Chadwick’s signa dark bluish or purplish discoloration of thevulva, vaginal tissue, orcervixis a common pregnancy symptom.
While a purple or blue labia may look concerning, Chadwick’s sign is a normal part of pregnancy.
This article discusses Chadwicks sign.
NoSystem images / Getty Images
It explains what it is, how it occurs, and what other conditions mimic Chadwick’s sign.
NoSystem images / Getty Images
What Is Chadwicks Sign?
Chadwick’s sign is a bluish or purplish discoloration of the vulva, vagina, and cervix.
This excess blood flow is triggered by an increase in estrogen levels during pregnancy.
It usually first appears about six to eight weeks after conception.
It typically subsides during the pregnancy or soon after delivery.
Does Chadwicks Sign Mean Youre Pregnant?
Chadwick’s sign is not a definitive indicator that a person is pregnant.
Tests will need to be done to confirm a pregnancy, often starting with an at-home pregnancy test.
What Are the Different Symptoms of Pregnancy?
There are several categories to describe signs of pregnancy, including presumptive, probable, and positive signs.
These signs are subjective, meaning they are reported by the patient.
These signs may seem like positive signs of pregnancy but can also be brought on by other causes.
Some medical conditions can mimic the symptoms of pregnancy, including Chadwicks sign.
If you notice any changes or discoloration to your vagina or vulva, tell your healthcare provider.
Chadwick’s sign can be because of conditions other than pregnancy and should be assessed.
Summary
Chadwick’s sign is an expected physical change related to pregnancy.
It pops up if blood flow to the pelvic area increases due to pregnancy hormones.
This causes the labia, vulva, vagina, or cervix to turn a bluish-purple color.
Chadwick’s sign was once considered an early indication of pregnancy and can appear about six weeks after conception.
Today, most people will have a positive pregnancy test before Chadwick’s sign or other pregnancy symptoms.
While common in pregnancy, Chadwick’s sign does not definitively mean that someone is pregnant.
Other conditions that can cause similar changes include cervical endometriosis, adenomyosis, and false pregnancy.
Chapter:Chadwick, James Read (18441905): Chadwicks Sign.
In: Baskett TF.Eponyms and Names in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
2019: 73. doi:10.1017/9781108421706.059
Ricci S.Essentials of Maternity, Newborn, and Womens Health.
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Office on Womens Health (OASH).Knowing if you are pregnant.
Registered Nurse RN.Signs of Pregnancy: Presumptive, Probable, Positive.
2016;12(6):390-394. doi:10.1016/j.nurpra.2016.03.009
