FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

What is a common physical change in a mother due to increasing levels of progesterone during pregnancy?

1. Increased nausea

2. Greater hair growth

3. Relaxation of the uterus

4. Increased reflux

The correct answer is: Increased reflux

One significant physical change in a mother due to increasing levels of progesterone during pregnancy is the relaxation of the smooth muscles, which includes those in the gastrointestinal tract. Progesterone acts to relax the muscles of the uterus, promoting a safe environment for the developing fetus. This relaxation effect can also contribute to other changes in the body, such as decreased motility of the digestive system, which can lead to symptoms like increased reflux. As the smooth muscle tone decreases, the lower esophageal sphincter may become less effective, allowing stomach contents to move back into the esophagus, thus promoting gastroesophageal reflux. While increased nausea and greater hair growth are also changes that may occur during pregnancy, they are not directly attributed to the specific relaxation effects of progesterone. Increased nausea, often referred to as "morning sickness," generally results from hormonal changes and other physiological factors, while hair growth changes can be influenced by other hormones and pregnancy-related factors rather than progesterone alone.