What is associated with Hegar's sign during pregnancy?

Hegar's sign is a clinical indication of early pregnancy, specifically identified by the softening of the lower segment of the uterus. This sign typically manifests around the sixth to eighth week of gestation as hormonal changes lead to increased vascularity and tissue softening in preparation for the growing fetus.

The importance of Hegar's sign lies in its utility for healthcare providers during a pelvic examination to assess potential pregnancy when there may be uncertainty. The physiological changes that occur in the uterus enhance the ability to confirm early pregnancy, offering valuable information for further prenatal care and management.

The other options do not have a direct association with Hegar's sign. For instance, pain in the right lower quadrant is more suggestive of conditions like appendicitis or ectopic pregnancy, and not specifically tied to uterine changes. Splenomegaly and infected bile stones are unrelated to the reproductive system and do not influence the identification of signs of pregnancy. Thus, the softening of the lower uterine segment is a key physiological change recognized in conjunction with Hegar's sign during gestation.