PMC Pregnancy Body Basics 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Increased lumbar lordosis during pregnancy results primarily from:
- Decreased progesterone levels
- The anterior shift of the center of gravity as the uterus enlarges (Correct answer)
- Compression of lumbar vertebrae by the fetus
- Relaxin causing vertebral disc herniation
Correct answer: The anterior shift of the center of gravity as the uterus enlarges
As the pregnant abdomen grows anteriorly, the center of gravity shifts forward, prompting compensatory increased lumbar lordosis to maintain balance.
Question 2: Which term describes the common condition where the pregnant uterus rotates slightly to the right?
- Dextrorotation (Correct answer)
- Levorotation
- Retroversion
- Anteversion
Correct answer: Dextrorotation
Dextrorotation (rightward rotation) of the uterus is common because the rectosigmoid colon on the left side displaces the uterus toward the right.
Question 3: Carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy is largely caused by:
- Fetal nerve compression through the placenta
- Fluid retention causing edema that compresses the median nerve at the wrist (Correct answer)
- Relaxin directly damaging the carpal ligament
- Increased progesterone thickening nerve sheaths
Correct answer: Fluid retention causing edema that compresses the median nerve at the wrist
Pregnancy-associated edema increases fluid in the carpal tunnel, compressing the median nerve and producing tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand.
Question 4: The hormone progesterone contributes to constipation during pregnancy primarily by:
- Stimulating excess gastric acid secretion
- Reducing intestinal smooth muscle motility (Correct answer)
- Increasing fluid absorption in the colon above normal
- Compressing the sigmoid colon directly
Correct answer: Reducing intestinal smooth muscle motility
Progesterone relaxes smooth muscle throughout the body, including the intestines, slowing peristalsis and causing the constipation common in pregnancy.
Question 5: During pregnancy the cardiac output increases by approximately:
- 5–10%
- 15–20%
- 30–50% (Correct answer)
- 70–80%
Correct answer: 30–50%
Cardiac output rises 30–50% above pre-pregnancy baseline, achieved through increased heart rate and stroke volume to meet the metabolic demands of the mother and fetus.
Question 6: What is the primary function of the mucus plug (operculum) that forms in the cervix during pregnancy?
- To facilitate oxygen delivery to the fetus
- To seal the cervix and protect the uterus from infection (Correct answer)
- To promote cervical dilation in preparation for labor
- To anchor the placenta to the cervical wall
Correct answer: To seal the cervix and protect the uterus from infection
The cervical mucus plug forms a physical and immunological barrier that seals the uterus and protects the developing fetus from ascending pathogens.
Question 7: Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) during pregnancy is caused by:
- Fetal head pressing on the pubic symphysis from inside the pelvis
- Excessive relaxin-mediated laxity causing instability of the pubic joint (Correct answer)
- Calcification of the pubic symphysis cartilage
- Overstretching of the inguinal ligament
Correct answer: Excessive relaxin-mediated laxity causing instability of the pubic joint
SPD results from excessive loosening of the fibrocartilaginous pubic symphysis joint due to relaxin, causing pain and instability in the anterior pelvis.
PMC Pregnancy Body Basics 3
Increased lumbar lordosis during pregnancy results primarily from: