Goodell's sign

System: Pregnancy & Women's Health Signs · All pregnancy & women's health signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

Softening of the cervix on vaginal examination — from the firmness of a nose tip toward the softness of lips — from about 6 weeks of pregnancy.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with early pregnancy.

◈ Behind the name

William Goodell (1829–1894), American gynaecologist.

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Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.