Cervix during pregnancy – causes and treatment of a shortening cervix

The cervix plays an important role during pregnancy, acting as a kind of “lock” that protects the developing baby from early delivery. However, sometimes the cervix may shorten during pregnancy, which may increase the risk of premature birth. In this article, we will discuss how the cervix changes during pregnancy, how to diagnose cervical insufficiency, the causes of cervical shortening during pregnancy, and recommendations for cervical insufficiency. We invite you to read.

How does the cervix change during pregnancy?

The cervix, also called the cervix, is the urethra that connects the uterus to the vagina. During pregnancy, the cervix undergoes certain changes. Normally it is closed and keeps the fetus in the uterus. As pregnancy progresses, the cervix slowly begins to shorten, soften and open in preparation for birth. This process is called cervical ripening.

Cervical ripening is a gradual process and is controlled by hormones. However, sometimes there may be a problem with the shortening of the cervix too early in pregnancy, which may lead to premature delivery.

Cervical insufficiency during pregnancy – diagnosis

Diagnosing cervical insufficiency in pregnancy is crucial to prevent premature birth and minimize the risk of complications. Your doctor may use a variety of methods to assess your cervix, including:

• Palpation to assess the length and closure of the cervix.
• Transvaginal ultrasound, which provides detailed information about the cervix.
• Cervical length measurements using specialized tools.

If cervical insufficiency is suspected, your doctor may recommend additional tests and pregnancy monitoring to assess the risk of premature birth.

Causes of cervical shortening during pregnancy

There are many factors that can lead to the shortening of the cervix during pregnancy. Some of the most common causes are:

• History of premature labor or cervical insufficiency in previous pregnancies.
• Cervical infections.
• Anatomical disorders of the cervix.
• Stress and excessive physical exertion.
• Excessive amount of amniotic fluid.

It is worth noting that it is not always possible to clearly determine the cause of the shortening of the cervix, so it is important to regularly monitor your pregnancy and consult a doctor in case of any disturbing symptoms.

Recommendations for cervical incompetence during pregnancy

If you are diagnosed with cervical incompetence during pregnancy, your doctor may recommend different management strategies, depending on the severity of the problem and the risk of premature birth. Some possible recommendations are:

• Regular monitoring by a doctor and/or midwife.
• The use of cerclage, i.e. surgical protection of the cervix.
• Hormone therapy to reduce the risk of cervical shortening.
• Rest in a lying position.
• Taking painkillers and antibacterial drugs for cervical infections.

Each case of cervical insufficiency is individual, so the doctor will select appropriate treatment strategies, taking into account the patient’s needs.

Your suggestions

In case of any disturbing symptoms or suspicion of cervical insufficiency, it is always worth consulting a doctor. Regular check-ups during pregnancy are crucial to ensure the health of mother and baby.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in the topic of pregnancy and reproductive health, we recommend you check out our other articles on this topic:

• “Care during pregnancy – how to take care of yourself and your baby”
• “Symptoms and stages of pregnancy – what is worth knowing”
• “Healthy diet during pregnancy – what to eat and what to avoid”

Remember that knowing about pregnancy and reproductive health is crucial to providing the best care for yourself and your baby.

This article aims to provide general information about the cervix during pregnancy, the causes of cervical shortening and recommendations for cervical insufficiency. You should always consult your doctor if you have specific questions or concerns about your pregnancy.