Definition of Terms
Pregnancy – state of having a developing fetus in the womb
Gravida / Gravidity – number of pregnancies including the present pregnancy regardless of the outcome and duration
Gravid – pregnant woman
Parity / Para – total number of pregnancies that had reached the age of viability whether born dead or alive
Abortion – any pregnancy terminated before the age of viability; miscarriage
Age of Viability -
Primigravida – a woman who is pregnant for the first time
Primipara – first time completed pregnancy
Diagnosis of Pregnancy
Signs and symptoms are divided into 3:
- Presumptive Signs – subjective signs
- Probable signs – there could be objective signs
- Positive signs
* Diagnosis of pregnancy is based on pregnancy – related physical and hormonal changes and is classified as presumptive, probable or positive.
I. Presumptive Signs and Symptoms (Subjective)
- These changes may be noticed by mother / health care provider but are not conclusive for pregnancy
- Amenorrhea (cessation of menstruation)
- Nausea and vomiting (5-12 wks)
- Urinary frequency (6-12 wks)
- Fatigue
- Breast changes
- Weight change
- Skin changes
- Vaginal changes including leucorrhea ( white vaginal discharge present from day of pregnancy to day of delivery)
- Quickening – fetal movement
Maternal perception of fetal movement occurring between 16 – 20 weeks of gestation (if indeed pregnant)
- Chadwick sign (either probable or presumptive) – blue-purple discoloration of the vagina 8 – 12 weeks
- Pigmentation
Striae Gravidarum – stretch marks ;
- red / purple . pinkish streaks on the abdomen due to tearing of connective tissue
- will not disapper after pregnancy because they are ruptured connective tissues
Chloasma / Melasma – mask of pregnancy
- on cheecks and bridge of nose; looks like freckles; disappears when woman has delivered
Linea Nigra – straight line found on the abdomen, below navel down to pubis symphysis
II. Probable Signs – health professionals can now see signs and symptoms
- Uterine changes
• Chadwick’s sign
• Hegar’s sign – softening of the uterus
• Goodell’s sign – softening of the cervix
- Fetal Outline
- Pregnancy Test
• HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) – hormone produced by placenta; during fertilization, corpus luteum produce HCG. During implantation, the placenta produce HCG
