Prenatal Anatomy & Physiology Flashcards

Which nerve is most commonly compressed in carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy, and why?

Answer: Median nerve due to fluid retention and edema

The median nerve is compressed within the carpal tunnel by pregnancy-related fluid retention that increases compartment pressure.

The hormone responsible for stimulating breast tissue growth (mammogenesis) and suppressing lactation during pregnancy is primarily:

Answer: Progesterone

High progesterone levels during pregnancy inhibit milk secretion despite rising prolactin, allowing mammary gland development without lactation.

Physiologic lordosis increases during pregnancy primarily because of:

Answer: Anterior shift of the center of gravity from uterine weight

The anterior displacement of the center of gravity by the gravid uterus causes compensatory lumbar hyperlordosis.

Which fetal structure allows blood to bypass the lungs by connecting the pulmonary artery to the aorta?

Answer: Ductus arteriosus

The ductus arteriosus shunts blood from the pulmonary artery to the descending aorta, bypassing the fluid-filled fetal lungs.

Which maternal anatomical structure is most directly responsible for round ligament pain experienced in the second trimester?

Answer: Round ligament being stretched as the uterus rises and rotates

As the uterus rapidly grows and slightly rotates, the round ligaments are stretched, causing sharp inguinal or lower abdominal pain.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced by which structure and serves what primary function in early pregnancy?

Answer: Syncytiotrophoblast; maintains the corpus luteum to sustain progesterone

hCG is produced by the syncytiotrophoblast of the developing placenta and signals the corpus luteum to keep producing progesterone.

During pregnancy, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) increases by approximately:

Answer: 50%

GFR increases by about 50% during pregnancy, reflecting increased renal plasma flow to handle the elevated metabolic demands.