Signs of Pregnancy Flashcards

Study Notes

Presumptive Signs of Pregnancy

Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation, often an initial sign of pregnancy.
Nausea/Vomiting: Commonly referred to as morning sickness, it can occur at any time of day during pregnancy.
Breast Changes: Increased size and fullness, pronounced nipples indicate hormonal changes associated with pregnancy.
Urinary Frequency: Increased need to urinate due to hormonal changes and pressure on the bladder.
Quickening: The first noticeable fetal movements, typically felt around 16-25 weeks.
Fatigue: Increased tiredness can result from hormonal shifts and physiological changes.
Discoloration of Vaginal Mucosa: Noticeable color change in the vaginal area due to increased blood flow.

Probable Signs of Pregnancy

Uterine Enlargement: Observable increase in the size of the uterus as pregnancy progresses.
Hegar's Sign: Softening and thickening of the lower uterine segment, often noticeable in early pregnancy.
Goodell's Sign: Softening of the cervix starting in the second month, an early physical indication of pregnancy.
Chadwick's Sign: Bluish coloration of the cervix, vagina, and vulva, usually seen around 6 weeks.
Ballottement: Technique where the fetus rebounds against the examiner's fingers during an examination.
Braxton-Hicks Contractions: Irregular, mild contractions that may begin in the second or third trimester.
Positive Pregnancy Test: Detection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine or blood.

Positive Signs of Pregnancy

Fetal Heart Rate: Detectable via electronic or non-electronic devices, a definitive sign of pregnancy.
Active Fetal Movements: Movements that can be palpated by an examiner, indicating the presence of a fetus.
Fetal Outline via Ultrasound: Visual confirmation of the fetus through imaging, a definitive diagnostic tool.

Summary of Signs

Presumptive: Signs felt by the woman that suggest pregnancy but can also result from other conditions.
Probable: Signs that can be observed by a healthcare professional, offering higher reliability than presumptive signs but not definitive.
Positive: Definitive and conclusive indicators of pregnancy, objectively documented by healthcare providers.

Description

This quiz focuses on the presumptive, probable, and positive signs of pregnancy through flashcards. Each card presents a term related to early pregnancy symptoms, along with its classification. Ideal for students or anyone interested in learning about pregnancy indicators.