The cervix is a part of the female reproductive system and the entrance to the uterus, located in its lower segment. Through this channel, the outflow of menstrual blood occurs, and it is through it that the sperm penetrates into the uterus. The neck of a pregnant woman should be firm, long and covered with mucus. Normally, it has a dense and elastic structure, usually between 35 and 48 mm at 24 weeks gestation. An organ is considered shortened if it has a length of less than 25 mm. In this case, a pregnant woman increases the risk of premature delivery. What if you have a short cervix diagnosed? Let’s talk about the causes of pathology and effective treatment.

Why is it necessary to observe the length of the cervix all 9 months?

Every woman wants a healthy baby. There are many factors that affect pregnancy, some of which can cause serious complications, and one of them is the length of the cervix. When carrying a baby, the neck plays a key role. Not only the conception itself but also the completion of the gestation period, as well as the natural process of the birth of the baby, depending on her condition. In a pregnant woman, it remains closed and acts as a barrier to infection. At about 32 weeks it begins to gradually shorten, becomes thinner until it practically disappears. This process of contraction and thinning is measured by a doctor or midwife during a vaginal examination.

How is pathology diagnosed for Short Cervix?

Not all women are the same; some of them have a shortened cervix. The length of the organ is measured using a transvaginal ultrasound. The manual method is considered not as reliable but still applies. If the length of the cervix is too short, then there is a chance that the pregnant woman may have spontaneous uterine contractions and miscarriage.

Causes of abnormal development:

• hormonal disorders;
• overstretched uterus;
• inflammation of the uterus;
• infection;
• tissue trauma after abortion or previous childbirth;
• cervical insufficiency
• individual anatomy.

A higher risk of abnormality occurs in women who have a miscarriage in the 2nd trimester for no particular reason, as well as those who have undergone a procedure of curettage or cervical biopsy.

Observe the following signs and symptoms that indicate possible problems with the cervix:

1. Back pain.
2. The tension in the pelvic region.
3. Slight abdominal discomfort.
4. Vaginal bleeding

When identifying pathology, the woman is given mandatory recommendations:

• bed rest;
• sexual abstinence;
• restriction of physical activity;
• natural and harmless remedies, for example, valerian, as well as antispasmodics (papaverine, no-spa), vitamins.

Treatment of abnormally short neck

In order to maintain a pregnancy, doctors use the following treatments:

1. Cerclage (stitching on the throat to strengthen). Usually done between the 14th and 16th week of pregnancy. This is a small operation in which the doctor sews the neck with a few stitches. The procedure is performed quickly and is performed under anesthesia. It is carried out for mummies who already had a premature birth. Some doctors believe that the cervix can lead to infection and inflammation, but complications can be controlled with the help of properly prescribed therapy.
2. Hormone treatment includes the daily administration of progesterone to women with a single pregnancy. This hormone helps to prepare the body for pregnancy and prevents the complications associated with unplanned preterm birth. With a short cervix, progesterone is used vaginally in the form of suppositories between about 16 and 24 weeks.
3. A pessary is a silicone device that is used to support the cervix while keeping it closed.

Sometimes the very diagnosis of “short cervix” sounds very difficult and scary. Nevertheless, you, as a future mother, need to know about all the changes that the body undergoes. If you have any concerns during pregnancy, be sure to consult a specialist!

Thomas Rossetti