Which statement best describes musculoskeletal changes in pregnancy, particularly around the transition zone T8-T11?

Which statement best describes musculoskeletal changes in pregnancy, particularly around the transition zone T8-T11?

• A. Kyphosis at T1-T4
• B. Increased thoracic kyphosis only
• C. Worsened lumbar lordosis, especially T8-T11
• D. No significant musculoskeletal changes

Answer: (C)

During pregnancy the body shifts its center of gravity forward as the uterus enlarges. To keep balance, the spine adapts by increasing the curvature in the lower back (lumbar lordosis). That extra lordosis is particularly evident around the thoracolumbar transition, near T8–T11, where the spine must bend more to maintain upright posture. This makes lumbar lordosis the primary and most noticeable change, rather than a sole increase in thoracic kyphosis or no change at all. So describing the lumbar curve as worsened, especially near the T8–T11 area, best captures how the musculoskeletal system adapts in pregnancy.

During pregnancy the body shifts its center of gravity forward as the uterus enlarges. To keep balance, the spine adapts by increasing the curvature in the lower back (lumbar lordosis). That extra lordosis is particularly evident around the thoracolumbar transition, near T8–T11, where the spine must bend more to maintain upright posture. This makes lumbar lordosis the primary and most noticeable change, rather than a sole increase in thoracic kyphosis or no change at all. So describing the lumbar curve as worsened, especially near the T8–T11 area, best captures how the musculoskeletal system adapts in pregnancy.