presumptive, probable or positive causes

Signs of Pregnancy Time of Occurrence (Gestational Age) Sign Other Possible Cause

Presumptive

3–4 weeks Breast changes Premenstrual changes, oral contraceptives

4 weeks Amenorrhea Stress, vigorous exercise, early menopause, endocrine problems, malnutrition

4–14 weeks Nausea, vomiting Gastrointestinal virus, food poisoning

6–12 weeks Urinary frequency Infection, pelvic tumors

12 weeks Fatigue Stress, illness

16–20 weeks Quickening Gas, peristalsis

Probable

5 weeks Goodell sign Pelvic congestion

6–8 weeks Chadwick sign Pelvic congestion

6–12 weeks Hegar sign Pelvic congestion

4–12 weeks Positive pregnancy test (serum) Hydatidiform mole, choriocarcinoma

6–12 weeks Positive pregnancy test (urine) False-positive result may be caused by pelvic infection, tumors

16 weeks Braxton Hicks contractions Myomas, other tumors

16–28 weeks Ballottement Tumors, cervical polyps

Positive

5–6 weeks Visualization of fetus by real-time ultrasound examination No other causes

6 weeks Fetal heart tones detected by ultrasound No other causes

16 weeks Visualization of fetus by radiographic study No other causes

8–17 weeks Fetal heart tones detected by Doppler ultrasound stethoscope No other causes

17–19 weeks Fetal heart tones detected by fetal stethoscope No other causes

19–22 weeks Fetal movements palpated by examiner No other causes

Late pregnancy Fetal movements visible to examiner No other causes