The primiparous patient at 39 weeks' gestation states to the nurse, "I can breathe easier now." What is the nurse's most appropriate response?
A) "Your labor will start any day now since the baby has dropped."
B) "That process is called lightening. Do you have to urinate more frequently?"
C) "Contact your health care provider when your contractions are every 5 minutes for 1 hour."
D) "You will likely not feel you baby's movements as much now, so do not be concerned."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As the fetus descends toward the pelvic inlet (dropping), the woman notices that she breathes more easily because upward pressure on her diaphragm is reduced. However, increased pressure on her bladder causes her to urinate more frequently. Pressure of the fetal head in the pelvis also may cause leg cramps and edema. Lightening (descent of the fetus toward the pelvic inlet before labor) is most noticeable in primiparas and occurs about 2 to 3 weeks before the natural onset of labor. Instructions for labor, although correct, do not address the patient's statement of being able to breathe easier. Fetal movement continues throughout the final weeks of gestation. A decrease in fetal movement is a concerning sign and the health care provider must be notified.

The Primiparous Patient at 39 Weeks' Gestation States to the Nurse