presumptive, probable or positive causes

Breast changes

A presumptive sign of pregnancy occurring at 3–4 weeks; can also be caused by premenstrual changes or oral contraceptives.

Amenorrhea

A presumptive sign of pregnancy occurring at 4 weeks; may also result from stress, vigorous exercise, early menopause, endocrine problems, or malnutrition.

Nausea and vomiting

Presumptive signs of pregnancy that occur between 4-14 weeks; can also result from gastrointestinal virus or food poisoning.

Urinary frequency

A presumptive sign of pregnancy occurring at 6-12 weeks; may also be due to an infection or pelvic tumors.

Fatigue

A presumptive sign of pregnancy at 12 weeks; can also be caused by stress or illness.

Quickening

A presumptive sign of pregnancy that happens between 16-20 weeks; can also occur due to gas or peristalsis.

Goodell sign

A probable sign of pregnancy observed at 5 weeks; may indicate pelvic congestion.

Chadwick sign

A probable sign of pregnancy occurring at 6-8 weeks; may also be a sign of pelvic congestion.

Hegar sign

A probable sign of pregnancy between 6-12 weeks; related to pelvic congestion.

Positive pregnancy test (serum)

A probable sign of pregnancy occurring between 4-12 weeks; can be falsely positive due to hydatidiform mole or choriocarcinoma.

Positive pregnancy test (urine)

A probable sign of pregnancy occurring between 6-12 weeks; false-positive results may arise from pelvic infection or tumors.

Braxton Hicks contractions

A probable sign of pregnancy occurring at 16 weeks; can also be caused by myomas or other tumors.

Ballottement

A probable sign of pregnancy that can occur between 16-28 weeks; may also be associated with tumors or cervical polyps.

Visualization of fetus by ultrasound examination

A positive sign of pregnancy that can be detected as early as 5-6 weeks and has no other causes.

Fetal heart tones detected by ultrasound

A positive sign of pregnancy observed at 6 weeks with no other possible causes.

Visualization of fetus by radiographic study

A positive sign of pregnancy detected at 16 weeks; no other causes exist.

Fetal heart tones detected by Doppler ultrasound stethoscope

A positive sign of pregnancy that can occur between 8-17 weeks; no other causes.

Fetal heart tones detected by fetal stethoscope

A positive sign of pregnancy occurring between 17-19 weeks with no other causes.

Fetal movements palpated by examiner

A positive sign of pregnancy that occurs between 19-22 weeks; no other causes present.

Fetal movements visible to examiner

A positive sign of pregnancy observed in late pregnancy; has no alternative causes.