Page 121 - ترم ثاني كتاب تمريض صحة الام الكتروني

121

It means the use of sound waves above the range of human hearing hence the term

ultrasonic technique. By transvaginal sonography, the pregnancy sac appears as a white

ring at 4 weeks of pregnancy, the fetal pole at 5 weeks, and fetal heart movement at 6

weeks. Transabdominal ultrasound is less sensitive with about one week difference. Also

th
the fetal heart sounds can be heard after the 10 week by Doppler stethoscope (Doptone
or Sonicaid).

Diagnosis in the second trimester (13-28 weeks)

(I) Symptoms

1. Amenorrhea

2. Breast symptoms which become more marked.

3. Quickening: it is the first time at which the mother feels movements. In

multigravida, it usually occurs between the 16th and 18th week. In

primigravidae, it usually occurs between the 18th and 20th. This difference is

due to previous experience. The intestinal movements may be mistaken for fetal

movements.

4. Progressive abdominal enlargement.

➢ Morning sickness and frequency of micturition normally disappear after the 12th

week.

(II) Signs

1. Breast signs

2. Uterine signs:

− The uterus is felt abdominally as a soft or cystic swelling with a convex upper

border. It undergoes intermittent contractions which can be felt by abdominal

palpation (Braxton Hicks contractions).

Table of Content