Symptoms of pregnancy

Definition of Pregnancy This refers to the condition of having a developing embryo or fetus within the body; the state from conception to delivery of the fetus. Medically, it is defined as the union of male and female gametes to zygote which would further undergoes serial cell divisions and be transferred to uterus for implantation and further growth and development. It’s otherwise called conception, gestation or fertilization, The normal duration is 280days (40 weeks or 9 months and 7days) counted from the first day of the last normal menstrual period. Diagnosis of Pregnancy Signs and symptoms of pregnancy are divided into three categories which are: Subjective (Presumptive changes) signs Presumptive signs of pregnancy are symptoms the woman experiences and reports. They can be caused by other conditions, so they cannot be considered  as true proof of pregnancy. They include: 6. Quickening: Qickening simply means the mother’s perception of fetal movement. It occurs about 18-20 weeks after the last menstrual period (LMP) in primiparous (a woman in her first pregnancy) and as early as 16weeks in a woman that has been pregnant before (multipara). For the sake of examination and quick remembrance, the subjective signs of pregnancy can be summarized by this acronym, “ANC-QUE”:  A: Amenorrhea N: Nausea and vomiting C: Changes in breasts Q: Quickening U: Urinary frequency E: Excessive Fatigue Objective (probable) signs of pregnancy These are non-sensitive indications of conception. They  involve changes in the pelvic organs due to increased vascular congestion. They include: Goodell’s signs: softening of the cervix occurring at about six to eight weeks of gestation.  Chadwick sign: Bluish, purple or deep red discoloration of the mucous membrane of the cervix vagina and vulva. Hegar’s sign:  flexing the body of the uterus against the cervix (i.e. softening of the cervix and the uterine isthmus, occurring at six to 12 weeks of gestation. McDonald’s sign: This is an ease in flexing the body of the uterus against the cervix. Alternative causes are vascular congestion and  oral contraceptives Enlargement of the abdomen   If it is continuous and accompanied by amenorrhea during the child bearing years, pregnancy might not be the cause. Obesity, ascites, pelvic tumors are alternative causes Braxton Hicks Contractions This is common after the 28 weeks of gestation. Towards term, it may become uncomfortable and is known as false labor. These Braxton Hicks contractions are nature’s way of stimulating or training the uterus for the essential functions it would perform during the time of delivery or labour. Uterine Souffle: It’s heard during auscultation on the abdomen. It is a soft blowing sound that occurs at the same rate as the maternal purse caused by the increased uterine blood flow and blood pulsating through the placenta. Alternative causes are large uterine myomas, large ovarian tumors. Changes in pigmentation of the skin These changes include: Foetal outline: Ballottement: It is the passive fetal movement elicited when the examiner inserts two gloved fingers into the vagina and pushes against the cervix. This action pushes the fetal body up and as it falls back, the examiner feels a rebound. Alternative causes are uterine tumors, polyps, ascites and others. Pregnancy Tests: This detects the presence of HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in the maternal blood or urine. Alternative causes are choriocarcinoma, menopause, and hydatidiform mole. Diagnostic (positive) signs of pregnancy:  Diagnostic  signs are completely objective and cannot be confused with a pathologic state. They offer conclusive proof of pregnancy. The positive or confirmatory signs of pregnancy which  the midwife can trust are: This can be detected with an electronic Doppler device as early as weeks 10 to 12th gestation. This is palpable by a trained examiner or midwife after about the 20-22th week. The gestational sac can be observed by 4-6 weeks gestation with aid of ultrasound scan and other imaging techniques that are not detrimental to pregnancy. Fetal parts and movements can be seen as early as 8weeks. Gestational sacs can be detected as early as 10days.  The skillful and experienced midwife can palpate fetal parts during abdominal examination.  Conclusion In summary, if you notice any of these signs and symptoms related to pregnancy, it is good that you see your doctor prompt ly. This is early antenatal booking helps to save both mother and baby from complications of pregnancy.   If you have questions, feel free to reach me. Thanks for reading.