Each woman, having learned about her special situation and that soon she will carry a child under her heart, will be delighted with this, sometimes long-awaited event. But in some cases, this joy is overshadowed by various circumstances, some of which are associated with the physiological characteristics of the body. One of them is the short cervix. This condition is a pathology and should not be ignored! After all, it is because of him that various kinds of complications appear. But how to lengthen the cervix during pregnancy and can this be done at all?
The role of the cervix
When pregnancy proceeds normally, the embryo attaches to the wall of the genital organ and its development takes place in its cavity. The cervix is a kind of barrier, without which it is simply impossible to do. Inside it there is a narrow special channel called the cervical. In it, under the influence of the produced hormones, a mucous plug forms, which closes the access to the internal cavity of the uterus to various microorganisms.
This avoids intrauterine infection. As you can see, nature provides for many details. In addition, the cervix is formed by muscle tissue, which allows you to hold the fetus when it is already grown, because in this case the load on its walls and neck is increased.
Thus, pregnancy is maintained until the very end and a healthy baby is born. But when the cervix is shortened, certain problems may arise. Turning a blind eye to the existence of such a problem is clearly not in the interests of the future mother! Deciding how to lengthen the cervix during pregnancy at home is unlikely to work, so you should use the recommendations of a specialist.
Serious problem
Unfortunately, such a pathology is detected precisely with the onset of pregnancy during the next planned gynecological examination. For reliability, the diagnosis is confirmed by the conclusion of ultrasound with intravaginal examination. It is not possible to identify a problem before conception.
The seriousness of the problem lies in the fact that the normal bearing of a child is called into question, which implies intervention by doctors. Normally, the length of the cervix is approximately 40 mm. And if in the period from I to II trimester its shortening to 20-25 mm is observed, this indicates the development of isthmic-cervical insufficiency.
In this case, the sphincter expands and softens, which leads to premature opening of the internal and external pharynx. In this case, the fetus can no longer be held, which is fraught with various consequences. In the early period, a miscarriage can occur, and in the later period premature labor begins.
That is, it is already clear why the short cervix is dangerous during pregnancy - neither of which leads to anything good! In addition, the opened cervical canal no longer prevents the penetration of infection into the uterine cavity. You can already guess how this might end. Intrauterine infection of the fetus is even in the best case, but under certain circumstances the probability of its death cannot be ruled out.
Can the cervix elongate?
The neck of the genital organ during the entire period of pregnancy is able to independently change its length - then shorten, then become a little longer, depending on the situation. Hard daily physical work leads to its shortening.
But if after that you spend some time in rest, it is quite possible that the neck will “grow up” slightly. In addition, a number of medications can affect this. The main thing is to observe the measure in everything!
But is it possible to lengthen the cervix during pregnancy? Women should not despair if the doctor makes them a disappointing diagnosis regarding this shortened part of the genital organ. In any case, everything is fixable, and the situation can take the right turn. But elongation of the neck at a later date is better to avoid, because the child in this case move along the birth canal.
Cervix at different stages of pregnancy
In the female body after conception and throughout the gestation period, the hormone content varies in different limits. This serves to ensure that the process itself proceeds in a normal mode, and the woman herself is prepared for the birth of a baby or baby. Due to this, the length of the cervix can also vary depending on the period. But how much?
It is worth considering that the body of each woman is individual and the size of the cervix in the absence of pregnancy can vary in very different limits. However, after conception, the activity of hormones is activated, because of which these parameters change. And which is characteristic, in most pregnant women these values are identical, that is, there are no strong differences.
For this reason, experts have derived averaged values, and deviations from them are usually considered pathology. What does the short cervix during pregnancy mean, we now know. And if everything is within normal limits, then there is no cause for concern. But how does the length of the cervix change at key stages of pregnancy?
20th week
This is already the middle of pregnancy, the load on the cervix is increasing, the woman’s stomach is growing. A second ultrasound scan is planned for this period. If the process proceeds in normal mode, then the neck length (as we now know) in the period from the 20th to the 25th week is approximately 40 mm. Its reduction to 30 mm should not yet be regarded as a pathology.
The diagnosis “short cervix” is made with values less than those mentioned. In this case, weekly monitoring is necessary, and in case of progression, the situation requires an appropriate course of treatment. Basic prevention is aimed at ensuring complete physical and sexual rest.
