A nurse is providing teaching to a client about the gastrointestinal and genitourinary changes of pregnancy. Which of the following information should the nurse include?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A rationalePregnancy generally leads to slower gastric emptying due to increased progesterone, but satiety is not directly slowed.Choice B rationaleIncreased progesterone levels during pregnancy slow gastric motility, leading to nausea, especially in the first trimester.Choice C rationaleVomiting is also common due to hormonal changes, specifically elevated human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels.Choice D rationaleConstipation occurs because increased progesterone reduces bowel motility and increases water absorption in the colon.Choice E rationaleThe growing uterus places pressure on the bladder, leading to increased urinary frequency.Choice F rationaleNocturia occurs as the kidneys filter more blood and the uterus compresses the bladder, especially in later stages of pregnancy.