Which of the following is classified as a probable sign of pregnancy? 

A. Hegar's sign 

B. Goodell's sign 

C. Braxton Hicks contractions 

D. Seitz sign

1. A

   A. A and B only

2. B

   B. A, B and C only

3. C

   C. B, C and D only

4. D

   D. A, B, C and D

Appeared in: INI-CET EXAM -2026

Explanation

• Probable signs of pregnancy are objective findings detected by a healthcare provider that strongly suggest pregnancy but are not 100% conclusive.
• Hegar's sign (softening of the lower uterine segment), Goodell's sign (softening of the cervix), and Braxton Hicks contractions (irregular, painless uterine contractions) are all classic examples of probable signs.
• These signs are observable upon physical examination by a clinician.
• Since signs A, B, and C all fit the definition of probable signs, the option including only these three is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: This option is incomplete. While Hegar's sign (A) and Goodell's sign (B) are probable signs, this choice incorrectly omits Braxton Hicks contractions (C), which are also classified as a probable sign of pregnancy.
• Option C: This option is incorrect because it omits Hegar's sign (A), a key probable sign, and incorrectly includes Seitz sign (D), which is not a standard or reliable probable sign of pregnancy.
• Option D: This option is incorrect because it includes Seitz sign (D). Seitz sign is not considered a standard probable sign of pregnancy, making this combination inaccurate.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of signs of pregnancy (Presumptive, Probable, Positive) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• Nurses must accurately differentiate between presumptive, probable, and positive signs to provide appropriate patient education and counseling. It prevents giving false confirmation or reassurance of pregnancy based on non-definitive signs.
• Understanding these signs is crucial for accurate initial assessment during antenatal care and for guiding further diagnostic tests like ultrasound.
• What if? If the question had asked for a positive sign of pregnancy, none of the options A, B, or C would be correct. The answer would have to be something like 'fetal heart tones heard with a Doppler' or 'visualization of the fetus on ultrasound', as these are the only 100% certain indicators of pregnancy.

How to Approach the Question

• First, understand that the question asks you to identify which of the listed signs (A, B, C, D) are classified as 'probable' signs of pregnancy.
• Recall the three categories of pregnancy signs: Presumptive (subjective changes felt by the woman), Probable (objective changes observed by an examiner), and Positive (conclusive proof of a fetus).
• Evaluate each sign individually against the definition of a probable sign:
• A. Hegar's sign (softening of the lower uterus) is an objective change found on examination. It is a probable sign.
• B. Goodell's sign (softening of the cervix) is also an objective change found on examination. It is a probable sign.
• C. Braxton Hicks contractions can be palpated by an examiner. They are a probable sign.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Classification of signs of pregnancy (Presumptive, Probable, Positive)
• Stem keywords: probable sign, pregnancy, Hegar's sign, Goodell's sign, Braxton Hicks contractions
• Lead-in keywords: Which of the following
• Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QHTXYeYtpIZXJF0BZBry5B

Copy ID

Reference Book

E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur pp. 7-12, 6-11