A pregnant client in her third trimester complains of lower back pain. The nurse explains that this discomfort is common due to postural changes. Which of the following best explains the role of lordosis in pregnancy-related back pain?

A. The fetus is in engagement, and further descent is expected as labor progresses: A fetal station of 0 means the presenting part is at the level of the ischial spines, confirming engagement. Continued descent is expected as contractions increase in strength and frequency.

B. Immediate provider notification is not required, but continued monitoring is necessary for signs of labor progression: The findings reflect normal active labor progress. The nurse should continue monitoring maternal and fetal status, documenting changes, and supporting the client through ongoing cervical dilation and fetal descent.

C. Although the patient is not yet in transition, contractions are likely becoming more intense and closer together: At 6 cm dilation, the client is in the active phase of labor, where contractions typically occur every 3–5 minutes and increase in intensity as the cervix continues to dilate toward the transition phase.

D. Fetal station indicates the presenting part is at the level of the ischial spines: A station of 0 identifies the presenting fetal part as aligned with the ischial spines, representing the narrowest part of the maternal pelvis and confirming engagement.

E. Complete effacement with 6 cm dilation indicates favorable cervical change and progression: Full effacement and progressive dilation are reassuring signs that the cervix is responding effectively to uterine contractions and that labor is advancing normally.

F. The cervix is fully dilated and the patient will begin pushing soon: Full dilation is 10 cm, not 6 cm. The client is still in the active phase and should not begin pushing until complete dilation is achieved to prevent cervical trauma or fatigue.

A. Pain management is an important aspect of labor care, but it is unrelated to prenatal laboratory findings such as GBS status. Analgesia decisions are based on the client’s preferences and progress in labor, not infection screening results.

B. The time of membrane rupture is important for infection risk assessment but is obtained through the client’s history, not from prenatal data. It does not determine antibiotic need unless GBS positivity or prolonged rupture is documented.

C. Verifying GBS status ensures that infected or colonized clients receive intrapartum antibiotics, typically penicillin, to prevent neonatal sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis. Reviewing prenatal labs helps guide timely prophylactic treatment and reduces neonatal morbidity.

D. Cesarean delivery decisions are based on obstetric indications such as fetal distress or failure to progress, not GBS status. GBS colonization alone is not a reason for cesarean section and is managed effectively with intrapartum antibiotics.