Anatomic Changes in Pregnancy that are important in Trauma: Which statement is true?

• A. The peritoneum maximally stretches.
• B. The abdominal contents shift downward to the pelvis.
• C. The diaphragm lowers by about 2 inches.
• D. The uterus becomes smaller.

Answer: (A)

In pregnancy, the uterus expands and pushes into the abdominal cavity, causing the peritoneal lining to stretch to accommodate the growing fetus. This stretching of the peritoneum is the reason the abdominal cavity can accommodate larger volumes and why trauma signs can be delayed as the space expands. The diaphragm is actually elevated, not lowered, as the uterus enlarges and pushes it upward. The abdominal contents are displaced upward toward the upper abdomen rather than downward into the pelvis, and the uterus certainly does not become smaller.