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PPP NCM 107

There are 3 categories for signs of pregnancy - presumptive, probable, and positive. Presumptive signs are based on a woman's subjective report, like missed period or fatigue, and don't definitively indicate pregnancy. Probable signs can be observed by a nurse or doctor but have other potential causes, like a positive pregnancy test or enlarged uterus. Positive signs only occur due to the presence of a fetus, such as fetal heart sounds detected on Doppler or ultrasound imaging of the baby.

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72 views2 pages

PPP NCM 107

There are 3 categories for signs of pregnancy - presumptive, probable, and positive. Presumptive signs are based on a woman's subjective report, like missed period or fatigue, and don't definitively indicate pregnancy. Probable signs can be observed by a nurse or doctor but have other potential causes, like a positive pregnancy test or enlarged uterus. Positive signs only occur due to the presence of a fetus, such as fetal heart sounds detected on Doppler or ultrasound imaging of the baby.

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Anna Yepis
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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There are 3 different categories for the signs of pregnancy you need to know for exams.

The categories
are: Presumptive, Probable, and Positive

For exams, you will be given scenarios where you will have to distinguish presumptive, probable, and
positive pregnancy signs and symptoms from each other.

Lecture on Signs of Pregnancy: Presumptive, Probable, and Positive

Presumptive Signs of Pregnancy


Presumptive means speculation or unconfirmed.

These are signs of pregnancy the woman is experiencing that make her suspicious she may be pregnant.
Therefore, these signs are based on her report of them…so they’re subjective. They are not definite in
that they indicate a baby is growing in the uterus because other conditions could cause these
presumptive signs (PMS is very similar to these signs). However, the woman could presume she may be
pregnant.

“Presume”

Period absent (amenorrhea)

Really tired (fatigue)

Enlarged breast

Sore breast

Urination increased

Movement of the fetus in uterus…woman perceives fluttering sensation in her lower abdomen…this is
referred to as “quickening”

 Quickening can occur at 16 weeks for 2nd time moms and around 20 weeks for 1st time moms

Emesis and nausea

Probable Signs of Pregnancy


Probable means likely to be the reason…probably…very likely.

These are pregnancy signs that the nurse or doctor can observe and document. However, these signs do
NOT mean 100% that a baby is growing in the uterus. It can be due to other causes.

“Probable”

Positive pregnancy test

Returning of the fetus (ex: bouncing back of the fetus) against the fingers when the uterus is pushed
during palpation. This is termed as “external ballottement”.

Outline of fetus can be palpated


Braxton Hicks Contractions: false labor contractions that are not regular and won’t result in cervical
dilation

A softening of the cervix “Goodell’s Sign” ….happens around the 6-8th week of gestation

Bluish color to the vulva, cervix, and vagina due to increased blood flow….happens around 4 weeks
gestation “Chadwick’s Sign”

Lower uterine segment (LUS) becomes soft “Hegar’s Sign”…happens around 6-12 week of gestation

Enlarged uterus

Positive Signs of Pregnancy


Positive means conclusive, definite, or absolute.

These signs are present because they can only be attributed to a FETUS. There is no other cause. The
woman is definitely pregnant. The signs will deal with the baby being the evidence itself.

“FETUS”

Fetal movements felt by doctor or nurse

Electronic device detects fetal heart sounds (Doppler)

The delivery of the baby

Ultrasound detects the fetus

See visible movement of the baby by the doctor or nurse

References:

Knowing if you are pregnant | womenshealth.gov. Retrieved 6 February 2020, from


https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/you-get-pregnant/knowing-if-you-are-pregnant

What are some common signs of pregnancy?. Retrieved 6 February 2020, from
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pregnancy/conditioninfo/signs

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