Which of the following is a positive indicator of pregnancy?

• A. Frequent urination
• B. Fetal heart sounds
• C. Skin changes
• D. Painless contractions

Answer: (B)

Fetal heart sounds are a definitive and positive indicator of pregnancy because they provide direct evidence of the fetus's presence and viability. These sounds can be detected using ultrasound and typically appear around 6-7 weeks of gestation, becoming audible with a Doppler device by approximately 10-12 weeks. The presence of fetal heart sounds is a reliable sign that the pregnancy is progressing normally and that the fetus is alive.

Frequent urination, skin changes, and painless contractions can occur during pregnancy but are not definitive indicators. Frequent urination can result from various factors, including hydration, bladder infections, or conditions unrelated to pregnancy. Skin changes vary widely and can occur for many reasons, including hormonal fluctuations or environmental factors. Painless contractions, known as Braxton Hicks contractions, can occur in the later stages of pregnancy and are not indicators of pregnancy but rather signs of the uterus preparing for labor. Thus, while these symptoms can be associated with pregnancy, they do not confirm it in the same definitive way that fetal heart sounds do.