Pregnancy Body Basics 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 Pregnancy Body Basics flashcards as text
Posterior pelvic tilt commonly develops during pregnancy to compensate for:
Answer: Anterior uterine weight increasing lumbar lordosis, with the pelvis tucking under to stabilize
As the heavy uterus increases lumbar lordosis, many pregnant individuals adopt a posterior pelvic tilt as a compensatory mechanism to ease low back strain.
Which pregnancy-related cardiovascular change is most directly responsible for the common symptom of orthostatic hypotension?
Answer: Decreased peripheral vascular resistance combined with venous pooling when rising quickly
Decreased systemic vascular resistance and venous pooling in the lower extremities reduce venous return when standing rapidly, causing dizziness or fainting.
The 'mask of pregnancy' and linea nigra are both caused by the same underlying mechanism. What is it?
Answer: Elevation of MSH and estrogen stimulating melanocyte activity
Both hyperpigmentation patterns result from elevated melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) and estrogen during pregnancy increasing melanin production.
Rib flaring during pregnancy occurs because:
Answer: The diaphragm descends and widens the subcostal angle to compensate for reduced vertical space
As the diaphragm is pushed superiorly by the uterus, the ribcage widens laterally and the subcostal angle increases to maintain tidal volume.
Increased pigmentation of the nipples and areolae during pregnancy serves which physiological purpose?
Answer: Providing a visual contrast target to help a newborn with poor visual acuity locate the nipple
Darkened areolae are thought to provide a high-contrast visual guide for newborns, who have limited visual acuity, to locate and latch onto the nipple.
Why does gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn) worsen in the third trimester compared to early pregnancy?
Answer: The enlarged uterus increases intra-abdominal pressure and progesterone relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter
In the third trimester the very large uterus applies more pressure on the stomach while progesterone continues to relax the lower esophageal sphincter, worsening reflux.
Sciatica during pregnancy is most often caused by:
Answer: Pressure on the sciatic nerve from the expanding uterus, pelvic edema, or piriformis tightness
The growing uterus, fluid retention in the pelvis, postural changes, and piriformis muscle tightness can all compress or irritate the sciatic nerve, causing radiating leg pain.