Share This Link

Gastroesophageal reflux disease in pregnancy presents with heartburn, regurgitation, and epigastric discomfort due to relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. It does not cause severe persistent vomiting with weight loss.

Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. It is not specific to pregnancy and does not present with persistent vomiting or weight loss.

Peptic ulcer disease causes epigastric pain, often related to meals, and may present with nausea. However, it does not typically cause severe persistent vomiting with maternal weight loss during pregnancy.

Lying down immediately after eating promotes reflux because gastric contents move more easily into the esophagus when supine. It worsens symptoms instead of preventing them.

Consuming large meals increases gastric distension and raises intra-abdominal pressure, predisposing to reflux. Smaller, more frequent meals are recommended instead.

Eating spicy foods stimulates gastric acid secretion and can irritate the esophagus, worsening heartburn. Avoiding spicy, fatty, and acidic foods helps reduce symptoms.

Hyperthyroidism in pregnancy more often causes weight loss, palpitations, heat intolerance, and tremors, rather than isolated fatigue. It is much less common than anemia.

Elevated estrogen levels are normal in pregnancy and contribute to vascular changes and uterine growth. They do not directly cause severe fatigue.

Decreased progesterone levels are not typical in healthy pregnancy; instead, progesterone levels rise steadily. Low progesterone would threaten pregnancy but is not a cause of common fatigue.

Estrogen promotes uterine growth, vascular proliferation, and breast development. While it supports connective tissue changes, it is not the primary cause of ligamentous relaxation leading to back pain.

Progesterone relaxes smooth muscle, reducing uterine contractility and gastrointestinal motility, but it does not significantly relax ligaments in the spine or pelvis.

 hCG maintains the corpus luteum in early pregnancy and supports progesterone secretion. It does not affect ligaments or musculoskeletal support, so it is not a cause of back pain.

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits prostaglandin synthesis. It can cause gastric irritation and is contraindicated in late pregnancy due to risk of premature ductus arteriosus closure and oligohydramnios.

Aspirin is also an NSAID with antiplatelet effects, increasing risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and fetal complications. It is not used for treating heartburn in pregnancy.

Acetaminophen is an analgesic and antipyretic, not an acid-suppressing drug. It does not affect gastric acid secretion and is therefore not effective for treating heartburn.

Decreased hCG does not cause nausea; rather, high circulating hCG correlates with symptom severity, especially in multiple gestation and molar pregnancy.

Gastrointestinal motility is not increased in pregnancy; progesterone actually decreases motility by relaxing smooth muscle, contributing to nausea, constipation, and bloating.

High maternal blood glucose is not a physiologic feature of early pregnancy and does not cause nausea. Gestational diabetes usually manifests later and presents differently (polyuria, polydipsia).

Lumbar lordosis actually increases, not decreases, in pregnancy due to the anterior shift in center of gravity. This worsens back strain but is not decreased as stated.

Reduced maternal weight gain would lessen, not worsen, back strain. It is excessive weight gain that increases musculoskeletal discomfort.

Abdominal muscle strength decreases as the uterus enlarges, further reducing core support. Increased strength would help prevent backache, not cause it.

Elevating the legs may slightly improve venous return but does not resolve vena cava compression if the woman remains supine. It is not the primary management.

Administering intravenous fluids does not address the mechanical obstruction caused by the gravid uterus. Fluids may support blood volume but cannot restore venous return while the vena cava is compressed.

Encouraging the client to lie flat on her back worsens the condition, as the gravid uterus continues to obstruct vena caval flow, further decreasing cardiac output and exacerbating hypotension.

Regular, painful contractions that cause cervical dilation define true labor, not Braxton Hicks. True labor contractions progressively intensify and shorten in interval.

Braxton Hicks contractions improve, not worsen, with hydration and rest. Worsening with activity and persistence despite rest indicates true labor.

Braxton Hicks are not a sign of true labor. They are preparatory contractions and do not indicate imminent delivery.

Physiological edema typically affects ankles and feet, not the face. Facial swelling is more concerning for preeclampsia.

Pathological edema is not localized to the ankles; it is usually generalized, involving face, hands, and sometimes entire body.

Pathological edema of preeclampsia occurs after 20 weeks, not in the first trimester. Early pregnancy edema is usually benign and physiologic.