domingo, 29 de abril de 2012

Cervical length: Why does it matter during pregnancy? - MayoClinic.com

MayoClinic.com reprints

This single copy is for your personal, noncommercial use only. For permission to reprint multiple copies or to order presentation-ready copies for distribution, use the reprints link below.
· Order reprints of this article now.

Cervical length: Why does it matter during pregnancy?

By Mayo Clinic staff

Original Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cervical-length/AN02171

Question

Cervical length: Why does it matter during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, what's the significance of cervical length?

Answer

from Roger W. Harms, M.D.

Cervical length during pregnancy is sometimes associated with preterm labor — labor that begins before week 37 of pregnancy. If you have a short cervix, you might be at increased risk of preterm labor and premature birth. The earlier premature birth happens, the greater the health risks for your baby.
Before pregnancy, your cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina — is normally closed and rigid. During pregnancy, your cervix will gradually soften, decrease in length (efface) and open (dilate) as your baby grows and you prepare to give birth. If your cervix begins to open too soon, you could give birth prematurely.
Various factors can influence cervical length during pregnancy, including:

Biological differences between women
Unknown uterine activity
A uterus that's stretched too far (overdistended)
Complications caused by bleeding during pregnancy
Infection
Inflammation
Incompetent cervix — a condition that occurs when weak cervical tissue causes or contributes to premature birth or the loss of an otherwise healthy pregnancy

If you experience signs and symptoms of preterm labor — such as regular or frequent contractions, a constant low, dull backache, vaginal spotting, or pelvic pressure — your health care provider might do a pelvic exam to determine if your cervix has begun to open. He or she might also do an ultrasound to measure your cervical length.
If you're in preterm labor, your health care provider will explain possible treatments and the risks and benefits of trying to stop your labor.
If you're not in active preterm labor but meet certain criteria — you're less than 24 weeks pregnant, you have a history of premature birth and an ultrasound shows that your cervix is opening — your health care provider might suggest cervical cerclage. During this procedure, the cervix is stitched closed with strong sutures.
Limited research also suggests that treatment with a form of the hormone progesterone or placement of a silicone device (pessary) around the cervix might decrease the risk of premature birth in women who have short cervixes.
If you're concerned about your cervical length during pregnancy, consult your health care provider. He or she can answer your questions and help you understand how to promote a healthy pregnancy.

References

AN02171 April 25, 2012

© 1998-2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.