LIGHTENING: - ANSWER Term used to describe the descent of the
fetus into the true pelvis which occurs approximately 2 weeks before
term in first-time pregnancies
CHADWICK'S SIGN: - ANSWER Bluish-purple colouration of the
vagina and cervix evident in the first trimester of pregnancy
GOODELL'S SIGN: - ANSWER Softening of the cervix in the first
trimester of pregnancy
HEGAR'S SIGN: - ANSWER Softening of the lower uterine segment
(isthmus) in the first trimester of pregnancy
HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM: - ANSWER Vomiting during
pregnancy that is so severe it leads to dehydration, electrolyte and acid-
base imbalance, and starvation ketosis
BIOPHYSICAL PROFILE: - ANSWER An antenatal assessment of fetal
well-being that combines Non- Stress Test (NST) results with multiple
physiologic parameters observed with real-time ultrasound; the BPP
includes the assessment of five parameters: fetal breathing movement,
gross body movement, fetal tone, amniotic fluid volume, and fetal heart
rate reactivity
HEMORROIDS/VARICOSITIES: - ANSWER Pregnancy causes
changes to the blood volume and hormone levels. The increased flow of
blood and the relaxation of the muscular walls of the blood vessels leads
to a more difficult return of blood from the lower body. They can appear
in the legs, vulva, or rectum. The varicose veins in that area that are a
result of these changes can be painful, itching, and unsightly. However,
heredity does play a part in this process. Here are some ideas to help.
fetus into the true pelvis which occurs approximately 2 weeks before
term in first-time pregnancies
CHADWICK'S SIGN: - ANSWER Bluish-purple colouration of the
vagina and cervix evident in the first trimester of pregnancy
GOODELL'S SIGN: - ANSWER Softening of the cervix in the first
trimester of pregnancy
HEGAR'S SIGN: - ANSWER Softening of the lower uterine segment
(isthmus) in the first trimester of pregnancy
HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM: - ANSWER Vomiting during
pregnancy that is so severe it leads to dehydration, electrolyte and acid-
base imbalance, and starvation ketosis
BIOPHYSICAL PROFILE: - ANSWER An antenatal assessment of fetal
well-being that combines Non- Stress Test (NST) results with multiple
physiologic parameters observed with real-time ultrasound; the BPP
includes the assessment of five parameters: fetal breathing movement,
gross body movement, fetal tone, amniotic fluid volume, and fetal heart
rate reactivity
HEMORROIDS/VARICOSITIES: - ANSWER Pregnancy causes
changes to the blood volume and hormone levels. The increased flow of
blood and the relaxation of the muscular walls of the blood vessels leads
to a more difficult return of blood from the lower body. They can appear
in the legs, vulva, or rectum. The varicose veins in that area that are a
result of these changes can be painful, itching, and unsightly. However,
heredity does play a part in this process. Here are some ideas to help.
