Question

Arrange the following signs and symptoms, in increasing order of their appearance in pregnancy, starting from first to last

• A. [(A)] \textbf{Quickening}
• B. [(B)] \textbf{Palmer’s sign}
• C. [(C)] \textbf{Hegar’s sign}
• D. [(D)] \textbf{Lightening} \textbf{Choose the correct answer from the options given below :}

Hint:

\textbf{Obstetrics: Signs of Pregnancy.} Understanding the timing of different signs and symptoms of pregnancy is important for diagnosis and monitoring the progress of gestation. These signs can be presumptive, probable, or positive. Palmer's and Hegar's signs are probable signs, quickening is a presumptive sign that can become probable with consistent reporting, and lightening is a later sign indicating fetal descent.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Arranging the given signs and symptoms in the increasing order of their appearance in pregnancy: \begin{itemize} \item Palmer’s sign (B): This refers to regular painless uterine contractions felt by the examiner on bimanual examination and typically occurs between 4 and 8 weeks of gestation. \item Hegar’s sign (C): This is a softening of the lower uterine segment (isthmus) that can be detected on bimanual examination, usually occurring around 6 to 12 weeks of gestation. \item Quickening (A): This is the first perception of fetal movement by the mother, typically felt between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation (earlier in multiparous women). \item Lightening (D): This is the sensation that the fetus has "dropped" lower into the pelvis, relieving pressure on the diaphragm and stomach. It usually occurs a few weeks before labor in primigravid women (around 36-38 weeks) and may not occur until labor begins in multiparous women. \end{itemize} Therefore, the correct order of appearance, from first to last, is Palmer’s sign (B), Hegar’s sign (C), Quickening (A), and Lightening (D).