What is Chadwick’s Sign?

Chadwick’s Sign of Estrogen

In medicine, Chadwick’s sign is used to identify a raised level of estrogen associated with pregnancy, and can be seen as early as 8-10 weeks after conception. Chadwick’s sign identifies a blusih discoloration of the vagina, labia and cervix, as a secondary result of the venous congestion after the female body has increased its base estrogen levels.

What is the clinical significance of Chadwick’s sign?

Chadwick’s sign is generally an interesting phenomenon seen in obstetrics and gynaecology. The clinical significance is generally more as a trigger to perform a BHG hormone test (pregnancy test) in any patient who is complaining of changes in their vaginal colours. However, this is more an interesting phenomenon than  a clinical need to know, because all patients who are experiencing these changes should have a pregnancy test performed anyway.

Is Chadwick’s sign relevant to paramedics? No, unless you’re a midwife and working for the Royal Flying Doctors, this is irrelevant to paramedics.