What response should a nurse give to a client who reports having strange dreams about their baby during pregnancy?

The response that indicates "It's not uncommon to have baby-related dreams in the third trimester" appropriately reflects the nature of dreams that many pregnant women experience. During pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, hormonal changes, physical discomfort, and emotional shifts can significantly influence sleep patterns and dreams. Often, these dreams revolve around themes related to the baby due to the extensive mental and emotional focus that expectant parents place on their upcoming child.

Research has shown that many women report vivid and sometimes bizarre dreams about their babies, which can be a normal part of the pregnancy experience. Since this option normalizes the experience without instilling unnecessary fear or concern, it provides reassurance to the client that their experience is shared by many and does not indicate any underlying issues.

Furthermore, acknowledging that such dreams are common can foster a conducive environment for discussing other aspects of pregnancy and parenthood, which can help the client feel more at ease.