Changes in the cervical canal: the norm during pregnancy
The entrance to the uterus is its neck, which also changes after conception. The canal itself passes in the cervix and must remain in the closed state throughout the gestation period. This allows the fetus to remain in the uterus. During the birth process, it expands to 10 cm. The way its disclosure takes place gives a lot of information to medical personnel.
In the cervical canal during pregnancy, a special substance is produced that forms a mucous plug. It should protect the uterine cavity from various infections. Cork comes out just before delivery. Also, shortening of the cervix occurs before them. Normally this starts to happen after 37 weeks. Until then, the length of the cervical canal during pregnancy should be about 3-4 cm. In women who are not waiting for the first child, this value may be slightly less. Define this parameter, first of all, by the results of ultrasound.
If the size of the cervical canal during pregnancy does not exceed 2 cm, then such an indicator will alarm the doctor. This may signal a risk of premature birth. This condition is called istmiko-cervical insufficiency. The reasons for it may be several:
- violation of the hormonal background;
- congenital features;
- consequences of injuries as a result of curettage, abortion, previous birth.
In order to prevent severe consequences, the doctor can recommend to sew the cervix or put a special ring on it. It should also exclude physical activity and sexual activity. The doctor can advise the treatment in the hospital.