Practice Test Geeks(PMC) Prenatal Massage Certification Practice Test
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Prenatal Anatomy & Physiology 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 Prenatal Anatomy & Physiology flashcards as text

  1. Increased melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) during pregnancy causes hyperpigmentation most notably as:

    Answer: Linea nigra and melasma

    Elevated MSH darkens the linea alba into the linea nigra and causes facial melasma (mask of pregnancy).

  2. Which anatomical change to the thorax occurs during pregnancy to compensate for the elevated diaphragm?

    Answer: The subcostal angle and transverse diameter of the rib cage increase

    The rib cage flares outward, increasing the subcostal angle from about 68° to 103° to maintain respiratory capacity despite a rising diaphragm.

  3. The umbilical cord normally contains which combination of blood vessels?

    Answer: One umbilical vein and two umbilical arteries

    The umbilical cord contains one vein carrying oxygenated blood to the fetus and two arteries returning deoxygenated blood to the placenta.

  4. Gestational diabetes occurs primarily because of insulin resistance caused by which placental hormone?

    Answer: Human placental lactogen (hPL)

    Human placental lactogen is a potent anti-insulin hormone that increases as the placenta grows, driving gestational insulin resistance.

  5. During pregnancy, progesterone relaxes smooth muscle in the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly resulting in:

    Answer: Decreased lower esophageal sphincter tone causing heartburn and constipation

    Progesterone-induced smooth muscle relaxation slows GI motility and reduces lower esophageal sphincter pressure, causing constipation and heartburn.

  6. The sciatic nerve may be compressed during pregnancy most often due to which combination of factors?

    Answer: Piriformis hypertrophy or spasm combined with increased lumbar lordosis and pelvic shift

    Postural changes including lumbar hyperlordosis, anterior pelvic tilt, and piriformis tension from altered gait compress the sciatic nerve.

  7. Which fetal heart rate range is considered normal (baseline) at term?

    Answer: 110–160 bpm

    A normal fetal heart rate baseline at term is 110–160 bpm; rates outside this range may indicate fetal distress.