Short Cervix During Pregnancy
Can having a short cervix during pregnancy cause any problems for my baby or myself? I have heard from others that it is a potentially risky condition that may put my baby at risk.
This is probably the last thing that any pregnant woman wants to hear, as there are so many concerns that you have while you are expecting, that you are always stressed out about the possibility of finding out there is something wrong with you or your baby. However, what you have heard is definitely true, but it does not mean that your baby can not be born happy and healthy.
What Does A Shortened Cervix During Pregnancy Mean?
Essentially it is just as it sounds, and it means that your cervix is shorter than the normal length. In a woman who has a shortened cervix, in some cases it can be close to an inch to an inch and a half shorter than normal. Unfortunately, this can lead to what is known as an incompetent or weakened cervix, which can cause an expectant mother to have either a miscarriage or premature birth. This is because the cervix will open well before the baby is due to be born, due to the pressure the fetus is putting on the cervix.
In a regular pregnancy the cervix will remain closed and will not dilate until well into the third trimester, which is why being diagnosed with a short cervix can be so worrisome to an expectant mother.
Most pregnant women are unaware of the fact that they have a shortened cervix, as it is not something that your doctor will routinely check for at your prenatal visits. However, if a patient is thought to be at risk for this type of condition, a doctor can use either a pelvic exam or an ultrasound to help diagnose the problem.
If you are in fact diagnosed with a shortened or weekend cervix, this condition will be monitored through ultrasounds. This of course will allow your doctor to take appropriate actions to help prevent a miscarriage or preterm delivery.
A doctor may also recommend that a woman with this condition undergo an operation known as a cerclage. This procedure uses surgical stitches to help prevent the cervix from opening prematurely. However, not all experts agree that this procedure will help to prevent a miscarriage or premature delivery. You will want to do as much research on this topic as possible, before electing to have this operation.
To give your baby the best chance at having a full-term delivery, it is vital that you make your doctor aware of any miscarriages you might have had in the past, or trauma that may have been done to your cervix during other births.
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