The relationship between preterm birth and short cervix

There are many causes leading to premature birth, but experts rank 3 high-risk groups including multiple pregnancies, abnormalities of the uterus and unhealthy living habits. A short cervix during pregnancy is one of the common causes of premature birth or miscarriage.

The cervix is ​​considered the connecting point between the vagina and the uterine cavity, having an extremely important task during pregnancy and childbirth. The normal cervix of a woman consists of the outer and inner openings of the uterus. The length of the cervix is ​​usually measured from the outer foramen to the inner opening of the uterus. The average size of the cervix is ​​30mm, if it is less than 25mm, it means the cervix is ​​short. When not giving birth, the cervix is ​​round and tight, and the density is firm. On the contrary, if you have undergone childbirth, the cervix will be flattened, the density is softer.

According to experts, some causes of short cervix during pregnancy can include:
Congenital underdeveloped genitals, cervical pediatrics Due to surgical conical resection. Cervical. In addition, the cervix also has a number of physiological phases that change in length. During pregnancy, the cervix will lengthen to support the fetus. Towards the end of pregnancy, the cervix gradually shortens in preparation for childbirth. After the postpartum period, the cervix will return to its normal shape.
Some other factors affect the size of the cervix, such as:
Due to the difference in location of each person The uterus is stretched and too far away The mother encounters bleeding complications during pregnancy Mucositis Endometriosis Vaginal infection Weak uterus makes the cervix not able to stretch enough.

There is a relationship between cervical length measured by ultrasound and gestational age at birth. When cervical length ≤ 35mm, ≤ 30mm, ≤ 26mm, ≤ 20mm and ≤ 13mm, the risk of preterm birth was 2.35%, 3.79%, 6.19%, 9.49% and 13, respectively. 99%. Short cervical length at 16-28 weeks is a risk factor for preterm labor.
Short cervix hardly affects physiological function or sexual activity, but it can easily lead to premature birth, recurrent miscarriage. However, if detected early and taken preventive measures by stitching the cervix, it is still possible to keep the fetus safe.

The phenomenon of a short cervix during pregnancy does not have any specific symptoms or signs for pregnant women to know that their body is having problems. Therefore, in order to detect this condition early, the best way is for women to take the initiative in regular antenatal check-ups and through ultrasound methods as well as measure the length of the uterus to know the most accurate results. .
During the examination, the doctor detects abnormal signs by measuring the cervix by ultrasound, the length is less than 25mm, that is, the cervix is ​​short. This woman will be more likely to give birth prematurely than those with a normal cervix. Therefore, if you have this condition, your doctor will implement appropriate supportive interventions.
Periodic examination during pregnancy is also especially important, not only to help detect fetal abnormalities but also to detect abnormal signs in the cervix, uterus or other problems in pregnant women.

For patients diagnosed with a short cervix, the doctor will recommend appropriate supportive measures or interventions:
Some treatments for a short cervix such as: performing a suture Cervical , put ring or appoint to take traditional medicine to support the uterine waist muscles , help the muscles contract , more firmly to hold the fetus better .
During this time, pregnant women need to keep in mind the following notes:
Take more time to rest Eat nutritious meals Limit travel and should not do heavy or excessive work Abstain from husband-wife relationship Take medicine and have regular antenatal check-ups according to the doctor's schedule.

Vinmec International General Hospital applies the cervical stitch technique to treat short cervix to help prevent premature birth or miscarriage. When the pregnancy is full-term, the suture removal procedure will be performed so that the mother can have a vaginal birth as normal physiologically. Advantages when performing cervical cerclage at Vinmec include:
Professional services: Modern civilized disease prevention system, comprehensive care, meals, rest, exercise, health education, each room is equipped with amenities like a 5-star hotel apartment, patient information is confidential. Vinmec's Hybrid operating room is the most modern operating room system in the world today, integrating the operating room and advanced imaging facilities (CT, MRI, ultrasound...) to help reduce time. surgery and bring the best surgical effect to the patient. In anesthesia resuscitation, Vinmec adheres to anesthetic protocols, anesthesia safety guidelines, anesthesia checklists for 100% of surgeries to minimize incidents and unwanted effects.