🤰 During pregnancy, several clinical signs appear that indicate
how close a woman is to delivery.
One of the most important is the “Welcome Sign”.
Just hearing this word tells us something new is about to happen.
Medically, this is called Lightening, and this topic is frequently asked in nursing exams
because it occurs as part of normal pregnancy changes.
Question: …… is known as ‘Welcome sign’ during pregnancy?
✨ Rationale / Explanation
The “Welcome Sign” is an important clinical sign during pregnancy,
called Lightening. Lightening refers to when the baby begins
to descend in the uterus, meaning the fetal head moves into the pelvic cavity.
🟢 This process is most commonly seen in first-time mothers (primigravida)
around the 36th week.
🔵 In women who have previously been pregnant (multigravida), it usually occurs just before labor.
After lightening, women often feel more comfortable breathing because the uterus no longer pushes strongly against the diaphragm. That’s why pregnant women often report feeling “a little lighter”. Doctors and nurses call this the Welcome Sign because it signals that delivery is near.
⚠️ However, the bladder now faces more pressure → leading to frequent urination, heaviness, or pelvic pulling sensation.
Option Analysis:
- Effacement → thinning of cervix (not welcome sign).
- Descent → similar term, but “Welcome sign” = Lightening.
- Quickening → first baby movement at 18–20 weeks (not welcome sign).
✅ Therefore, the correct answer is (c) Lightening.