For nursing maternity exams, you want to be familiar with the early signs of pregnancy. This review will cover Chadwick’s Sign.
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What is Chadwick’s Sign?
It’s named after an American gynecologist named Dr. James Chadwick. Chadwick’s sign is an early probable sign of pregnancy characterized by a bluish-purple discoloration of the cervix, vagina, or vulva.
When does it occur?
- Typically 6–8 weeks of pregnancy
Why does it happen? (Cause)
- Increased estrogen = increased blood flow (vascular congestion) to pelvic organs
- This causes a bluish/purplish color change
Pregnancy Sign Type:
- Probable sign of pregnancy
- Suggests pregnancy but is NOT definitive
How is pregnancy confirmed? (Definitive signs)
- Positive hCG test (urine or blood)
- Ultrasound visualization of fetus
- Detection of fetal heartbeat
Memory Trick:
- Chadwick = Color change
- “Chad thinks blue is rad” → blue/purple discoloration
NCLEX Key Points:
- 6–8 weeks early pregnancy sign
- Blue/purple cervix, vagina, vulva
- Due to increased blood flow
- Probable (not diagnostic) sign of pregnancy
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