During pregnancy, the organs of a woman undergo significant changes. During this period, doctors carefully monitor the condition of the expectant mother. Gynecological examination occurs two to three times during the entire pregnancy, provided there are no pathologies. The cervix is not disturbed once again, since it bears responsibility for the safety of the fetus.
Cervix in everyday life
The average menstrual cycle in a woman is 28 days. The usual condition of the cervix is dense and closed. Color: light pink. During ovulation, which occurs on the 13-15th day of the cycle, it softens, and the cervical canal expands. The level of the female hormone estradiol is significantly increased before the rupture of the follicle, the body prepares for fertilization. All these changes occur for better passage of sperm to the uterus, where the egg can already be.
It must be remembered that the soft cervix of a healthy woman in the middle of the menstrual cycle is normal!
After ovulation, the neck remains softened for several days, regardless of whether fertilization has occurred or not. After that, the cervical canal narrows, and the organ itself becomes dense.
Reasons for deviations from the norm
There are a number of reasons why the structure of the cervix can be disturbed.
It can be:
- The first weeks of pregnancy.
- The period after childbirth and before them.
- Severe previous birth with multiple gaps.
- Congenital abnormalities.
- Decreased muscle tone of the cervix (isthmic-cervical insufficiency). The occurrence is promoted by both mechanical damage and hormonal disorders.
- Inflammation of the female organs. Often this is the cause of female infertility.
- Previous abortions.
- Hormonal disruptions.
- Taking medication.
First weeks after fertilization
After the fetal egg is attached to the uterine cavity, the complex process of restructuring the circulatory system necessary for feeding the fetus begins. The ovaries under the influence of the corpus luteum begin to produce more and more progesterone, which is responsible for the texture of the cervix. There is a closure of the cervical canal and its filling with mucous contents. This protects the membranes from various bacteria. The cervical spine itself becomes dense after a few weeks. This keeps the growing fetus in the uterus.
But it happens that the soft cervix during pregnancy in the first trimester is an occasion for taking medications. The doctor may prescribe hormone therapy. Usually, drugs containing progesterone are prescribed.
Pregnancy and No-spa
Also, a No-Shpa may be prescribed by a doctor. In early pregnancy, there may be a risk of miscarriage due to uterine tone. Drotaverinum, which is the active ingredient of No-Shpa, relaxes smooth muscles and relieves spasms. For the fetus, it poses no danger. The drug is eliminated from the body completely in a day.
In the case of headache, toothache during pregnancy in the early stages of "No-spa" can act as a painkiller. For problems with the gastrointestinal tract, you can also use this drug, but only after consulting a doctor.
In the second trimester, the use of “No-shpa” is impractical due to the effect of the drug on the cervix.
Softening of the cervix in the second trimester
During pregnancy, periodic sipping in the lower abdomen is not a deviation from the norm, if they are not periodic. In this case, you may need to see a doctor, because this is the only way to determine the soft cervix. It is possible to independently diagnose her condition, but this is a very risky procedure.
The soft cervix during pregnancy for a period of 20-30 weeks threatens with premature birth or miscarriage, therefore, depending on the degree of softening and the reasons the doctor prescribes:
- bed rest;
- hospitalization;
- installation of a pessary;
- stitching;
- appropriate medication.
Pessary installation and suturing
The most frightening woman on this list is the pessary and stitches. And this is natural, since any intervention carries a percentage of risk. But this is what allows you to maintain pregnancy and carry the child before the due date.
The installation procedure for the pessary, or Meyer’s ring, is painless and takes about 30 minutes. This is not a surgical procedure, so a feeling of fear should not arise.
The obstetric pessary resembles a soft rubber ring made of surgical silicone or plastic. Its goal is to relieve the uterus, which is under great pressure. The doctor inserts it into the vagina and puts it on the soft cervix. In everyday life, this device does not interfere with the woman and is not felt inside.
Meyer's ring is worn almost to the point of delivery. Remove the pessary in the hospital for a period of 38-39 weeks.
Suturing is carried out only under general anesthesia, so the woman does not experience any pain. The optimal period is 23-25 weeks. Before suturing, a thorough examination of the internal genital organs is performed. Only experienced doctors are allowed to this procedure, so the expectant mother does not need to worry. The risk of complications in this case is minimal, but the chances of a happy termination of pregnancy are quite high.
A great influence on the cervix has stress. That is why a pregnant woman needs to be protected from negativity, surround her with care. Expectant mother needs to be more often outdoors, to devote sufficient time to physical activity. Reading, as well as watching positive films and programs will help improve your mood.
As for the maintenance of bed rest, disputes have long been ongoing. It has already been proven that walking does not affect the smoothing and softness of the cervix. A constant lying is fraught with other unpleasant consequences in the form of excess weight, weakening of muscle tone. If you trust your doctor, it is better to discuss this issue with him and listen to his opinion and his own feelings.
Cervix in the third trimester
From about 35-36 weeks of gestation, the body begins to prepare for childbirth. The cervix begins to smooth and soften. Her condition is determined during examination. During the entire pregnancy, the neck length is 3.5-4.5 cm, and after 37 weeks it is shortened to 2.5 cm. The doctor can diagnose a soft cervix at 39 weeks of pregnancy. Also, upon examination, it can be seen that the internal pharynx is ajar for 1-2 cm. Therefore, childbirth will soon begin.
Procedures for neck preparation
If the doctor has not found that the cervix is high and soft at 38-40 weeks, then this indicates an unpreparedness for childbirth. In this case, means are used to accelerate the smoothing of the neck.
To better soften it, No-shpa can be prescribed. It has established itself well, since there has been a decrease in internal gaps in its use. Male sperm also helps soften the neck, as it contains prostaglandin, which affects the maturation of the cervix. Also, in the process of having sex, when a woman reaches orgasm, the muscles of the uterus contract. This contributes to the launch of labor processes.
Special gels or vaginal suppositories containing the synthetic hormone prostaglandin can be prescribed by a doctor. Cheap and effective kelp kelp sticks are also used. They contain substances that provoke the opening of the internal pharynx, smoothing and softening of the cervix.
Folk remedies
To make the cervix soft, you can resort to folk remedies, but only after consulting a doctor:
- Drink decoctions and infusions of wild rose, hawthorn, raspberry leaves and sage.
- Nipple massage. They must be gently and gently massaged for 10 minutes 3 times a day. It naturally produces the hormone oxytocin. It promotes uterine contractions.
- Evening primrose oil in capsules. It is rich in fatty acids, which provoke the production of prostaglandin. The doctor prescribes the application.
- Eating fatty fish species: mackerel, herring, sprats, silver carp and others.
If during pregnancy the question arises as to why the cervix is soft, and what this means, then at the beginning or middle of pregnancy this indicates abnormalities and the threat of interruption. And in the later stages - this is a natural phenomenon that prepares the body for childbirth.