Prenatal Anatomy & Physiology 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 Prenatal Anatomy & Physiology flashcards as text
Which hormone is primarily responsible for relaxing pelvic ligaments during pregnancy?
Answer: Relaxin
Relaxin is secreted by the corpus luteum and placenta, softening ligaments and preparing the pelvis for delivery.
The uterus rises out of the pelvis and becomes an abdominal organ at approximately which week of gestation?
Answer: 12 weeks
By 12 weeks the uterus is large enough to rise above the pelvic brim and become palpable as an abdominal organ.
What structural change in the diaphragm occurs as the uterus enlarges in the third trimester?
Answer: It is displaced superiorly by about 4 cm
The enlarging uterus pushes abdominal contents upward, elevating the diaphragm by approximately 4 cm.
During pregnancy, maternal blood volume increases by approximately what percentage?
Answer: 30–50%
Total blood volume increases 30–50% during pregnancy to meet the perfusion demands of the placenta and fetus.
Which plexus of veins is at risk for varicosities due to increased pelvic pressure during pregnancy?
Answer: Pudendal plexus
The pudendal venous plexus drains the perineum and vulva and is compressed by the gravid uterus, leading to vulvar varicosities.
Diastasis recti refers to the separation of which abdominal structure?
Answer: Linea alba between the rectus abdominis muscles
Diastasis recti is the midline separation of the two rectus abdominis muscles along the linea alba due to uterine stretching.
The round ligaments of the uterus connect the uterus to which anatomical structure?
Answer: Labia majora through the inguinal canal
The round ligaments travel through the inguinal canal and insert into the labia majora, anchoring the uterus anteriorly.