30th week
Now the length of the cervical canal can be reduced to 25 mm, which is also within the normal range. But with a lower rate, you should already be wary. At this time, the fetus is already viable, but still not completely. At least he has a lot of chances to survive. Although there is a way to lengthen the cervix during pregnancy, it is better not to allow such a situation.
For the woman herself, this period brings pleasant changes - it is at this time that maternity leave begins. As a result, you can provide yourself with peace, avoiding excessive psychological and physical stress.
32nd week
Here the body is already preparing for the upcoming labor. The concentration of hormones in the blood changes, which leads to the necessary changes. In particular, the neck of the genital organ softens and shortens again. The norm is considered an indicator of 20 mm. These measurements are taken during the third planned ultrasound scan.
If at the same time the length of the cervix is even shorter, then this can lead to premature birth. Fortunately, there is no longer a serious threat during this period, if this happened before. To prevent the birth of a child ahead of schedule, a woman needs constant monitoring by a doctor. She also has full bed rest. Therefore, if the diagnosis is confirmed, the woman is sent to the hospital. In such conditions, it is not a problem to decide how to lengthen the cervix during pregnancy. It is simply impossible to organize an appropriate approach at home, and therefore it is definitely not necessary to refuse such therapy!
Causes of pathology
A shortened cervix can act as an anatomical feature of the female body from birth. The same can be said about the shape of the nose, the size of the legs, the expressiveness of the eyes, and other physiological parameters. Or, more simply, we are talking about congenital pathology.
However, in most cases, this characteristic is acquired due to certain circumstances. The following reasons can be attributed to a number of provoking factors:
- Violation of the structure of the reproductive system of a genetic nature.
- Anomalous structure of the genital organ.
- The cervical canal is underdeveloped.
- Sexual infantilism.
- Damage to the genital organs during fetal development.
- Hormonal imbalance in the body when the number of male genital biologically active substances prevails.
- Abnormal development of connective tissue.
In addition to physiological factors, why the cervix is short during pregnancy, it is worth considering a purely mechanical effect. And in this case we are talking about abortions, curettage procedures (due to an interrupted pregnancy), and difficult births. As a result of this effect, scars appear on the uterus, due to which the neck elasticity is lost and deformed. And actually, this leads to its shortening.
Manifestations of the problem
Many women do not even suspect that their cervix is shortened, because this problem itself does not manifest itself in any way. The diagnosis is usually confirmed during a planned ultrasound scan. Only in 20% of cases, pathology is still detected by a number of signs. But even this applies to the period when the conception occurred - usually for a period of 15 weeks. The exact data already depends on the physiological characteristics of each female body and the size of the fetus.
It is by this time that the fetus is already gaining mass, increasing in size and putting pressure on the sphincter of the pharynx. In the absence of pregnancy, there is simply nothing to influence the uterine gland, and pathology is detected precisely by this principle. Speaking about the symptoms of a short cervix during pregnancy, they mean the following:
- Watery or mucous discharge with the inclusion of a small amount of blood.
- Pain in the lower abdomen of a weak nature.
- Feeling of fullness and vaginal pressure.
In the presence of these and other unpleasant symptoms, you should visit a antenatal clinic in order to determine the cause of their appearance. It is very difficult to determine the pathology on your own, if at all possible. After all, it is necessary to use an ultrasound machine and, in another way, the problem cannot be identified.
In any case, a pregnant woman should be vigilant and pay due attention to her body. After all, the sooner the specialist detects the problem, the sooner appropriate measures will be taken. And timely treatment started will help to keep the child safe and sound.
Diagnostics
Fortunately, it is possible to identify a very short cervix during pregnancy already during the first gynecological examination of the patient. However, more accurate information can be obtained only after transvaginal ultrasound (cervicometry). But if the problem was not identified during the first visit by a woman to a gynecologist, then at the second examination she will already be definitely detected, if any.
And from this moment on, the doctor must make every effort to avoid the progression of the pathological condition. The woman herself can also find this problem in herself, based on the above symptoms. However, they will not give her an exact answer. Some of them may indicate a threat of abortion. Moreover, they do not always occur.
For this reason, every expectant mother needs to attend planned medical events. After all, this is not just thought out - the goal of all these examinations is aimed at ensuring control and preservation of pregnancy.
