North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the North American Registry of Midwives Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready to excel!

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How can progesterone affect gastrointestinal function during pregnancy?

It decreases appetite
It increases GI motility
It relaxes the cardiac sphincter of the stomach
It promotes acidity

The correct answer is: It relaxes the cardiac sphincter of the stomach

Progesterone plays a significant role during pregnancy, particularly in relation to gastrointestinal function. One of its effects is the relaxation of the smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract, including the cardiac sphincter of the stomach. This relaxation can lead to increased occurrences of gastroesophageal reflux, as the cardiac sphincter—responsible for preventing stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus—may not function as effectively. As for the other options, while progesterone does impact appetite and gastrointestinal motility, its primary and well-documented role in the context of this question focuses on its relaxing effects on the sphincters. Increased acidity is not a direct action of progesterone either; rather, it's often a consequence of the relaxation of the cardiac sphincter, which could allow stomach acid to rise, but progesterone does not inherently promote acidity. Understanding these interactions is key for midwives and healthcare professionals managing the physiological changes during pregnancy.