Which finding is considered normal in pregnancy?

During pregnancy, various physiological changes occur to accommodate the developing fetus. One of these changes is the widening of the symphysis pubis, which is a normal adaptation to prepare the pelvis for childbirth. As the pregnancy progresses, the body produces the hormone relaxin, which helps to loosen the ligaments in the pelvis and increases the mobility of the symphysis pubis. This adaptation allows for an increased pelvic diameter and facilitates a smoother delivery process.

In contrast, other options present various alterations that occur during pregnancy but are not considered normal or beneficial. For example, increased residual lung volume generally does not happen; instead, there is typically an overall reduction in lung capacity due to diaphragm elevation. In pregnancy, plasma volume actually increases significantly, which helps accommodate the demands of the fetus and support the increased blood supply. While total red blood cell mass does increase, it is at a lesser rate than the plasma increase, resulting in hemodilution; therefore, it is not accurate to say that total RBC mass decreases. Thus, the widening of the symphysis pubis is a normal and expected finding during pregnancy, helping prepare the body for labor.