Occurrence of which event makes maternal breathing easier?

• A. Engorgement
• B. Backache
• C. Lightening
• D. Bloody show

Answer: (C)

Lightening occurs when the fetus settles into the pelvis and the presenting part engages. This descent frees space for the diaphragm to move, reducing diaphragmatic compression and allowing the lungs to expand more fully, which makes breathing easier for the mother, often a few weeks before labor. The other options don’t affect diaphragmatic space: engorgement is breast fullness and can be uncomfortable but doesn’t ease breathing; backache is common pregnancy pain not tied to respiratory mechanics; and bloody show indicates the start of labor, not relief of breathing.