A primigravida calls the Labor & Delivery unit and tells the nurse that she is 39 weeks pregnant and that over the past few days, although her breathing has become easier, she now feels the urge to urinate more often and has more swelling in her ankles and feet.
The nurse tells the client that she is experiencing what is commonly called:

Choice A rationale

Goodell's sign is the softening of the cervix, usually occurring around the fourth to sixth week of pregnancy. It indicates early pregnancy but does not relate to the symptoms described by the client.

Choice B rationale

Lightening refers to the baby settling deeper into the pelvis, which often occurs a few weeks before labor in first-time pregnancies. This shift can make breathing easier and increase pressure on the bladder, causing frequent urination and increased swelling in the lower extremities.

Choice C rationale

Hegar's sign is the softening of the lower uterine segment, typically seen around the sixth to eighth week of pregnancy. It is an early sign of pregnancy and not related to the symptoms experienced by the client near term.

Choice D rationale

Quickening is the term used to describe the first movements of the fetus felt by the mother, usually occurring around 16 to 20 weeks of pregnancy. This does not correlate with the symptoms described by the client who is near term.

Choice A rationale

Increased fetal movement is normal and usually not a sign to head to the hospital unless there are other concerns.

Choice B rationale

Ruptured membranes can signify the beginning of labor or risk for infection, warranting a visit to the hospital for assessment.

Choice C rationale

Contractions that are 10 minutes apart typically indicate early labor, but not necessarily the need to go to the hospital immediately.

Choice D rationale

Mild abdominal or groin discomfort can occur during pregnancy and does not immediately warrant a hospital visit without other signs of labor.