Chadwick Sign

Definition – Blue discoloration of the cervix and vaginal mucosa seen in early pregnancy.

Clinical Significance – Due to increased blood flow to support a newly implanted embryo and can be seen 6-8 weeks after conception.

History – Given to James R. Chadwick, an American gynecologist of the late 19th century, after he read a paper before the American Gynecologic Society in 1886, but 1st described by Etienne Jacquemin in 1836.  Dr. Chadwick did give appropriate recognition to Dr. Jacquemin during this presentation.

References

1. Firkin BG and Whitwirth JA.  Dictionary of Medical Eponyms. 2nd ed.  New York, NY; Parthenon Publishing Group. 1996.
2. Gleichert JE. Etienne Joseph Jacquemin, discoverer of ‘Chadwick’s sign’. Journal of the history of medicine and allied sciences. 1971;26(1):75-80. [pubmed]