The corpus luteum during pregnancy: sizes, norms and features of treatment

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

Every month, a woman's body undergoes processes that are aimed at the successful conception and bearing of a child. When pregnancy occurs in the female body, biochemical and hormonal changes begin to occur, which will play a crucial role in the preservation and development of the fetus. The formation of the corpus luteum in the ovary during pregnancy is one of the very important processes that make a woman become a mother.

General information

The corpus luteum is an endocrine gland in a woman's body, which is formed after the onset of ovulation. The corpus luteum during pregnancy plays one of the main roles, since it is it that produces the hormone, progesterone, necessary for the successful development of the embryo in the early stages. Thanks to progesterone, the endometrium is prepared for the attachment of the fetal egg, uterine contractions are suppressed andthe embryo is nourished. After 12 weeks, the placenta will take over this role. If conception does not occur, the gland quickly resolves.

The corpus luteum can form in both the left and right ovaries. There are cases of the formation of two glands at once. The location of the corpus luteum of the right ovary during pregnancy is much more common.

Functions

This gland is very important for the prevention of missed pregnancy, spontaneous miscarriage, the formation of a hematoma between the walls of the uterus and the fetal egg, for the prevention of an atypical location of the fetal egg, and also for protection against the appearance of new eggs.

Key Features

The size of the corpus luteum in the ovary during pregnancy may vary depending on the phase of the cycle and on the term of the "interesting position". After the onset of ovulation, the gland has a size of no more than 2 cm. If conception does not occur, it begins to fade and disappears. The size of the corpus luteum will change during pregnancy, but it should not exceed 3 cm. With the beginning of the second trimester, the placenta takes over the role in producing the necessary hormones and nourishing the fetus, the corpus luteum begins to dissolve, and then disappears, having fulfilled its function.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made during an ultrasound examination of the ovaries, which can be performed in two ways.

• Transabdominally. In this case, ultrasound is performed through the abdomen. Bladder should be full.
• Transvaginally. A vaginal probe is used. In this case, the bladder should be emptied.

The gland looks like a heterogeneous rounded formation located next to the ovary. There are cases in which the corpus luteum is not detected during an ultrasound scan, which can be a serious pathology requiring treatment. If an ultrasound examination did not reveal a corpus luteum in early pregnancy, it is too early to judge the pathology. It happens that a poor-quality ultrasound machine or an unqualified ultrasound doctor is to blame. In this case, it is necessary to pass the tests prescribed by the attending physician.

• If the test shows the presence of pregnancy and the ovum, but the corpus luteum cannot be seen, this may indicate a high risk of miscarriage. In this case, you should immediately start therapy with drugs containing progesterone.
• If there is a delay in the menstrual cycle, and the fetal egg is not visible, the presence of a progressive gland indicates successful conception.

Many are wondering if a corpus luteum was diagnosed in the ovary, is there a pregnancy. Sometimes its presence in the body speaks only of past ovulation, after which it will disappear if pregnancy does not occur.

It is impossible to draw conclusions about the condition of the woman and the fetus only on the basis of the results of ultrasound diagnostics. A number of other tests are needed to help clarify the cause of the concerns.

The size of the corpus luteum during pregnancy on ultrasound should be within the stated norms, otherwise it may indicate pathologies in the development of the gland.

Deviation from the norm in the work of the gland

Specialists very carefully examine the corpus luteum during pregnancy, especially in the early stages, when the life and he alth of the fetus depends on its work. Timely noticed deviations will help to avoid miscarriage and miscarriage.

There are only two pathologies that are associated with the work of the corpus luteum - this is its insufficiency and a cyst.

If the size of the corpus luteum during pregnancy is less than 10 mm during ultrasound, this indicates a hypofunction of the gland. This is a very serious violation that can lead to termination of pregnancy, because in case of insufficiency of the corpus luteum during this period, the required amount of progesterone necessary for the normal development and maintenance of pregnancy is not produced. Diagnosis is carried out not only with the help of ultrasound, but also through tests for hormones. If the diagnosis is confirmed, hormonal drug therapy is prescribed.

The insufficiency of the corpus luteum can also speak of an ectopic pregnancy. In this case, progesterone will be produced in very small quantities. With the likelihood of such a pathology, an analysis of hCG in dynamics is prescribed.

When a missed pregnancy, progesterone ceases to be produced completely. Additional symptoms will be:

• The absence of toxicosis if it was previously present.
• The condition in which the chest stopped hurting.
• Pain in the lower abdomen.
• Lack of fetal growth and heartbeat on ultrasound.
• Smearing highlights.

Main signs of hypofunction

In addition to the results of ultrasound, with corpus luteum insufficiency, a woman may notice the following additional signs of this pathology:

• Uterine tone.
• Drawing pains in the lower abdomen.
• Smearing highlights.
• Sometimes there is heavy bleeding, which can indicate a serious threat of miscarriage.

With these symptoms, it is recommended to call an ambulance.

Cyst of the corpus luteum

If the size of the corpus luteum exceeds the norm of 3 cm, this may indicate a cyst has formed. This is a benign formation with fluid inside. A possible cause of its appearance is a violation of blood circulation. The exact causes of its occurrence are still unknown. It is assumed that they can provoke pathology:

• Wrong lifestyle of a woman.
• Diseases of the genitourinary system of an inflammatory nature.
• Strong physical activity.
• Frequent stress.
• Hormonal medication before conception.
• Abortions.

Cyst of the corpus luteum does not have a negative impact on the he alth of a woman and a child. It usually resolves on its own after a while. If, on subsequent ultrasounds, its growth was detected, then drug therapy is used.

Signs of a corpus luteum cyst

Obvious symptoms of the formation of a cyst in the corpus luteum are the following:

• Pain in the ovary where the corpus luteum was formed, especiallyincreasing with loads.
• Feeling bloated
• Ultrasonic enlargement.

Complications of a cyst

Despite the fact that this formation does not pose a threat, there are times when a cyst can cause serious harm to he alth. A complication can be torsion or rupture of the cyst.

Gap. This situation can occur when the cyst has grown to a large size. It can burst both by itself and due to impact or pressure of the uterus. Its contents enter the abdominal cavity.

Twist. In this case, there is a twisting of the vessels that feed the cyst. This condition leads to necrosis.

Surgical intervention is used for these complications.

There are cases when a malignant formation is masked under a cyst. Therefore, if the cyst continues to grow, it is worth taking tests for tumor markers.

If dizziness, weakness, nausea are added to the pain in the lower abdomen or the ovary area, you should consult a doctor for the necessary tests.

Conclusion

The corpus luteum during pregnancy is the most important organ that will help you become a mother of a he althy baby. For timely diagnosis, it is recommended not to neglect the doctor's prescriptions about the need for ultrasound, because it is through this diagnostic method that one can determine the degree of functionality of the gland and possible deviations in its work.