Classification
- Signs of Pregnancy
- Presumptive Signs
- Probable Signs
- Positive Signs
1. Presumptive Signs
Symptoms experienced by the woman.
- Amenorrhea
- Morning sickness
- Breast changes
- Quickening
- Frequency of micturition
2. Probable Signs
Signs detected by examiner.
- Enlargement of uterus
- Hegar's sign
- Goodell's sign
- Chadwick's sign
- Braxton Hicks contractions
- Positive pregnancy test
3. Positive Signs of Pregnancy
These establish the presence of a living fetus.
Fetal Heart Sounds
- Heard by stethoscope/Doppler.
- Usually detectable from mid-pregnancy.
Fetal Movements Felt by Examiner
- Active fetal movements palpated by examiner.
Demonstration of Fetus by Imaging
- Ultrasonography (USG): visualization of fetus.
- X-Ray (historical): demonstration of fetal skeleton in advanced pregnancy.
High Yield
Positive signs (the three that establish a living fetus):
Fetal heart sounds + fetal movements felt by examiner + demonstration of fetus by USG.