Signs of Pregnancy Flashcards

Presumptive Signs of Pregnancy

• Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation, often the first sign indicating possible pregnancy.
• Nausea/Vomiting: Common symptoms, often referred to as morning sickness, experienced due to hormonal changes.
• Breast Changes: Increased size and sensitivity in breasts, with pronounced nipples, indicating hormonal influences.
• Urinary Frequency: Increased need to urinate, caused by hormonal changes and growing uterus.
• Quickening: Fetal movements felt by the mother, typically around 16-25 weeks into the pregnancy.
• Fatigue: Heightened tiredness commonly experienced, often related to hormonal fluctuations and physical changes.
• Discoloration of Vaginal Mucosa: Increased blood flow can lead to a change in color of the vaginal mucosa early in pregnancy.

Probable Signs of Pregnancy

• Uterine Enlargement: Increase in size of the uterus detectable during a pelvic exam.
• Hegar's Sign: Softening of the lower uterine segment, noticed around 6-8 weeks, indicating increased blood flow and flexibility.
• Goodell's Sign: Softening of the cervix observable starting from the second month of pregnancy.
• Chadwick's Sign: Bluish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and vulva, typically observed at around 6 weeks due to increased blood circulation.
• Ballottement: Technique used by examiners to feel the fetus rebound against the fingers when the uterus is tapped.
• Braxton-Hicks Contractions: Irregular, practice contractions that can occur as early as the second trimester.
• Positive Pregnancy Test (HcG): Detection of human chorionic gonadotropin (HcG) hormone in urine or blood confirming potential pregnancy.

Positive Signs of Pregnancy

• Fetal Heart Rate: Detected through electronic or non-electronic devices, confirming the presence of the fetus.
• Active Fetal Movements: Movements of the fetus that are palpable by a healthcare provider, indicating a viable pregnancy.
• Ultrasound: Visualization of the outlines of the fetus via ultrasound technology, offering concrete evidence of pregnancy.

This set of flashcards covers the presumptive, probable, and positive signs of pregnancy. Each card presents a term related to pregnancy symptoms along with its classification. Test your knowledge on the signs that indicate pregnancy.