As discussed earlier, you may feel certain changes in your body, which tell you that you are pregnant. You may have done a home test to find out. However, it is good to consult a doctor to be sure. This is how your doctor can help you.
Signs (What the Gynaecologist sees / feels) There various subtle changes in your body in pregnancy, which can be assessed before there are obvious physical changes.
General Examination
- Pulse rate goes up by 10 – 15 beats / minute
- Skin pigmentation increases. You may have a darker colored "butterfly" distribution rash on the face (chloasma).Using a sun protection cream may reduce the pigmentation
- Blood pressure tends to go low
Breasts
- Darker pigmentation of the areola (area around nipple) and of the nipples
- Congestion of breasts and dilated veins seen over the breast
Genital Tract
- Increased vaginal discharge (leucorrhoea) is common
- Dark, bluish discoloration of vagina and cervix due to congestion
- The cervix and uterus feel soft
- The uterus gradually starts increasing in size as pregnancy advances. However, it is difficult even for an experienced Gynaecologist, to definitely confirm pregnancy only by uterine size before 6 weeks from the last period. It is only after 3 months that the uterus can be felt on abdominal examination. Before that, an internal check-up is necessary