Question

A pregnant client fundal height is noticeably 1 or 2 finger breaths below the umbilicus, the nurse is aware that which of the following fetal changes is likely to be occurring at the same time in pregnancy?

Answer 1

When a pregnant client's fundal height is 1 or 2 finger breaths below the umbilicus, the fetus is likely to be laying down subcutaneous fat and experiencing significant growth, with changes such as skin becoming pink and shedding of lanugo.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a pregnant client's fundal height is noticeably 1 or 2 finger breaths below the umbilicus, it indicates that the pregnancy is likely in the late second to early third trimester. At this stage, several fetal changes are occurring simultaneously. The fetus is undergoing significant growth, their organs and structures are continuing to develop, and the fetus typically increases in activity with the mother often feeling the first movements. Furthermore, the fetus continues to lay down subcutaneous fat, which fills out the hypodermis and changes the skin from red and wrinkled to soft and pink. Other developments include the shedding of lanugo, growth of the nails, and the placenta continuing its function of providing nutrition and removing waste.