Lippincott Antepartal Care Practice Exam

What educational point should a nurse include about signs of pregnancy during the first trimester?

A client might feel connections to the fetus.

A client may start feeling movements.

A client is most likely to feel excitement and joy.

A client may experience uncertainty and ambivalence.

During the first trimester, many women experience a range of emotions as they adjust to the news of their pregnancy and the physical changes their bodies undergo. Feelings of uncertainty and ambivalence are common at this stage because the reality of pregnancy can lead to mixed emotions. This may include joy and excitement, but it can also bring about fear or anxiety regarding the changes and responsibilities that lie ahead. Therefore, acknowledging that a client may feel uncertain or ambivalent helps to normalize these feelings and provides an understanding that they are a typical part of the pregnancy experience.

While connections to the fetus and feelings of movement typically develop in later stages of pregnancy, and excitement and joy are common but not universal, the first trimester is particularly characterized by a complex emotional landscape where feelings of ambivalence may be more prominent. By highlighting this, the nurse can encourage open communication about these feelings and provide support to the client as she navigates this important transition.