On her first visit, a patient had a baseline hemoglobin of 13.0 gm and a hematocrit of 42.9%.She has been taking ferrous sulfate tablets and eating an iron-rich diet.She returned to the clinic at 30 weeks gestation and has a hemoglobin of 11.0 gm and a hematocrit of 36.3%.She is concerned and confused about why these lab values have gone down.
In responding, which physiological change during pregnancy should the nurse describe to the patient?

The correct answer is choice D. If the client feels like she has butterflies in her stomach, it means her baby is moving.

This is a normal and expected change during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters.The baby’s movements can be felt as flutters, kicks, or rolls.

Choice A is wrong because spotting of blood on the underwear is not a normal change during pregnancy.

It can indicate a problem such as placenta previa, placental abruption, or miscarriage.Any bleeding during pregnancy should be reported to the health care provider.

Choice B is wrong because clear fluid leaking from the vagina is not a normal change during pregnancy.

It can indicate that the membranes have ruptured and amniotic fluid is escaping.

This can lead to infection and preterm labor if not treated promptly.Any fluid leakage during pregnancy should be reported to the health care provider.

Choice C is wrong because dark patches on the face are not a sign of high blood pressure during pregnancy.

They are called melasma or chloasma and are caused by increased pigmentation due to hormonal changes.They usually fade after delivery and are not harmful.High blood pressure during pregnancy can cause symptoms such as headache, blurred vision, swelling, and protein in the urine.

Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, painless uterine contractions that occur throughout pregnancy, but are more noticeable in the third trimester.They do not indicate labor, but rather help in softening and ripening the cervix.

Choice A is wrong because the patient does not need to time the contractions unless they become regular, painful, and closer together, which are signs of true labor.

Choice B is wrong because documenting fetal activity daily is not related to Braxton Hicks contractions.Fetal activity is monitored to assess fetal well-being and detect any signs of fetal distress.

Choice C is wrong because losing the mucus plug is also not related to Braxton Hicks contractions.The mucus plug is a thick plug of mucus that seals the cervical canal during pregnancy and may be expelled before or during labor.