The nurse teaches a pregnant patient about the signs of pregnancy. The patient demonstrates understanding when she states that a positive sign of pregnancy is:

A. Quickening experienced by the patient is incorrect because quickening (the first perception of fetal movement by the mother) is considered a presumptive sign of pregnancy, not a positive sign. While it suggests pregnancy, it can be mistaken for gastrointestinal activity. B. Patient reports of a positive pregnancy test is incorrect because this is a probable sign of pregnancy. Laboratory tests detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are more reliable than presumptive signs, but they can occasionally give false positives (e.g., due to certain medications or medical conditions). C. Braxton Hicks contractions felt by the patient is incorrect because these are also presumptive or possible signs of pregnancy. They indicate uterine activity, but they do not confirm the presence of a fetus. D. Fetal movement palpated by the provider is correct. This is considered a positive sign of pregnancy, as only a developing fetus can cause these movements to be felt by an examiner. Other positive signs include visualization of the fetus on ultrasound and auscultation of the fetal heartbeat. Positive signs provide definitive confirmation of pregnancy, distinguishing them from presumptive or probable signs.