Increased pulsation is felt through the lateral fornix at 8th week is called

KGMU 2024

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Easy

Appeared in: KGMU 2024

Explanation

Osiander's sign is defined as the perception of an increased pulsation through the lateral vaginal fornices during a bimanual examination.
This sign is typically detectable from the 8th week of pregnancy onwards.
The pulsation is caused by the significant increase in blood flow through the uterine artery to supply the growing uterus.
It is considered a probable sign of pregnancy, as other conditions like pelvic inflammation could potentially cause a similar finding, although it is highly indicative of pregnancy.

Option B: Chadwick's sign is a change in color (bluish/purplish hue) of the vaginal mucosa and cervix, not a palpable pulsation. It is caused by venous congestion.
Option C: Goodell's sign refers to a change in the consistency of the cervix (softening), not a pulsation. A non-pregnant cervix is firm, while a pregnant one becomes soft.
Option D: Piskacek's sign is a change in the shape of the uterus (asymmetrical enlargement), not a pulsation. It feels like a bulge on one side of the uterus.

Visual 1: Anatomical Diagram - An illustration showing a sagittal view of the female pelvis. Arrows can point to the lateral fornices on either side of the cervix, indicating the location where Osiander's sign is palpated.
Visual 2: Infographic - A chart comparing the different probable signs of pregnancy (Osiander's, Chadwick's, Goodell's, Hegar's) with their description, underlying physiological cause, and the typical week of gestation they appear.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Probable signs of pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing the probable signs of pregnancy is a fundamental skill in antenatal care. It helps in early diagnosis and initiation of appropriate care and counseling.
These signs, when found together, increase the likelihood of pregnancy, prompting further confirmatory tests like ultrasound or hCG testing.
What if? - If the finding was a bluish discoloration of the cervix instead of a pulsation, the correct answer would be Chadwick's sign. This highlights the importance of distinguishing between different types of physical changes (pulsation, color, consistency, shape) during the pelvic examination.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests knowledge of specific obstetric terminology.
First, carefully read the question to identify the key clinical finding: 'Increased pulsation felt through the lateral fornix at 8th week'.
Next, systematically review the options provided, which are all named signs of early pregnancy.
Recall the definition of each sign. Osiander's sign is pulsation, Chadwick's sign is color change, Goodell's sign is softening, and Piskacek's sign is asymmetrical shape.
Match the clinical finding in the question stem ('increased pulsation') with its corresponding term.
Select the option that correctly names the described sign.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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