Signs of pregnancy experienced by women are divided into three categories, namely uncertain/suspected signs, possible signs and definite signs of pregnancy.
Each category will be explained in this article. First, we will discuss uncertain/suspected signs of pregnancy. This sign can be a sign of pregnancy or be influenced by certain health conditions.
The following are signs that you are not sure you are pregnant, including:
- Amenorrhea. Amenorrhea is a condition in which a woman does not experience menstruation or periods. This condition occurs if a woman does not have menstruation for three consecutive cycles or more, or if she has not had menstruation by the age of 15. This condition is very common, and many assume pregnancy is indicated by the cessation of the menstrual cycle. However, for women who experience irregular cycles, it is difficult to consider this condition as a sign of pregnancy. Meanwhile, for those with regular menstrual cycles, it is important to determine the first and last day of menstruation so it can be recognized as a sign of pregnancy.
- Nausea and vomiting. Occurring in the first trimester of pregnancy, this condition is experienced in the morning or evening and is often referred to as morning sickness. However, some women think that the nausea they experience is caused by a health disorder. To distinguish it, nausea due to pregnancy often occurs in the morning or evening without a known cause.
- Frequent urination. In the first month of pregnancy, women experience a condition of more frequent urination. In the first month of pregnancy, the uterus enlarges and also presses on the bladder. Entering the second trimester, this condition will disappear on its own. It reappears in the late trimester of pregnancy.
- Changes in the breasts. Another uncertain sign of pregnancy is the enlargement of the breasts. Changes in the shape of the breasts are influenced by estrogen and progesterone that stimulate the alveoli of the breasts. This causes the Montgomery glands to appear larger.
- Striae and Skin Hyperpigmentation. Another suspected/uncertain sign of pregnancy is a change in skin color on the nose, cheeks, and also the forehead. Even the area of the areola mammae darkens, and the linea alba appears to change color to darker.
- Constipation. This condition is due to the decreased muscle tone caused by the influence of steroid hormones.
- Varicose veins. Although it often occurs in the late trimester of pregnancy, on the legs, calves, popliteal fossa, and external genital areas. In cases of multigravida, varicose veins are sometimes found in previous pregnancies, from the first to the third month of pregnancy.
Signs of Possible Pregnancy, including:
- Hegar’s Sign. The consistency of the uterus in pregnancy becomes soft, especially in the isthmus area. You can identify this sign by placing two fingers on the posterior fornix and another hand on the abdominal wall above the pubic symphysis. This will be noticeable as the corpus uteri feels separate from the cervix. From the 6th to the 8th week of pregnancy, a bimanual examination can reveal this Hegar’s sign.
- Piskacek’s Sign. Next is the sign of uneven enlargement of the uterus, which can appear prominent on the side of the enlarging uterus. This condition occurs when the uterus grows rapidly at its implantation site during pregnancy.
- Braxton Hicks Contractions. Related to early pregnancy signs, these typically start around the 20th week. At this stage, the amniotic fluid increases, rocking the compressed uterus so that the fetus will rebound within the uterus. This condition is known as ballottement.
- Chadwick’s Sign. This condition is marked by a color change. The color change occurs in the mucous membranes of the vulva and vagina, which turn increasingly purple.
- Positive Pregnancy Test Result. Pregnancy tests are very helpful in determining whether the physical and psychological signs you are experiencing are related to pregnancy or a health issue. Perform a pregnancy test using a test kit in the morning.
Meanwhile, to find out the exact signs of pregnancy, an examination must be carried out using medical assistance, an obstetrician or midwife.
The following are sure signs of pregnancy:
- Fetal Movement. Fetal movements in the uterus can be seen using ultrasound. Even an obstetrician or midwife can know the movements to determine a healthy pregnancy. Next, the fetus has begun to be felt. With further examination, the midwife or obstetrician can feel the fetus. You can even feel the parts of the fetus so you can identify the fetus according to the current gestational age.
- Fetal Heartbeat. Midwives or obstetricians can predict the fetal heartbeat using a Leanec stethoscope, Doppler device and also a cardiotocography device so they can directly listen to the fetal heartbeat. Even the fetal heartbeat can be seen using ultrasound. Even with more sophisticated examinations, you can also use X-rays to view the fetal skeleton.
Apart from that, the signs of pregnancy above can also be used as a differential diagnosis of pregnancy. Where pregnancy must be differentiated from a state of health or known disease based on signs of pregnancy that occur, for example as follows:
- False Pregnancy. This condition is often referred to as pseudocyesis or false pregnancy, where there is amenorrhea, the woman’s abdomen enlarges but the pregnancy signs experienced and the pregnancy test results are negative.
- Uterine Fibroids. This condition is characterized by an enlarging abdomen where palpation of the uterus feels firm and lumpy. It is identified by a negative pregnancy test and the absence of other pregnancy signs.
- Ovarian Cysts. Solid or fluid-filled sacs (cysts) in or on the surface of the ovaries.
- Ovarian cysts usually disappear within a few months, but can cause complications if they do not. Most ovarian cysts are asymptomatic. In some cases, symptoms may include irregular menstruation, pain during sexual intercourse, or irregular bowel movements. Many cysts will resolve on their own. If not, treatments may involve the use of birth control pills or surgery.
- Urinary Bladder with Urine Retention. The enlargement of the uterus itself, which then mimics pregnancy signs and also pregnancy reactions with a negative pregnancy test. This condition is due to an enlarging hematometra in the uterus caused by blood pressure from vaginal or cervical stenosis.
These are the signs of pregnancy you might recognize, definite signs, uncertain signs, or possible signs of pregnancy. Each woman may experience these signs differently; some may experience them all while others only a few, due to the varying physical conditions of women.
A series of health examinations can help you identify signs of pregnancy. You can use a pregnancy test kit or seek medical assistance such as ultrasound examinations, fetal heartbeat checks, and more. Consult with a doctor or midwife when you notice any changes or abnormal early pregnancy signs to detect any potential complications or development issues early.
