnancy baseline, achieved through increased heart rate and stroke volume to meet the metabolic demands of the mother and fetus.

  6. What is the primary function of the mucus plug (operculum) that forms in the cervix during pregnancy?

    Answer: To seal the cervix and protect the uterus from infection

    The cervical mucus plug forms a physical and immunological barrier that seals the uterus and protects the developing fetus from ascending pathogens.

  7. Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) during pregnancy is caused by:

    Answer: Excessive relaxin-mediated laxity causing instability of the pubic joint

    SPD results from excessive loosening of the fibrocartilaginous pubic symphysis joint due to relaxin, causing pain and instability in the anterior pelvis.