A nurse is reinforcing nutritional teaching with a client who is at 8 weeks of gestation.

Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

A positive urine hCG test is a priority assessment to assess for a possible pregnancy.
The human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone is produced by the placenta after implantation and can be detected in the urine of pregnant women.
A urine hCG test is a common method used to confirm pregnancy.

Choice B is not an answer because changes in uterine size and shape occur later in pregnancy and are not a priority assessment for early pregnancy detection.
Choice C is not an answer because a fetal heartbeat can usually be detected at around 6-7 weeks of pregnancy and is not a priority assessment for early pregnancy detection.
Choice D is not an answer because Chadwick’s sign, which refers to the bluish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and vulva due to increased blood flow, occurs later in pregnancy and is not a priority assessment for early pregnancy detection.

This is a variation of the side-lying position, which is recommended for pregnant women in the third trimester to improve blood flow to the uterus and the baby12.

Sleeping on the right side with a pillow under the hip can also help relieve pressure on the inferior vena cava, a large vein that carries blood from the lower body to the heart.
Sleeping on the back can cause lightheadedness and dizziness because of this pressure, as well as increase the risk of stillbirth1.
Choice B.
Without a pillow is incorrect, as this can make sleeping on the side uncomfortable and cause back pain or leg cramps.
Choice C.
with a pillow under her shoulders is incorrect, as this can elevate the upper body and worsen heartburn, a common problem in pregnancy.
Choice D.
with a pillow under both hips is incorrect, as this can make sleeping on the back more likely, which is not advised for pregnant women in the third trimester1.
Therefore, choice A is the best answer.