A short cervix during pregnancy is currently detected by ultrasound. As a rule, this phenomenon is considered a sure sign of cervical insufficiency.
Such a pathology often leads to sudden miscarriages, severe and early. The term "insufficiency" itself is a representation of the state when the main oblong part of the uterus and its isthmus are not able to repulse the growing load that occurs during pregnancy - and all this leads to an early opening of the uterus.
The short cervix during pregnancy and its condition depend on many factors. Its anatomical state should be known and always remembered. The uterus of a woman preparing to become a mother consists of the uterine body itself, in which the fetus will develop, as well as the neck. It is the neck that is the main part of the birth canal. A shortened cervix during pregnancy is something like a truncated cone, the length of which is about 4 centimeters. From the side of the body, the neck ends with an internal pharynx, and it ends with an external pharynx from the side of the entrance to the vagina. The cervix consists of muscle and connective tissue, where muscle constitutes about 30% of its total size and is located mostly in the area of the internal pharynx. In this place, something like a sphincter forms, which is engaged in supporting the fetal egg in the uterus.
So, there are cases when the cervical uterus for some reason has a short length. This may be due to genetics, but not only. Often, shortening of the cervix during pregnancy occurs for other reasons. For example, due to various intrauterine interventions that are associated with forcible opening of the cervix. These may be the consequences of several episodes of a history of abortion, during which the uterine muscle ring is injured. Scars form at the site of the injury, which upset the muscle balance, and also increase resistance to stretching or contraction. As a result of such interventions, the uterus is reduced in size and deformed.
The short cervix during pregnancy can also be caused by serious hormonal disorders, which often occur between 11 and 25 weeks of pregnancy. During this period, the child's adrenal gland functionality significantly increases, and the active release of complex substances such as androgens begins. This type of hormone very actively contributes to the progression of this pathology. It is precisely because of the effect of these substances that the cervix becomes softer, decreases, and then completely opens, which leads to a miscarriage.
The likelihood that a short cervix during pregnancy can be detected for some reason is a reason for examination by a gynecologist. If the results of the examination showed that the deficiency is caused by the work of androgen hormones, then this violation can be easily corrected with the help of special drugs, after which the hormonal level in the body returns to normal. If, after several weeks of treatment, the condition of the uterus has not changed or it is caused not by hormonal failure, but by injuries, then surgical intervention is necessary, during which the cervix is corrected by applying several sutures.
The described pathology is dangerous not only in the first period of pregnancy, but also at a later date, since it can cause rapid childbirth, which, in turn, can cause rupture of the cervix or uterus.
There is plenty of cause for concern. But it must be remembered that periodic visits to the doctor can significantly reduce all possible unpleasant risks.