North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

During early pregnancy, what physical change is commonly noted regarding the cervix?

1. It softens and turns bluish

2. It enlarges significantly

3. It becomes rigid and closed

4. It shortens

The correct answer is: It softens and turns bluish

During early pregnancy, one of the key physical changes observed in the cervix is that it softens and may take on a bluish coloration, known as Chadwick’s sign. This change is primarily due to increased blood flow and hormonal influences, particularly from estrogen and progesterone. The cervix becomes more vascular, leading to both its softening and bluish appearance. The other options do not accurately reflect typical changes in the cervix during early pregnancy. While the cervix does undergo some degree of enlargement as the pregnancy progresses, the most distinctive early change is the softening and color change. The cervix staying rigid and closed is not a reflection of early pregnancy, as it begins to prepare for labor later in gestation. A shortening of the cervix typically occurs later in pregnancy, as the body prepares for delivery. Thus, the choice reflecting the softening and bluish appearance is the most indicative of the changes occurring during early pregnancy.