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What Is Chadwick's Sign?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Chadwick’s sign is a physical indicator of pregnancy that can occur as early as the sixth week. It is a change in the color of the labia, vagina, and cervix as they start to fill with blood in response to changes in hormone levels. They start to turn purple or bluish, indicating that vascular congestion is occurring. There are more reliable methods for diagnosing pregnancy, but signs like this can interesting for pregnant patients and they were once very important when people didn’t have access to blood and urine testing.

This obstetrical sign may onset at various points, depending on the individual. Patients may notice some physical swelling associated with the engorgement as blood rushes to the area when the hormones begin to change. Discoloration can also appear in other areas of the body; for example, pregnant patients experience a distinctive dark line down the abdomen known as the linea nigra, and some patients may notice changes in facial color. The skin can change in texture as well as color.

Chadwick's sign refers to a change in the color of the labia, vagina, and cervix.
Chadwick's sign refers to a change in the color of the labia, vagina, and cervix.

A physical examination early in pregnancy may reveal Chadwick’s sign along with other indicators, like increased puffiness and tenderness in the nipples. As the pregnancy progresses, these indicators can become more pronounced and the patient may start to notice abdominal swelling as the developing fetus forces the uterus to expand. Pelvic pain and swelling in the legs can also occur as the pelvic region prepares for delivery and the circulation of the blood and lymph is disrupted.

Chadwick's sign is a symptom of pregnancy.
Chadwick's sign is a symptom of pregnancy.

Patients may notice Chadwick’s sign if they pay close attention to their genitals, as may be the case with people who have fertility problems and closely monitor cervical mucus and other indicators of ovulation. A doctor can also show the patient during a physical examination with the assistance of a mirror to help the patient see the internal color changes. Some patients like to chart the progress of various clinical signs of pregnancy and can ask if they want more information.

Increased puffiness and tenderness in the nipples, along with Chadwick's sign, can indicate pregnancy.
Increased puffiness and tenderness in the nipples, along with Chadwick's sign, can indicate pregnancy.

Indicators like Chadwick's sign were used by physicians for centuries in the early diagnosis of patients, as well as being passed down among women who wanted to be able to spot pregnancy early. The identification of indicators like Chadwick’s sign helped physicians more accurately identify early pregnancies so they could advise patients on how to proceed with prenatal care and preparations for delivery. Early diagnostic techniques were not always accurate and it was sometimes hard to pinpoint delivery dates. When researchers specifically identified hormones associated with pregnancy and developed tests for them, this became the preferred method for diagnosing pregnancy.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Certlerant

Since pregnancy symptoms, so to speak, and bodily changes vary from woman to woman and even pregnancy to pregnancy, it is always best to consult a doctor if you think you may be pregnant.

A doctor can do the appropriate tests to confirm whether you are pregnant, can give a fairly accurate conception and due date and can begin to monitor the fetus and the mother for abnormalities and pregnancy progression.

It is important to keep in mind that home pregnancy tests, although generally accurate, do give false positives at times.

Even with a positive home test and other symptoms, like a missed period and minor body changes, a doctor's visit is recommended.

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    • Chadwick's sign refers to a change in the color of the labia, vagina, and cervix.
      By: kocakayaali
      Chadwick's sign refers to a change in the color of the labia, vagina, and cervix.
    • Chadwick's sign is a symptom of pregnancy.
      By: Ioannis Pantzi
      Chadwick's sign is a symptom of pregnancy.
    • Increased puffiness and tenderness in the nipples, along with Chadwick's sign, can indicate pregnancy.
      By: Arto
      Increased puffiness and tenderness in the nipples, along with Chadwick's sign, can indicate pregnancy.
    • Pelvic pain during pregnancy may be related to Chadwick's sign.
      By: Ermolaev Alexandr
      Pelvic pain during pregnancy may be related to Chadwick's sign.
    • Identifying Chadwick's sign can help physicians advise patients on how to proceed with prenatal care.
      By: vgstudio
      Identifying Chadwick's sign can help physicians advise patients on how to proceed with prenatal care.