During pregnancy bluish discolouration of vaginal mucosa is a sign of

Appeared in: UPPSC 2017

Explanation

Chadwick's sign is the specific term for the bluish or purplish discoloration of the vaginal mucosa, cervix, and vulva during early pregnancy.
This color change is a direct result of increased blood flow and venous congestion in the pelvic tissues, which is stimulated by rising estrogen levels.
It is considered a probable sign of pregnancy and typically becomes visible around the 6th to 8th week of gestation.

Option B: Goodell's sign refers to a change in the consistency (softening) of the cervix, not a change in its color.
Option C: Hegar's sign refers to the softening of the lower uterine segment (isthmus), which is a palpable finding on bimanual examination, not a visual color change.
Option D: This option is incorrect because Chadwick's sign is a well-established medical term that accurately describes the bluish discoloration of the vaginal mucosa in pregnancy.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Presumptive and Probable Signs of Pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing presumptive and probable signs of pregnancy, such as Chadwick's sign, is a fundamental assessment skill for nurses in obstetrics and gynecology.
While not definitive proof of pregnancy, the presence of these signs prompts further investigation, such as hCG testing and ultrasound, to confirm the diagnosis.
The appearance of Chadwick's sign, along with other signs like Goodell's and Hegar's, helps in estimating gestational age during the initial clinical examination.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key clinical finding described in the question stem, which is the 'bluish discolouration of vaginal mucosa' during pregnancy.
Next, recall the various named signs associated with early pregnancy.
Match the specific finding (a color change) to its corresponding medical term. Differentiate it from signs related to texture or consistency.
Chadwick's sign specifically refers to this bluish/purplish discoloration.
Goodell's sign refers to the softening of the cervix.
Hegar's sign refers to the softening of the lower uterine segment.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 39-58

E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 6-11

Practise the full UPPSC 2017

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.