Doctors don't determine pregnancy solely by pushing on the stomach. While abdominal palpation is part of a physical exam, it's not a definitive pregnancy test. A doctor might palpate the abdomen to assess several things, and pregnancy might be one possibility revealed through other exam elements.
What a Doctor is Actually Checking
When a doctor pushes on your stomach (abdomen), they're checking for various things, including:
- Organ size and tenderness: They feel for any unusual size or tenderness in organs like the uterus or ovaries. In early pregnancy, the uterus may be slightly enlarged, though this is not always noticeable by palpation alone. [Source: URMC Rochester]
- Pain or discomfort: The doctor is assessing whether you experience any pain or discomfort when pressure is applied to specific areas. This can help identify potential problems with internal organs. [Source: Quora]
- Unusual masses or growths: Palpation can help detect unusual masses or growths that may not be noticeable in other ways. [Source: KidsHealth]
Pregnancy-Specific Considerations
During pregnancy, abdominal palpation may offer additional information, such as:
- Uterine size and position: In later stages of pregnancy, the enlarged uterus becomes more easily palpable, and its size helps estimate gestational age. However, this is not a method used to diagnose pregnancy early on.
- Fetal position (in later pregnancy): Once the pregnancy is well-advanced, the doctor might be able to feel the position of the fetus.
It's crucial to understand that a physical exam, including abdominal palpation, is one component of a broader assessment. A pregnancy test (blood or urine) is needed for a definitive diagnosis.
In summary: While doctors may press on the abdomen during a checkup, including potential prenatal visits, they are not diagnosing pregnancy via this method alone. It is a method to assess the size and tenderness of internal organs and to look for other abnormalities. A pregnancy test is the only reliable means for determining pregnancy.
