Davis Advantage Maternal-Newborn Practice Test Prep & Study Guide

During the third trimester of pregnancy, the body undergoes significant physiological changes, and certain findings are expected as part of this process. The presence of epistaxis, or nosebleeds, is a common occurrence in pregnant women, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy. This can be attributed to increased blood volume and changes in the mucous membranes due to hormonal influences, which can make them more vascular and prone to bleeding.

In many cases, the increase in blood supply during pregnancy can lead to engorgement of the nasal passages, resulting in a higher likelihood of experiencing nosebleeds. Therefore, the occurrence of epistaxis is considered a normal and generally benign finding during the third trimester.

In contrast, symptoms such as diplopia (double vision), bradycardia (slow heart rate), and oliguria (decreased urine output) are not typical findings in a healthy pregnancy and may indicate underlying concerns that would warrant further evaluation by a healthcare provider. Thus, the identification of epistaxis as a normal finding helps to underscore the expected physiological changes during this stage of pregnancy.