Infrequent, irregular, and painless contractions felt on abdominal palpation during pregnancy are termed as?

Appeared in: IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance-2019

Explanation

Braxton Hicks contractions are characterized as infrequent, irregular, and typically painless uterine tightenings.
They are a normal part of pregnancy, often starting in the second trimester, and are the body's way of preparing for true labor.
These contractions are also known as 'false labor' because they do not lead to cervical dilation or effacement, which is the key differentiator from true labor.

Option B: Quickening refers to the maternal perception of fetal movement, not uterine contractions. It is a subjective sensation felt by the mother.
Option C: Osiander sign is a vascular sign of pregnancy, specifically an increased pulsation felt in the lateral vaginal fornices due to increased blood flow. It is not a contraction.
Option D: This option is incorrect because a correct term for the described phenomenon exists among the choices.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Signs of Pregnancy and Labor as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A key nursing role is to educate pregnant women about the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and true labor to reduce anxiety and prevent unnecessary hospital visits.
Nurses should advise patients experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions to try changing positions, walking, resting, or hydrating, as these measures often provide relief.
It is crucial to instruct the patient on when to contact their healthcare provider: if contractions become regular (e.g., every 5 minutes for an hour), increase in intensity, or are accompanied by vaginal bleeding, a gush of fluid (rupture of membranes), or decreased fetal movement.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of pregnancy-related terminology.
Read the question stem carefully, identifying the key descriptors: 'infrequent,' 'irregular,' and 'painless contractions.'
Evaluate each option against this description.
Recall the definition of Braxton Hicks contractions as irregular, non-progressive uterine tightenings.
Recall the definition of Quickening as the first perception of fetal movement.
Recall the definition of Osiander sign as a vascular sign (pulsation).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Signs of Pregnancy and Labor
Stem keywords: infrequent, irregular, painless contractions, abdominal palpation, pregnancy
Lead-in keywords: termed as
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 36-56

E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 3 p. 66-68

E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 7-12

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