What would a softening of the cervix indicate in early pregnancy?

A softening of the cervix during early pregnancy is known as cervical softening or "Goodell's sign." This physiological change is an indication that the body is preparing for the changes related to pregnancy. It occurs due to increased blood flow and hormonal changes that make the cervical tissue more pliable and less rigid. This softening is a normal part of pregnancy and signifies that the body is adapting to support the developing fetus.

The other options do not correctly reflect the significance of cervical softening. For example, while cervical changes can occur before labor, softening early in pregnancy is not directly linked to the onset of labor or miscarriage. Normal uterine fatigue does not typically correlate with cervical softening, as this term is less medically described and does not address the specific changes in cervical tissue during pregnancy.