To reassure and educate pregnant patients about changes in the uterus, nurses should be aware that:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Increased urinary frequency in the first trimester is due to exaggerated uterine anteflexion caused by softening. This is because the growing uterus exerts pressure on the bladder, leading to the need for more frequent urination. This is a common physiological change in early pregnancy due to the hormonal effects on the pelvic floor muscles and bladder capacity.
A: Lightening typically occurs near the end of the third trimester, not the second trimester, as the baby drops lower into the pelvis in preparation for birth.
C: Braxton Hicks contractions are typically painless and irregular in the third trimester, not more painful. Pain with exercise could indicate preterm labor.
D: Uterine souffle refers to the sound of blood flow through the uterine arteries, not movement of the fetus.