PMC Musculoskeletal Changes in Pregnancy 4

Question 1

The 'waddling gait' of pregnancy is primarily caused by which musculoskeletal change?

Accepted Answer

Pelvic girdle laxity and altered center of gravity

Answer

Laxity of the pelvic girdle joints combined with an anterior-shifted center of gravity causes the characteristic waddling gait of late pregnancy.

Question 2

A prenatal client complains of numbness and tingling in her lateral thigh. Which nerve is most likely compressed?

Accepted Answer

Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve

Answer

Meralgia paresthetica in pregnancy is caused by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve as it passes under the inguinal ligament, due to abdominal enlargement.

Question 3

How does increased thoracic kyphosis during pregnancy affect the cervical spine?

Accepted Answer

It leads to compensatory cervical hyperextension and forward head posture

Answer

Increased thoracic kyphosis causes the head to migrate forward (forward head posture) with compensatory cervical hyperextension to keep the eyes level.

Question 4

Which abdominal muscle is MOST stretched and functionally compromised in the third trimester of pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Rectus abdominis

Answer

The rectus abdominis is the most dramatically stretched muscle in the third trimester and can separate at the linea alba, causing diastasis recti.

Question 5

During pregnancy, the rib cage circumference typically increases by approximately how much to accommodate respiratory changes?

Accepted Answer

5-7 cm

Answer

Pregnancy hormones cause rib flaring and the thoracic circumference increases by approximately 5-7 cm to compensate for diaphragm elevation.

(PMC) Prenatal Massage Certification Practice Test

(PMC) Prenatal Massage Certification Practice Test

PMC Musculoskeletal Changes in Pregnancy 4