A nurse is providing education to a pregnant client about the hormonal changes during pregnancy.

Which hormone is responsible for maintaining the corpus luteum and stimulating fetal growth ?

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.

Progesterone is responsible for maintaining the corpus luteum and stimulating fetal growth.

Progesterone also prevents miscarriage by relaxing the uterus and maintaining the endometrium.

Choice B is wrong because estrogen is not responsible for maintaining the corpus luteum or stimulating fetal growth.

Estrogen helps develop the female sexual traits and supports the growth of the uterus and placenta.

Choice C is wrong because thyroid hormones are not responsible for maintaining the corpus luteum or stimulating fetal growth.

Thyroid hormones regulate the metabolism and energy levels of the mother and the fetus.

Choice D is wrong because prolactin is not responsible for maintaining the corpus luteum or stimulating fetal growth.

Prolactin stimulates milk production in the breasts after delivery.