Jacquemier's sign in early pregnancy is also known as:

Appeared in: BTSC 3 August 2025

Explanation

Jacquemier's sign and Chadwick's sign are synonymous terms used in obstetrics.
Both signs describe the characteristic violet-blue or purplish discoloration of the vaginal mucosa, cervix, and vulva.
This is a probable sign of pregnancy caused by increased vascularity (venous congestion) in the pelvic organs and is typically observed around the 8th week of gestation.

Option A: Osiander's sign is a palpable sign, not a visual one. It refers to the increased pulsation of the uterine artery felt in the lateral vaginal fornices.
Option B: Hegar's sign involves the softening and compressibility of the lower uterine segment (isthmus), a change in uterine consistency, not a color change in the vaginal mucosa.
Option D: Goodell's sign is the softening of the cervix itself. The cervix changes from a firm, non-pregnant state to a soft, compressible state.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Synonyms and definitions of probable signs of early pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing the probable signs of pregnancy, such as Chadwick's sign, is a fundamental skill for nurses in antenatal care to aid in the early diagnosis of pregnancy.
Differentiating between the various signs (e.g., a color change like Chadwick's vs. a textural change like Goodell's or Hegar's) is crucial for accurate assessment and documentation.
These signs, while not definitive proof of pregnancy, are strong indicators that prompt further confirmatory testing, such as ultrasound or hCG measurement.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question stem: "Jacquemier's sign".
Recognize that the question is asking for a synonym ("also known as"), which makes this a factual recall question based on medical terminology.
Systematically review the options provided, recalling the definition of each sign of pregnancy.
Option A, Osiander's sign, is pulsation. Option B, Hegar's sign, is softening of the uterine isthmus. Option D, Goodell's sign, is softening of the cervix.
Recall that both Jacquemier's sign and Chadwick's sign refer to the bluish discoloration of the vagina and cervix.
Therefore, select Chadwick's sign as the correct synonym.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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

Practise the full BTSC 3 August 2025

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