Final answer:
Positive signs of pregnancy include the detection of a fetal heartbeat, palpation of fetal outline, visualization of the fetus, verification of fetal movement, and a positive hCG test. A fetal heartbeat can be detected as early as 5-6 weeks of gestation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Positive Signs of Pregnancy and Fetal Heartbeat Detection
The diagnosis of pregnancy can be confirmed by several positive signs of pregnancy including:
- Identification of fetal heartbeat.
- Palpation of fetal outline.
- Visualization of the fetus.
- Verification of fetal movement.
- Positive hCG test.
These positive signs are distinct from presumptive signs and probable signs that might suggest pregnancy but are not definite. A fetal heartbeat can be detected as early as 5-6 weeks of gestation using transvaginal ultrasound, and closer to 6-7 weeks with a transabdominal ultrasound.