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

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

The correct answer is choice A. Increased joint laxity contributes to increased spinal curvature in pregnant women.

Joint laxity is caused by the hormone relaxin, which loosens the ligaments and joints of the pelvis and spine to prepare for childbirth.

This can result in increased lordosis (inward curvature) of the lumbar spine and increased kyphosis (outward curvature) of the thoracic spine.

Choice B is wrong because increased weight gain does not directly affect spinal curvature, but it can cause postural changes such as anterior pelvic tilt and forward trunk lean.

Choice C is wrong because increased muscle strain is a consequence, not a cause, of spinal curvature changes.

Muscle strain can occur due to the altered biomechanics and balance of the spine and pelvis during pregnancy.

Choice D is wrong because decreased muscle strength is also a consequence, not a cause, of spinal curvature changes.

Muscle strength can decrease due to reduced physical activity, hormonal changes, or pain during pregnancy.

Normal ranges for spinal curvature vary depending on age, sex, and measurement method, but generally they are:

Sacral inclination: 30-50 degrees

Lumbar curvature: 20-45 degrees

Thoracic curvature: 20-40 degrees

Cervical curvature: 20-35 degrees

Back pain is a common symptom experienced due to increased muscle strain during pregnancy.

As the uterus grows and the center of gravity shifts, there is more pressure on the lower back muscles and ligaments.

This can cause pain, difficulty with balance, and reduced activity.

Choice A is wrong because leg cramps are not caused by muscle strain, but by other factors such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or compression of blood vessels.

Choice C is wrong because pelvic pain is not a typical symptom of musculoskeletal changes during pregnancy.

Pelvic pain can be caused by other conditions such as urinary tract infection, preterm labor, or pelvic girdle pain.

Choice D is wrong because carpal tunnel syndrome is not a result of muscle strain, but of fluid retention and swelling that compresses the median nerve in the wrist.

This can cause numbness, tingling, or pain in the hand and fingers.