What physical change can indicate that labor is imminent?

What physical change can indicate that labor is imminent?

• A. Swelling of the ankles
• B. Lightening (the baby dropping)
• C. Increased fetal movement
• D. Duchenne's sign

Answer: (B)

Lightening, often referred to as the baby dropping, is a significant physical change that can indicate that labor is imminent. This occurs when the fetus descends into the pelvis and moves closer to the birth canal, typically happening a few weeks to a few hours before labor begins, depending on whether it is a first pregnancy or not. Lightening can lead to a noticeable decrease in pressure on the mother's diaphragm, making it easier for her to breathe, while increasing the pressure on her bladder, which can result in more frequent urination. Other options, while they may occur during pregnancy, do not specifically indicate that labor is near. Swelling of the ankles can occur throughout pregnancy due to various factors, including fluid retention, and doesn't necessarily signal the onset of labor. Increased fetal movement might reflect the baby's activity levels but does not provide definitive information about labor's approach. Duchenne's sign is not a commonly recognized indicator relating to labor and delivery, and may refer to a specific medical sign not directly related to imminent labor. In contrast, lightening is a clear and recognized sign associated with impending labor.

Lightening, often referred to as the baby dropping, is a significant physical change that can indicate that labor is imminent. This occurs when the fetus descends into the pelvis and moves closer to the birth canal, typically happening a few weeks to a few hours before labor begins, depending on whether it is a first pregnancy or not. Lightening can lead to a noticeable decrease in pressure on the mother's diaphragm, making it easier for her to breathe, while increasing the pressure on her bladder, which can result in more frequent urination.

Other options, while they may occur during pregnancy, do not specifically indicate that labor is near. Swelling of the ankles can occur throughout pregnancy due to various factors, including fluid retention, and doesn't necessarily signal the onset of labor. Increased fetal movement might reflect the baby's activity levels but does not provide definitive information about labor's approach. Duchenne's sign is not a commonly recognized indicator relating to labor and delivery, and may refer to a specific medical sign not directly related to imminent labor. In contrast, lightening is a clear and recognized sign associated with impending labor.