A nurse in a provider's office is caring for a client who is at 8 weeks of gestation and asks about increased risk for blood clots. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

A. Avoid exaggerating the lumbar curve: This helps maintain better posture and reduces the strain on the lower back, preventing backaches.

B. Applying localized cold compress: Cold compresses may be helpful for acute injuries but are not a primary recommendation for preventing pregnancy-related backaches.

C. Using a cane when walking: This is not typically recommended unless there is a medical condition or injury. Most pregnant women can benefit from posture correction and strength exercises rather than reliance on a cane.

D. Wearing low-heeled shoes: This is recommended because low-heeled shoes provide better support and help maintain proper posture, reducing the risk of back pain during pregnancy.

E. Not doing exercises such as tailor sitting cross-legged, shoulder circling, and pelvic rocking: This statement is incorrect. These exercises, particularly pelvic rocking and shoulder circling, are actually helpful in preventing and alleviating back pain by improving flexibility and strengthening muscles. Avoiding such exercises may be detrimental.

A. MSAFP does not screen for gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is typically screened for between 24–28 weeks of gestation using glucose testing.

B. MSAFP does not assess fetal maturity; tests for maturity, such as lecithin-sphingomyelin ratio, are usually performed in the third trimester if preterm delivery is anticipated.

C. MSAFP does not evaluate ABO incompatibility, which is identified through maternal and fetal blood type testing.

D. MSAFP is a blood test that helps screen for neural tube defects like spina bifida or anencephaly and can also detect certain chromosomal abnormalities when used with additional tests in a quad screen.