question about Hegar's sign

[GingerSue]

I am reading about Hegar's sign but my book seems to have a bit of a discrepancy - in one place it says Hegar's sign occurs between 10 - 12 weeks, yet in another place it says Hegar's sign occurs between 6 - 8 weeks. Could someone clarify which is more accurate?

Thanks.

[SmilingBluEyes]

It's my understanding that Hegar's Sign (apparent bluish coloring, slight seperation from the uterus, and softening, all of the cervix) occurs at about 6-8 weeks gestation in pregnancy. An experienced clinician can see it quite readily upon speculum exam of the cervix. Anecdotally, It was how my 1st pregnancy was diagnosed by my dr, when I thought I was having problems----she said "I am sure you are pregnant due to your cervical appearance". She was right. It first appears often about 6 weeks' gestation. HTH.

[GingerSue]

thanks, this textbook before me explains the changes in the cervix and uterus, the colour changes and softening.

there's the Goodell's sign for the early softening of the cervix, then the Chadwick's sign for the cyanotic-looking cervix, and finally the Hegar's sign for softening of the isthmus of the uterus.

at first the author had them in order: Goodell's at 4 to 6 weeks, then Hegar's at 6 to 8 week, then Chadwick's at 8 - 12 weeks, but later the author says Hegar's is at 10 - 12 weeks. Hmmm.