Goodell's sign denotes which cervical change in early pregnancy?

Goodell's sign denotes which cervical change in early pregnancy?

• A. Cervical softening with increased vascularization
• B. Cervical dilation with irregular os
• C. Thickening of the cervical mucus
• D. Menstrual irregularity

Answer: (A)

Goodell's sign is cervical softening with increased vascularization in early pregnancy. Hormonal changes cause the cervix to become edematous and more vascular, making it feel softer and more pliable on pelvic exam around the first trimester. This distinguishes it from cervical dilation with an irregular os, which is not an early-pregnancy finding and would imply a different process. Thickening of cervical mucus and menstrual irregularity are cycle-related changes and do not describe the cervical softening seen in early pregnancy.

Goodell's sign is cervical softening with increased vascularization in early pregnancy. Hormonal changes cause the cervix to become edematous and more vascular, making it feel softer and more pliable on pelvic exam around the first trimester. This distinguishes it from cervical dilation with an irregular os, which is not an early-pregnancy finding and would imply a different process. Thickening of cervical mucus and menstrual irregularity are cycle-related changes and do not describe the cervical softening seen in early pregnancy.