MCHN: Signs of Pregnancy

Signs of Pregnancy:

Presumptive Signs

·    Amenorrhea – absence of menses

·    Nausea and Vomiting

·    Increased breast sensitivity and breast changes

·    Increased pigmentation

·    Constipation

·    Frequent urination

·    Quickening

·    Abdominal enlargement

Probable Signs

·    Uterine enlargement

·    Hegar’s Sign

·    Goodell’s Sign

·    Chadwick’s Sign

·    Ballottement

·    Braxton Hick’s contraction

·    Positive Pregnancy Test

Positive Signs

·    Fetal Heart Tone

·    X-ray or Ultrasound of fetus

·    Palpable fetal movements

Discomforts of Pregnancy

Changes	Reason	Health Teachings
Nausea and Vomiting	Increased HCG	·    Dry crackers 30 min. before arising ·    Small, frequent, low fat meals ·    Liquids bet. meals ·    Avoid anti-emetics.
Heartburn	Increased progesterone which dec. gastric motility causing esophageal reflux.	·    Pats of butter before meals ·    Avoid fried , fatty foods ·    Sips of milk at frequent intervals. ·    Small, frequent meals taken slowly. ·    Bends at the knees, not at the waist ·    Take antacids
Constipation	Due to displacement of the stomach and intestines; iron supplements	·    Increased fluids and roughage in the diet. ·    Regular elimination time. ·    Increase exercise ·    Avoid enemas, harsh laxatives and mineral oil.
Hemorrhoids	Pressure of growing fetus, Increase venous pressure	·    Warm sitz bathing ·    High fiber diet and increase fluid. ·    Sit on soft pillow
Urinary Frequency	Increase blood supply to the kidney/ Pressure of enlarged uterus in the 3rd Tri	·    Sleep on the side at night. ·    Limit fluid intake during evening ·    Bladder training
Backache	From exaggerated lumbo-sacral curving during pregnancy.	·    Back exercise (pelvic rock) ·    Wear low-heeled shoes. ·    Avoid heavy lifting
Leg Cramps	Increase pressure of gravid fetus, low calcium	·    Frequent rest with feet elevated ·    Regular exercise like walking ·    Increase milk intake
Ankle Edema	From venous stasis	·    Elevate legs at least twice a day. ·    Sleep on left side
Varicose Veins	From faulty valves or weakened vessel walls	·    Elevate feet when sitting. ·    Use support hose ·    Apply elastic bandage ·    Avoid use of constricting garters
Shortness of breath	From pressure on diaphragm	·    Sleep with feet elevated or on ·    regularly.
Nasal stuffiness and epistaxis	Elevated Estrogen levels	·    Direct pressure to the nasal area ·    Avoid blowing of nose.
Fatigue	Due to hormonal changes	·    Get regular exercise ·    Sleep as much as needed. ·    Avoid stimulants.
Breast Tenderness	Increase estrogen and progesterone level	·    Wear well fitted bra ·    Warm compress
Increased Vaginal discharges	Due to hyperplasia of mucosa and increase mucus production	·    Consult physician if infection is suspected ·    Wash carefully and keep it dry.