A pregnant woman is at 38 weeks of gestation. She wants to know whether there are any signs that labor is getting close to starting. Which finding is an indication that labor may begin soon?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A surge of energy before labor is a common sign that labor may begin soon in pregnant women. This burst of energy is often experienced as the body prepares for the imminent labor process. Other signs such as weight gain, fundal height changes, and urinary retention are not direct indicators of labor onset.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because uterine contractions during labor tend to decrease circulation, leading to compression of spiral arterioles and diminishing the maternal-fetal exchange of oxygen. The other options do not accurately describe the adaptation of the maternal-fetal exchange of oxygen in response to uterine contractions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: During the active pushing (descent) phase, the woman has strong urges to bear down as the presenting part of the fetus descends and presses on the stretch receptors of the pelvic floor. The vulva stretches and begins to bulge, encircling the fetal head. Birth of the head occurs when the station is +4. A 0 station indicates engagement. Bloody show occurs throughout the labor process and is not an indication of an imminent birth. Rupture of membranes can occur at any time during the labor process and does not indicate an imminent birth.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.