1. Presumptive Signs (Subjective):
These are signs and symptoms reported by the woman that suggest pregnancy but are not definite proof. They can be caused by other conditions as well.
- Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation)
- Nausea and vomiting (morning sickness)
- Breast changes (tenderness, enlargement)
- Fatigue
- Urinary frequency
- Quickening (feeling of fetal movement, usually around 18-20 weeks in first-time mothers)
- Pigmentation of the skin (such as chloasma or linea nigra)
2. Probable Signs (Objective):
These are signs observed by a healthcare provider that strongly suggest pregnancy but are not conclusive.
- Goodell’s sign (softening of the cervix)
- Chadwick’s sign (bluish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and vulva)
- Hegar’s sign (softening of the lower uterine segment)
- Positive pregnancy test (due to the detection of human chorionic gonadotropin or hCG in urine or blood)
- Braxton Hicks contractions (intermittent painless uterine contractions)
- Abdominal enlargement
- Ballottement (rebounding of the fetus when pushed by the examiner)
3. Positive Signs (Conclusive):
These are definitive signs of pregnancy that confirm the presence of a fetus.
- Fetal heartbeat (heard via Doppler ultrasound around 10-12 weeks)
- Fetal movement (felt by the examiner)
- Visualization of the fetus (through ultrasound)