Treatment of the short cervix during pregnancy
When making a diagnosis regarding a shortened cervix, the doctor determines the appropriate course of treatment, depending on each specific case. There are several important points to consider here:
- the condition of the patient;
- the length of the cervix at the moment;
- the presence of concomitant diseases;
- research results.
The appointment of medications is a crucial stage, because women in the position are contraindicated in taking most drugs. In this case, the cause of the pathology is in the first place. Passing a pregnant blood test will determine the level of hormones. And if the cause is hormonal failure, then the problem is solved by appropriate therapy.
How to lengthen the cervix during pregnancy with medications? In this case, the choice usually falls on glucocorticosteroids:
- Microfollin.
- Chorionic gonadotropin.
- Turinal.
- Dexamethasone.
If the changes are minor, then conservative therapy is suitable - intravenous administration of ginipral or magnesia. These drugs contribute to the removal of uterine tone. It is also useful to take motherwort, valerian, multivitamins, as well as drugs that allow you to relax the smooth muscles of the uterus. Treatment for several weeks gives results - the cervix is stabilizing, which means that pregnancy does not interfere.
However, how to lengthen the cervix during pregnancy if the problem still persists? In this case, surgical correction is already in use - suturing, using an obstetric pessary (it will hold the uterus in position).
In the case of the development of isthmic-cervical insufficiency (ICI), patients are prescribed taking tocolytics:
- Beta-adrenergic agonists.
- Magnesium sulfate.
- Indomethacin.
As for non-drug treatment, this is:
- acupuncture;
- electrorelaxation of the genital organ;
- electroanalgesia;
- endonasal galvanization.
In order to prevent placental insufficiency, it is worth choosing vasodilating and vasoactive drugs, including low molecular weight dextrans.
Does Utrozhestan prolong the cervix during pregnancy?
Typically, women in a position with a disappointing diagnosis of hormonal failure on the background of an aggravated condition are prescribed special drugs. They help to reduce the contractile activity of the uterus. Utrozhestan is one of such drugs. In pharmacies, this tool is supplied in the form of capsules or vaginal suppositories.
The purpose of this drug is due to a lack of progesterone - and this is a direct threat to termination of pregnancy. Its dosage is selected in a strictly individual order, depending on the signs and their severity. Usually it is 200-400 mg / day every 12 hours. The medicine has contraindications - liver disease, varicose veins.
In some women in position, this drug may cause certain concerns. However, they are groundless - "Utrozhestan" is shown only in case of lack of progesterone, because it is precisely its low concentration that just poses a threat to pregnancy. And if his admission will be carried out strictly as directed by the doctor, then side effects will not be observed.
In addition, this progesterone is obtained from plant materials. Therefore, the choice of this method, how to lengthen the cervix during pregnancy, should not cause complaints.
Magnesia
You can avoid spontaneous miscarriage with the help of magnesium sulfate (magnesia). The drug helps to relax muscle structure, including the walls of blood vessels. Also, its reception allows you to normalize the pressure and accelerate the elimination of fluid from the body. The drug is effective only in the case of an intramuscular or intravenous route of administration. Powder does not give any result.
Despite such significant benefits, this medicine has its contraindications. Pregnant women should not use it immediately before labor and while in the first trimester. Also, low blood pressure can be attributed here. In addition, it is unacceptable to combine the drug with food additives and other calcium-based drugs.
At a later date, lengthening of the cervix during pregnancy should take place only in a hospital under vigilant supervision by a doctor. The dosage of the drug depends on the specific situation, taking into account concomitant pathologies. It is worth considering that the introduction of magnesia is a painful procedure, and therefore requires a high level of skill.
After taking the drug, there may be some side effects, including:
- weakness;
- drowsiness;
- profuse sweat;
- sense of anxiety;
- headache.
Since the use of the drug is associated with a certain risk, before assigning it to the patient, the doctor must weigh the pros and cons taking into account the current situation.
In conclusion
Is it possible to lengthen the cervix during pregnancy? A similar question is asked of any expectant mother who has been given a disappointing diagnosis. But you should not despair in this case, because nowadays there are different ways to solve this problem. And partly this is the merit of progress, which is widely keeping pace with the times, or even slightly ahead of it.
In any case, it is necessary to adhere to the recommendations of the doctor, and then you can save the pregnancy. Subsequently, the mother will press her baby to her chest, and all the troubles will be forgotten like a nightmare. In conclusion, it remains to wish all women to endure such a long test with honor.