PMC Pregnancy Body Basics 2

Question 1

Which hormone is primarily responsible for the softening of ligaments and joints during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Relaxin

Answer

Relaxin, produced mainly by the corpus luteum and placenta, causes ligament laxity throughout the body to prepare for childbirth.

Question 2

The enlarging uterus can compress the inferior vena cava when a pregnant client lies supine. What trimester does this concern become most significant?

Accepted Answer

Third trimester

Answer

In the third trimester the uterus is large enough to significantly compress the inferior vena cava in the supine position, potentially causing supine hypotensive syndrome.

Question 3

During pregnancy, total blood volume increases by approximately how much compared to pre-pregnancy levels?

Accepted Answer

40–50%

Answer

Blood volume increases by approximately 40–50% during pregnancy, supporting placental perfusion and preparing for blood loss at delivery.

Question 4

Diastasis recti is a common pregnancy-related change characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Separation of the two rectus abdominis muscle bellies along the linea alba

Answer

Diastasis recti is the widening separation of the right and left rectus abdominis muscles along the linea alba due to uterine growth and hormonal changes.

Question 5

What causes the skin discoloration known as linea nigra during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Increased melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) leading to hyperpigmentation

Answer

Elevated MSH and estrogen during pregnancy stimulate melanocytes, causing hyperpigmentation that appears as the dark vertical line (linea nigra) on the abdomen.

(PMC) Prenatal Massage Certification Practice Test

(PMC) Prenatal Massage Certification Practice Test

PMC Pregnancy Body Basics 2