A nurse is assessing a client who is in the third trimester of pregnancy. The nurse should recognize which of the following findings as an expected physiologic change during pregnancy?

A. Gradual lordosis: Gradual lordosis, or inward curvature of the lower spine, is a common physiologic adaptation during pregnancy. It helps to compensate for the forward shift in the center of gravity as the uterus enlarges, aiding balance and posture. B. Increased abdominal muscle tone: Pregnancy typically causes stretching and weakening of the abdominal muscles due to the expanding uterus, not increased muscle tone. This can contribute to back discomfort. C. Posterior neck flexion: Changes in neck position or flexion are not typical pregnancy adaptations. Postural changes primarily involve the lumbar spine rather than the cervical region. D. Decreased mobility of pelvic joints: During pregnancy, hormonal effects (like relaxin) actually increase the mobility of pelvic joints to facilitate childbirth, rather than decreasing it. Decreased mobility would be unexpected.