Monthly processes occur in the woman’s body that are aimed at the successful conception and bearing of a child. When pregnancy occurs in the female body, biochemical and hormonal changes begin to occur, which will play a crucial role for the preservation and development of the fetus. The formation of the corpus luteum in the ovary during pregnancy is one of the very important processes that help a woman become a mother.
general information
The corpus luteum is the gland of internal secretion in the body of a woman, which is formed after the onset of ovulation. The corpus luteum during pregnancy plays one of the main roles, since it produces the hormone necessary for the successful development of the embryo in the early stages - progesterone. Thanks to progesterone, the endometrium is prepared for attachment of the fetal egg, uterine contractions are suppressed and the embryo is nourished. After 12 weeks, the placenta will take on this role. If conception does not occur, the gland quickly dissolves.
The corpus luteum can form both in the left and in the right ovary. There are cases of the formation of two glands at once. The location of the corpus luteum of the right ovary during pregnancy is much more common.
Functions
This gland is very important for the prevention of a missed pregnancy, spontaneous miscarriage, the formation of a hematoma between the walls of the uterus and the fetal egg, for the prevention of the atypical location of the fetal egg, and also to protect against the appearance of new eggs.
Main characteristics
The size of the corpus luteum in the ovary during pregnancy may vary depending on the phase of the cycle and the duration of the "interesting position". After the onset of ovulation, iron has a size of not more than 2 cm. If conception has not occurred, it begins to fade and disappears. The size of the corpus luteum during pregnancy will vary, but it should not exceed 3 cm. With the beginning of the second trimester, the placenta takes on the role in the production of necessary hormones and nutrition of the fetus, the corpus luteum begins to dissolve, and then disappears, fulfilling its function.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis is carried out during an ultrasound examination of the ovaries, which can be performed by two methods.
- Transabdominally. In this case, ultrasound is performed through the stomach. The bladder should be full.
- Transvaginally. A vaginal probe is used. In this case, the bladder should be emptied.
The gland looks like a heterogeneous round formation, located next to the ovary. There are cases in which the corpus luteum is not detected during an ultrasound scan, which can be a serious pathology that requires treatment. If an ultrasound examination did not reveal the corpus luteum in early pregnancy, it is too early to judge the pathology. It happens that the fault is a poor-quality ultrasound machine or an unskilled uzist. In this case, it is necessary to pass the tests prescribed by the attending physician.
- If the test shows the presence of pregnancy and a fetal egg, but the corpus luteum cannot be discerned, this may indicate a high risk of miscarriage. In this case, it is necessary to immediately begin therapy with drugs containing progesterone.
- If there is a delay in the menstrual cycle, and the fetal egg is not visible, the presence of a progressive gland indicates a successful conception.
Many people wonder if the corpus luteum was diagnosed in the ovary, whether there is a pregnancy. Sometimes its presence in the body speaks only about past ovulation, after which it will disappear if pregnancy does not occur.
It is impossible to draw conclusions about the condition of the woman and the fetus only by the results of ultrasound diagnostics. A number of other tests are needed to help clarify the causes of anxiety.
The dimensions of the corpus luteum during pregnancy by ultrasound should be within the stated standards, otherwise this may indicate pathologies in the development of the gland.
Abnormality in the work of the gland
Specialists very carefully examine the corpus luteum during pregnancy, especially in the early stages, when the life and health of the fetus depend on its work. Abnormalities noticed in time will help to avoid a miscarriage and a dead pregnancy.
There are only two pathologies that are associated with the work of the corpus luteum - its insufficiency and cyst.
If during an ultrasound examination the dimensions of the corpus luteum during pregnancy are less than 10 mm, then this indicates a hypofunction of the gland. This is a very serious violation, which can lead to an abortion, because in case of corpus luteum insufficiency during this period the required amount of progesterone, necessary for normal development and maintenance of pregnancy, is not produced. Diagnosis is carried out not only with the help of ultrasound, but also through tests for hormones. In case of confirmation of the diagnosis, hormonal drug therapy is prescribed.
Corpus luteum insufficiency may also indicate an ectopic pregnancy. In this case, progesterone will be produced in very small quantities. If such a pathology is likely, an analysis of hCG in dynamics is prescribed.
With a frozen pregnancy, progesterone ceases to be produced completely. Additional symptoms will be:
- The absence of toxicosis, if any, previously.
- A condition in which the chest ceased to hurt.
- Pain in the lower abdomen.
- The lack of growth of the fetus and its heartbeat according to the results of ultrasound.
- Spotting.
The main signs of hypofunction
In addition to the results of ultrasound, with yellow body failure, a woman can notice the following additional signs of this pathology:
- The tone of the uterus.
- Drawing pains in the lower abdomen.
- Spotting.
- Abundant bleeding sometimes appears, which can indicate a serious threat of miscarriage.
With such symptoms, it is recommended to call an ambulance.
Corpus luteum cyst
If the size of the corpus luteum exceeds the norm of 3 cm, this may indicate a cyst formed. This is a benign mass with fluid inside. A possible cause of its occurrence is a violation of blood circulation. The exact causes of its occurrence are still unknown. It is assumed that a pathology can provoke:
- Wrong woman lifestyle.
- Diseases of the genitourinary system of an inflammatory nature.
- Strong physical activity.
- Frequent stresses.
- Taking hormonal drugs before conception.
- Abortion
The corpus luteum cyst has no negative effect on the health of women and children. As a rule, after a while it dissolves on its own. If, on subsequent ultrasound, its growth was detected, then drug therapy is used.
Signs of a corpus luteum cyst
The obvious symptoms of cyst formation in the corpus luteum are as follows:
- Pain in the ovary where the corpus luteum was formed, especially increasing with exertion.
- Bloated feeling
- The increase in size according to the results of ultrasound.
Cyst Complications
Despite the fact that this education does not pose a threat, there are cases when a cyst can cause serious harm to health. A complication can be torsion of the cyst or its rupture.
The gap. Such a situation may occur when the cyst has grown to a large size. It can burst both on its own and because of a shock or pressure of the uterus. Its contents enter the abdominal cavity.
Torsion. In this case, the blood vessels that feed the cyst are twisted. This condition leads to necrosis.
With these complications, surgical intervention is used.
There are cases when a malignant formation is masked under a cyst. Therefore, if the cyst continues to grow, it is worth taking tests for tumor markers.
If dizziness, weakness, nausea are added to pain in the lower abdomen or ovary, you must consult a doctor to undergo the necessary tests.
Conclusion
The corpus luteum during pregnancy is the most important organ that will help you become the mother of a healthy baby. For timely diagnosis, it is recommended not to neglect the doctor’s prescriptions about the need for ultrasound, because it is through this diagnostic method that you can determine the degree of gland functionality and possible deviations in its work.