(hā'gar‵ )

[Alfred Hegar, Ger. gynecologist, 1830–1914]

Softening of the lower uterine segment; a probable sign of pregnancy that may be present during the second and third months of gestation. On bimanual examination, the lower part of the uterus is easily compressed between the fingers placed in the vagina and those of the other hand over the pelvic area. This is due to the overall softening of the uterus due to increasing vascularity and edema, and , because the fetus does not fill the uterine cavity at this point, the space is empty and compressible.