Diagnosis of Pregnancy

By lesley On September 29, 2007 · Leave a Comment

Symptoms of early pregnancy

Amenorrhoea

Nausea

ncreased frequency of micturation

Breast swelling/tenderness

Examination may reveal

Enlargement of uterus

Breast changes, increased nipple pigmentation and development of raised sebaceous glands called, Montgomeryâ€™s tubercles

Linea nigra on abdominal wall

Chloasma of face, the â€˜maskâ€™ of pregnancy â€“ pigmentation around the forehead and cheek

Confirmation of diagnosis

Presence of the beta subunit of hCG in the urine, this may be detected before the first missed period and rises rapidly in the first trimester

Ultrasound scanning for confirmation of viable fetus, multiple fetus and to check gestational age