What is the name of the sign characterized by the softening of the cervix during pregnancy?

Goodell's sign refers to the softening of the cervix that occurs during early pregnancy. This physiological change typically takes place around the sixth to eighth week of gestation and is due to increased vascularity and edema in the cervical tissues, influenced by hormonal changes, particularly an increase in estrogen.

Recognizing Goodell's sign is important in the context of prenatal assessment, as it provides evidence of the physiological adaptations that support pregnancy. Over time, the softening of the cervix helps facilitate labor and delivery, as it prepares the cervix for dilation.

Chadwick's sign denotes the bluish discoloration of the cervix due to increased blood flow and is also an early indication of pregnancy, but it specifically reflects vascular changes rather than softening. Hegar's sign indicates softening of the isthmus of the uterus, which is observed during a pelvic exam, while McDonald's sign refers to the ability to compress the uterus between the fingers through the abdominal wall, neither of which directly pertains to cervical softening.