It can't be the uterus size if you are less then 4 weeks... is it the softness of the cervix?
and no, I am not asking if I am pregnant.. I am 22 weeks... I am just curious as i know in the past doctors checked for pregnancy by looking inside, even in the first month
2007-02-14 08:09:22 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
When a woman becomes pregnant, her cervix closes completely and it becomes a purplish color. This is called Chadwick's sign. It is caused by the increase in blood flow to the pelvic floor. Great question though!!! BTW, congrats!!!
2007-02-14 08:16:59 · answer #1 · answered by Crystal 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Doctors can not tell by an internal exam if a woman is pregnant early in pregnancy. The only way to tell with an internal exam is when the uterus has begun to grow. The cervix should not be soft early in pregnancy either . This does not happen until closer to delivery time.
2007-02-14 16:13:25 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Often they can tell by Chadwick's sign. When a woman gets pregnant the blood flow is greatly increased to the vagina and it gives the labia, vagina, and cervix a blueish tint.
Also, some of the others said the cervix closes and the mucus plug forms--the cervix is closed all the time, not just when pregnant. It only opens slightly for ovulation, menstruation, and of course, it dilates a lot for childbirth. The mucus plug is just a glob of mucus which again is present all the time other than menstruation and childbirth and it thins during ovulation.
2007-02-14 16:13:29 · answer #3 · answered by jilldaniel_wv 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
In the old days, pregnancy often wasn't confirmed or "diagnosed" until there were two missed periods. Accurate pregnancy tests were introduced only in this century. So in the past, people didn't know they were pregnant until quite a bit later. While an enlarged uterus may be a sign, as you point out, this would only be a bit later. As well, I don't think internal exams were standard practice until relatively recently.
2007-02-14 16:44:34 · answer #4 · answered by sparklish 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, the cervix changes colour and becomes darker due to the extra blood flow. It might also have traces of blood around it ( I had a smear test result like that once and the first thing the doc asked was 'could you be pregnant?' )
2007-02-14 16:14:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They can look for certain signs of pregnancy, but they can't tell for sure. In the past, you had to wait until the baby moved to really know you were pregnant, I can't imagine how they lived with the suspense..
2007-02-14 16:22:36 · answer #6 · answered by growing inside 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the extra blood flow causes your cervix and inside your vagina to go a purple/blue color. So.. they look for that.
2007-02-14 16:12:50 · answer #7 · answered by Mrs. Always Right 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
ur uterus swells a very tiny little bit (all of 4mm apparently) so maybe they looked 4 dat. intresting question tho...
oh n congrats on being 22 weeks! exciting innit?!!
2007-02-14 19:09:18 · answer #8 · answered by evilbunnyhahaha 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the cervix itself closes up with what is called the "mucus plug" it is about as gross as it sounds. usually your cervix is open and a pinkish color.
2007-02-14 16:13:11 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your cervix closes when you're pregnant.
2007-02-14 16:13:23 · answer #10 · answered by cldb730 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