Practice Quiz

Doula

Category - Labor & Birth

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Which of the following pelvic changes during pregnancy makes it more likely a woman's labor will proceed smoothly?
  1. The pelvis tilts from the weight of the growing baby.
  2. Pregnancy hormones contribute to the relaxation of the joints to allow stretching as the baby descends through the pelvis.
  3. The pelvis stays rigid to support the weight of the uterus.
  4. Increased blood flow helps make the pelvis malleable.
Explanation
Answer: B - The hormones estrogen and relaxin contribute to soften ligaments throughout the body. This is especially important in the pelvis at the time of birth, as the pubic symphisis and sacroiliac joints can expand to allow the baby a little more room moving down through the pelvis. The pelvis does tilt to allow postural changes as the weight of the growing uterus and baby put pressure on the back. Increased blood flow is a hallmark of pregnancy, but it has nothing to do with shaping the pelvis for birth.
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