How to lengthen the cervix during pregnancy, is it possible?

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Every woman, having learned about her special position and that she will soon 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 related to the physiological characteristics of the organism. One of them is a short cervix. This condition is a pathology and should not be ignored! After all, it is because of him that all sorts of complications appear. But how to lengthen the cervix during pregnancy and is it even possible to do this?

The role of the cervix

When the pregnancy proceeds normally, the embryo is attached to the wall of the reproductive 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 isnarrow special canal called cervical. In it, under the influence of produced hormones, a mucous plug is formed, which closes 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 has already grown, because in this case, the load on its walls and cervix increases.

Thus, the pregnancy is maintained until the very end and a he althy baby is born. But when the cervix is shortened, certain problems can arise. Turning a blind eye to the existence of such a problem is clearly not in the interests of the expectant mother! Deciding how to lengthen the cervix during pregnancy at home is unlikely to succeed, 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 scheduled gynecological examination. For reliability, the diagnosis is confirmed by the conclusion of an ultrasound scan during an intravaginal examination. It is not possible to identify the problem before conception.

The seriousness of the problem lies in the fact that the normal bearing of the child is in question, which implies intervention by doctors. The normal 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 developmentisthmic-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 may occur, and in the later period, premature labor begins.

That is, it is already clear why a short cervix is dangerous during pregnancy - both do not lead to anything good! In addition, the open cervical canal no longer prevents the infection from entering the uterine cavity. You can already guess how it could end. Intrauterine infection of the fetus is at best, but under certain circumstances, the possibility of his death cannot be ruled out.

Can the cervix lengthen?

The neck of the reproductive organ during the entire period of pregnancy is able to independently change its length - then shorten, then become a little longer, depending on situations. Heavy 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” a little. In addition, it can be affected by taking a number of medications. 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 gives them a disappointing diagnosis regarding this shortened part of the reproductive organ. In any case, everything is fixable, and the situation maytake the right turn. But it is better to avoid neck lengthening at a later date, because in this case the child will move along the birth canal.

Cervix at different stages of pregnancy

In the female body after conception and throughout the entire period of bearing a child, the content of hormones varies within different limits. This serves to ensure that the process itself proceeds normally, and the woman herself is prepared for the birth of a baby or baby. Because of this, the length of the cervix can also vary depending on the period. But how much?

It should be borne in mind that the body of each woman is individual and the size of the cervix in the absence of pregnancy can vary widely. However, after conception, the activity of hormones is activated, due to which these parameters change. And what is characteristic, for most pregnant women, these values are identical, that is, there are no strong discrepancies anymore.

For this reason, experts have derived average values, and deviations from them are considered pathological. What does a short cervix mean during pregnancy, we now know. And if everything is within the normal range, then there is no cause for concern. But how does the length of the cervix change at key stages of pregnancy?

20th week

It's already the middle of pregnancy, the load on the cervix is increasing, the woman's belly is growing. At this time, a second ultrasound is scheduled. If the process proceeds normally, then the length of the neck (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 aspathology.

A short cervix is diagnosed 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. The main 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 smaller indicator, 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 ensure peace by avoiding excessive psychological and physical stress.

32nd week

Here the body is already preparing for the upcoming labor activity. The concentration of hormones in the blood changes, which leads to the necessary changes. In particular, the neck of the reproductive organ softens and shortens again. In this case, an indicator of 20 mm is considered the norm. These measurements are taken during the third scheduled ultrasound.

If the length of the cervix is even shorter, then this can lead to premature birth. Fortunately, during this period there is no longer a serious threat, if it had happened earlier. To prevent birthchild ahead of schedule, a woman needs constant supervision by a doctor. She also needs 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 a proper approach at home and therefore one should definitely not 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 parameters of physiology. Or, to put it simply, we are talking about a congenital pathology.

However, in most cases, this feature 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.
• Abnormal structure of the reproductive organ.
• The cervical canal is underdeveloped.
• Sexual infantilism.
• Injuries to the genital organs during fetal development.
• Hormonal imbalance in the body when the amount of male sexual biologically active substances prevails.
• Abnormal development of connective tissue.

In addition to the 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), difficult childbirth. As a result of such an impact, scars appear on the uterus, due to which the elasticity of the neck is lost and deformed. And actually, this leads to its shortening.

Manifestations of the problem

Many women do not even suspect that they have a short cervix, because this problem itself practically does not manifest itself. The diagnosis is usually confirmed during a scheduled ultrasound examination. Only in 20% of cases, pathology is still detected by a number of signs. But even then this already applies to the period when conception occurred - usually for a period of 15 weeks or more. 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 cervix, and the pathology is detected precisely according to this principle. When talking about the symptoms of a short cervix during pregnancy, they mean the following:

• Watery or mucus discharge with some blood in it.
• Pain in the lower abdomen of a mild nature.
• Feeling fullness and pressure in the vagina.

