Signs of Pregnancy for Maternity Exams

Lecture by Sarah from RegisteredNurseRN.com

Overview

• Focus on identifying signs of pregnancy for maternity exams.
• Signs categorized into three categories: Presumptive, Probable, and Positive.
• Mnemonics provided to help remember each category.

Categories of Pregnancy Signs

1. Presumptive Signs

• Definition: Speculative or unconfirmed signs, subjective.
• Experienced and reported by the woman herself.
• Can be mistaken for other conditions, such as premenstrual symptoms (PMS).
• Mnemonic: PRESUME
  • P: Period absent (Amenorrhea)
  • R: Really tired (Fatigue)
  • E: Enlarged breasts
  • S: Sore breasts
  • U: Urination (Increased frequency)
  • M: Movement perceived (Quickening)
    • First-time mothers: ~20 weeks
    • Previous mothers: ~16 weeks
  • E: Emesis and nausea (Nausea and vomiting)

2. Probable Signs

• Definition: More likely indications of pregnancy, observable by healthcare professionals.
• Contains specific medical signs.
• Mnemonic: PROBABLE
  • P: Positive pregnancy test
  • R: Returning of the fetus (Ballotment)
  • O: Outline of the fetus upon palpation
  • B: Braxton Hicks contractions (Irregular, non-progressive contractions)
  • A: Softening of the cervix (Goodell's sign, ~6-8 weeks)
  • B: Bluish color of vulva, vagina, cervix (Chadwick's sign, ~4 weeks)
  • L: Lower uterine segment softens (Hegar's sign, ~6-12 weeks)
  • E: Enlarged uterus

3. Positive Signs

• Definition: Conclusive evidence of pregnancy, confirmed by fetus presence.
• Mnemonic: FETUS
  • F: Fetal movement felt by healthcare professional
  • E: Electronic devices detect fetal heart tones
  • T: Delivery of the baby (obvious confirmation)
  • U: Ultrasound detects the baby
  • S: Visible movement observed by healthcare professionals

Conclusion

• Review of signs of pregnancy for maternity exams.
• Access the free quiz available for testing understanding of the content.