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
What anatomical change explains why many pregnant clients experience shortness of breath, especially in the third trimester?
Answer: Elevation of the diaphragm reducing functional residual capacity
The elevated diaphragm reduces the space available for lung expansion, lowering functional residual capacity and contributing to dyspnea, especially late in pregnancy.
During the first trimester, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is primarily produced by the:
Answer: Trophoblastic cells of the developing placenta
hCG is produced by trophoblastic cells of the embryo and early placenta; it signals the corpus luteum to continue progesterone production until the placenta takes over.
Melasma (the 'mask of pregnancy') most commonly appears on which area of the face?
Answer: Cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and nose
Melasma presents as irregular hyperpigmented patches on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and nose due to hormonal stimulation of melanocytes.
The uterus rises out of the pelvis and becomes an abdominal organ at approximately which gestational week?
Answer: Week 12
By approximately week 12 the uterus has grown large enough to rise above the pelvic brim and become palpable as an abdominal organ just above the pubic symphysis.
Which type of edema is considered physiological (normal) during pregnancy?
Answer: Bilateral dependent pitting edema of the ankles and feet
Bilateral ankle and foot edema from venous compression and fluid retention is a normal finding in pregnancy, especially in the third trimester.
The fundal height measurement in centimeters roughly correlates with gestational age in weeks between approximately:
Answer: 20 and 36 weeks
Between 20 and 36 weeks of gestation, fundal height in centimeters approximates the number of gestational weeks, serving as a quick clinical growth check.
Increased joint laxity during pregnancy poses what specific risk relevant to prenatal massage practice?
Answer: Risk of joint hypermobility injury if stretching or mobilization exceeds normal range
Ligament laxity means joints can be taken beyond their usual end-range, so stretches and mobilizations must be gentle and stay within a conservative range to avoid strain.