PMC Musculoskeletal Changes in Pregnancy 2

Question 1

Which hormone is primarily responsible for ligament laxity during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Relaxin

Answer

Relaxin is the primary hormone that softens and loosens ligaments and joints throughout the body during pregnancy.

Question 2

How does the growing uterus typically affect the diaphragm during the third trimester?

Accepted Answer

It elevates the diaphragm by up to 4 cm

Answer

The enlarged uterus pushes abdominal contents upward, elevating the diaphragm by approximately 4 cm, which can reduce lung capacity.

Question 3

A pregnant client in the third trimester reports hip pain that worsens when walking. Which joint is most likely destabilized by pregnancy hormones?

Accepted Answer

Sacroiliac joint

Answer

Relaxin-induced laxity commonly destabilizes the sacroiliac joint, causing posterior pelvic pain that worsens with weight-bearing activities.

Question 4

What is the term for the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles along the linea alba during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Diastasis recti

Answer

Diastasis recti is the widening or separation of the two rectus abdominis muscle bellies along the midline linea alba.

Question 5

Which spinal curve typically increases as a direct compensation for the anterior shift in the pregnant client's center of gravity?

Accepted Answer

Lumbar lordosis

Answer

Lumbar lordosis increases as the body compensates for the forward shift in center of gravity caused by the growing abdomen.

(PMC) Prenatal Massage Certification Practice Test