Soft cervix during pregnancy: what does it mean?

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

During pregnancy, a woman's organs undergo significant changes. During this period, doctors carefully monitor the condition of the expectant mother. Gynecological examination occurs two to three times during the entire pregnancy, provided there are no pathologies. The cervix is not disturbed once again, since it is responsible for the safety of the fetus.

The cervix in everyday life

A woman's average menstrual cycle is 28 days. The normal state of the cervix is dense and closed. Color: light pink. During the period of ovulation, which falls on the 13th-15th day of the cycle, it softens, and the cervical canal expands. The level of the female hormone estradiol rises significantly before the rupture of the follicle, the body prepares for fertilization. All these changes occur for better passage of sperm to the uterus, where the egg may already be.

It must be remembered that a soft cervix in a he althy woman in the middle of the menstrual cycle isokay!

After ovulation, the cervix remains softened for several days, regardless of whether fertilization has occurred or not. After that, the cervical canal narrows, and the organ itself becomes dense.

Causes of deviations from the norm

There are a number of reasons why the structure of the cervix can be broken.

It could be:

• The first weeks of pregnancy.
• The period after childbirth and before them.
• Severe previous labor with multiple ruptures.
• Congenital abnormalities.
• Reduced muscle tone of the cervix (isthmic-cervical insufficiency). Both mechanical damage and hormonal disorders contribute to the occurrence.
• Inflammation of the female organs. Often this is the cause of female infertility.
• Previous abortions.
• Hormonal failures.
• Taking medication.

First weeks after fertilization

After the attachment of the fetal egg in the uterine cavity, a complex process of restructuring the circulatory system begins, which is necessary for feeding the fetus. The ovaries, under the influence of the corpus luteum, begin to produce more and more progesterone, which is responsible for the texture of the cervix. There is a closure of the cervical canal and its filling with mucous contents. This provides protection of the fetal membranes from various bacteria. The cervical region itself becomes dense after a few weeks. This keeps the growing fetus in the uterus.

But it happens that a soft cervix during pregnancy in the first trimester isreason for taking medication. Your doctor may prescribe hormone therapy. Usually drugs containing progesterone are prescribed.

Pregnancy and No-shpa

Also, "No-shpa" can be prescribed by a doctor. During pregnancy in the early stages, there may be a threat of miscarriage due to the tone of the uterus. Drotaverine, which is the active ingredient in "No-shpy", relaxes smooth muscles, relieves spasms. For the fetus, it does not pose any danger. The drug is excreted from the body completely in a day.

In case of headache, toothache during early pregnancy, "No-shpa" can act as a pain reliever. For problems with the gastrointestinal tract, you can also use this drug, but only after consulting a doctor.

In the second trimester, the use of "No-shpa" is inappropriate due to the effect of the drug on the cervix.

Softening of the cervix in the second trimester

During pregnancy, periodic sipping in the lower abdomen is not a deviation from the norm, if they are not periodic. In this case, a doctor's examination may be necessary, since this is the only way to determine the soft cervix. Self-diagnosis of her condition is possible, but it is a very risky procedure.

A soft cervix during pregnancy at a period of 20-30 weeks threatens with premature birth or miscarriage, therefore, depending on the degree of softening and causesdoctor prescribed:

• bed rest;
• hospitalization;
• installing a pessary;
• suturing;
• appropriate drug treatment.

Installation of the pessary and suturing

The most frightening thing for a woman on this list is a pessary and stitches. And this is natural, since any intervention carries a percentage of risk. But this is what allows you to keep the pregnancy and carry the child to the due date.

The procedure for inserting a pessary, or Meyer ring, is painless and takes about 30 minutes. This is not a surgical procedure, so fear should not arise.

The obstetric pessary resembles a soft rubber ring made of surgical silicone or plastic. Its purpose is to unload the uterus, which is under a lot of pressure. The doctor inserts it into the vagina and puts it on the soft cervix. In everyday life, this device does not interfere with the woman in any way and is not felt inside.

Meyer's ring is worn almost until childbirth. Remove the pessary in the hospital for a period of 38-39 weeks.

Suturing is performed only under anesthesia, so the woman does not experience any pain. The optimal period is 23-25 weeks. Before suturing, a thorough examination of the internal genital organs is carried out. Only experienced doctors are allowed to this procedure, so the expectant mother does not need to worry. The risk of complications in this case is minimal, but the chances of a happy ending of pregnancy are enough.great.

Stress has a big effect on the cervix. That is why a pregnant woman needs to be protected from negativity, surrounded by her care. The expectant mother needs to be outdoors more often, devote sufficient time to physical activity. Reading and watching positive movies and shows will help improve your mood.

Regarding the maintenance of bed rest has long been debated. It has already been proven that walking does not affect the smoothing and softness of the cervix. And constant lying is fraught with other unpleasant consequences in the form of excess weight, weakening of muscle tone. If you trust your doctor, it is better to discuss this issue with him and listen to his opinion and your own feelings.

Cervix in third trimester

At about 35-36 weeks of pregnancy, the body begins to prepare for childbirth. The cervix begins to smooth and soften. Her condition is determined upon examination. During the entire pregnancy, the length of the cervix is 3.5-4.5 cm, and after 37 weeks it is shortened to 2.5 cm. The doctor can diagnose a soft cervix at 39 weeks of pregnancy. Also, upon examination, it can be seen that the internal os is ajar by 1-2 cm. Therefore, labor will begin soon.

Cervical Preparation Procedures

If the doctor does not establish that the cervix is high and soft at 38-40 weeks, then this indicates unpreparedness for childbirth. In this case, means are used to accelerate the smoothing of the neck.

To better hersoftening can be assigned "No-shpa". It has proven itself well, as a decrease in internal gaps has been noted with its use. Helps soften the cervix and male sperm, because it contains prostaglandin, which affects the maturation of the cervix. Also, in the process of having sex, when a woman reaches orgasm, the muscles of the uterus contract. This contributes to the launch of generic processes.

Special gels or vaginal suppositories containing the synthetic hormone prostaglandin may be prescribed by a doctor. Cheap and effective kelp sticks are also used. They contain substances that provoke the opening of the internal os, smoothing and softening the cervix.

Folk remedies

To make the cervix soft, you can resort to folk remedies, but only after consulting a doctor:

• Drink decoctions and infusions of wild rose, hawthorn, raspberry leaves and sage.
• Nipple massage. They must be gently and gently massaged for 10 minutes 3 times a day. It naturally produces the hormone oxytocin. It promotes uterine contractions.
• Evening primrose oil capsules. It is rich in fatty acids that stimulate the production of prostaglandins. The doctor prescribes the scheme of application.
• Eating fatty fish: mackerel, herring, sprat, silver carp and others.

If during pregnancy the question arises why the cervix is \u200b\u200bsoft, and what it means, then at the beginningor the middle of pregnancy, this indicates deviations and the threat of interruption. And in the later stages - this is a natural phenomenon that prepares the body for childbirth.