goodell's sign goodell's sign in medicine, goodell's sign is an indication of pregnancy. it is a significant softening of the vaginal portion of the cervix from increased vascularization. this vascularization is a result of hypertrophy and engorgement of the vessels below the growing uterus. this sign occurs at approximately six weeks' gestation. the sign is named after william goodell (gynecologist) (1829-1874).