CU 5B - Physiological Signs of Pregnancy

Presumptive Signs of Pregnancy

Subjective signs experienced by the woman that cannot be documented by an examiner.

Amenorrhea

Absence of menstruation, often a presumptive sign of pregnancy.

Chadwick’s Sign

Color change of the vagina from light pink to deep violet, indicating pregnancy.

Hegar’s Sign

Softening of the lower uterine segment, a probable sign of pregnancy.

Quickening

Fetal movement felt by the woman, typically around 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Striae Gravidarum

Pink or reddish streaks that form on the abdominal wall during pregnancy.

HCG

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, a hormone that indicates pregnancy and supports early embryonic development.

Melasma

Darkened or reddened areas on the face, commonly referred to as 'the mask of pregnancy.'

Ballottement

A technique used to feel the fetus bounce against the examining hand during a pelvic exam.

Prolactin

A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that helps prepare the breasts for lactation.

Physiologic Changes of Pregnancy

Changes occurring during pregnancy that can be local or systemic, affecting various body systems.

Linea Nigra

A dark vertical line that appears on the stomach during pregnancy.

Breast Changes

Changes such as tenderness, fullness, and darkening of areola due to increased estrogen levels during pregnancy.

Palmar Erythema

Redness and itchiness of the hands, often as a response to high estrogen levels during pregnancy.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that persists, requiring medical intervention.

Supine Hypotension Syndrome

Condition in which lying supine causes obstructed blood flow from the lower body, leading to lightheadedness and faintness.

Cervical Changes

Increased vascularity and softening of the cervix during pregnancy, important for labor preparation.

Gestational Diabetes

A form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, often caused by insulin resistance due to hormonal changes.

Cardiac Output

The amount of blood the heart pumps in a minute, which increases by 25% to 50% during pregnancy.

Urinary Frequency

Increased urge to void more often than usual, especially noticeable in the first and last trimesters of pregnancy.

Leg Cramps

Pain caused by muscle spasms in the legs, often experienced during pregnancy due to pressure on lower extremities.

Colostrum

A thin, watery, high-protein fluid secreted from the breasts during the later stages of pregnancy.