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 the ultrasound machine in a different wayno problem identified.

In any case, a pregnant woman should be vigilant and treat her body with due attention. After all, the sooner a specialist detects a problem, the sooner appropriate measures will be taken. And timely treatment will help keep the child safe and sound.

Diagnosis

Fortunately, it is possible to detect a very short cervix during pregnancy already during the first gynecological examination of the patient. However, more accurate information can only be obtained after a transvaginal ultrasound (cervicometry). But if the problem was not identified during the first visit by the woman to the gynecologist, then at the second examination it will definitely be detected, if any.

And from now 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 signs. However, they will not give her an exact answer. Some of them may indicate a threat of termination of pregnancy. Plus, they don't always show up.

This is the reason every mom-to-be needs to attend scheduled medical events. After all, this is not just thought out - the purpose of all these examinations is aimed at ensuring the control and safety of pregnancy.

Treatment of a short cervix during pregnancy

When making a diagnosis of a relatively short cervix, the doctor determines the appropriate course of treatment depending onfrom each specific case. There are several important points to consider here:

• patient condition;
• current cervical length;
• presence of concomitant diseases;
• results of ongoing research.

Prescribing medications is a crucial stage, because women in position are contraindicated in taking most medications. In this case, in the first place is the cause that provoked the appearance of pathology. The delivery of a pregnant blood test will determine the level of hormones. And if the cause is a hormonal failure, then the problem is solved by appropriate therapy.

How to lengthen the cervix during pregnancy with medication? 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 help to relieve the tone of the uterus. 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 within a few weeks gives results - the cervix stabilizes, which means that nothing interferes with pregnancy.

However, how to lengthen the cervix during pregnancy, if the problem still persists? In this case, surgical correction is already in use - suturing,use of an obstetric pessary (it will hold the uterus in position).

In case of isthmic-cervical insufficiency (ICI), patients are prescribed tocolytics:

• Beta-agonists.
• Magnesium sulfate.
• Indomethacin.

As for non-drug treatment, these are:

• acupuncture;
• electrorelaxation of the reproductive organ;
• electroanalgesia;
• endonasal galvanization.

In order to prevent placental insufficiency, it is worth opting for vasodilators and vasoactive drugs, including low molecular weight dextrans.

Does Utrozhestan lengthen the cervix during pregnancy?

Usually, women in a position with a disappointing diagnosis with hormonal failure against the background of an aggravated condition are prescribed special drugs. They help to reduce the contractile activity of the uterus. "Utrozhestan" is one of these drugs. In pharmacies, this remedy is available 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 of 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 pregnant women, this drug may causecertain concerns. However, they are groundless - "Utrozhestan" is indicated only in case of a lack of progesterone, because it is its low concentration that just poses a threat to pregnancy. And if it is taken strictly according to the doctor's instructions, then there will be no side effects.

In addition, this progesterone is obtained from vegetable raw materials. Therefore, the choice of this method, how to lengthen the cervix during pregnancy, should not cause any complaints.

Magnesia

You can avoid spontaneous miscarriage with magnesium sulfate (magnesia). The drug helps to relax the muscle structure, including the walls of blood vessels. Also, its reception allows you to normalize blood pressure and accelerate the removal of fluid from the body. The drug is effective only in the case of intramuscular or intravenous administration. The powder does not give any result.

Despite such significant benefits, this medicine has its own contraindications. Pregnant women should not use it immediately before labor and while in the first trimester. It can also include low blood pressure. In addition, it is unacceptable to combine taking the drug with nutritional supplements and other calcium-based drugs.

At a later date, the lengthening of the cervix during pregnancy should take place only in a hospital under the vigilant supervision of 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 levelskill.

After taking the drug, there may be some side effects, including:

• weakness;
• drowsy;
• profuse sweating;
• feeling anxious;
• headache.

Because the use of the drug is associated with a certain risk, before prescribing it to a patient, the doctor needs to weigh the pros and cons, taking into account the current situation.

As a conclusion

Is it possible to lengthen the cervix during pregnancy? A similar question is asked by any expectant mother who has been given a disappointing diagnosis. But in this case, you should not despair, because in our time there are different ways to solve this problem. And partly this is the merit of progress, which is widely paced with the times, and even slightly ahead of it.

In any case, you must follow the doctor's recommendations, and then you can save the pregnancy. Subsequently, the mother will press her child to her chest, and all troubles will be forgotten like a bad dream. In conclusion, it remains to wish all women to endure such a long test with honor.