A nurse is educating a pregnant client about the endocrine changes during pregnancy.

Which hormone is responsible for inhibiting ovulation and stimulating milk production?

Increased glomerular filtration rate.

This is because during pregnancy, the renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate increase to meet the increased metabolic demands of the mother and fetus.

This can result in increased urinary protein excretion, which is usually mild and does not indicate renal damage.

Choice A is wrong because decreased glomerular permeability would reduce the amount of protein that can pass through the glomerulus and into the urine.

Choice B is wrong because decreased protein intake would not affect the urinary protein levels, unless the intake is severely deficient.

Choice D is wrong because increased tubular reabsorption would decrease the amount of protein that is excreted in the urine, as the tubules would reabsorb more protein from the filtrate and return it to the blood.

Leg cramps are painful muscle contractions that typically affect the calf, foot or both.

They are common during pregnancy, often happening at night during the second and third trimesters.

While the exact cause of leg cramps during pregnancy isn’t clear, various theories point to the following causes of leg cramps during pregnancy: 2

Pregnancy fatigue from carrying the extra baby weight

Compression of the blood vessels in the legs

Diet (an excess of phosphorus and a shortage of calcium or magnesium)

Pregnancy hormones since they seem to cause so many pregnancy aches and pains

Choice A is wrong because increased joint laxity is not a cause of leg cramps, but rather a result of hormonal changes that relax the ligaments and joints in preparation for childbirth.

Choice B is wrong because increased spinal curvature is not a cause of leg cramps, but rather a result of the changing center of gravity and posture during pregnancy.

Choice D is wrong because decreased muscle strength is not a cause of leg cramps, but rather a consequence of muscle fatigue and weight gain during pregnancy.

Normal ranges for calcium are 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL, for magnesium are 1.7 to 2.2 mg/dL, and for phosphorus are 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL.