The cervix is ​​low and soft. What will the cervix feel like during early pregnancy? Signs of changes in the uterus after conception

Healthy intrauterine development of the baby is impossible if the expectant mother has any pathology of the female genital organs. During pregnancy, doctors regularly evaluate the condition of the cervix. It is especially important to carry out such a diagnosis in the very early stages of bearing a baby.

Physiology

The cervix is ​​a kind of entrance to the uterus. This organ is a continuation of the cervical canal. The normal size of the cervix is ​​very important. Deviations from the norm can lead to the fact that a woman and her baby will have various pathologies.

The location of the uterus and cervical canal is determined during an extended gynecological examination, which is held by the expectant mother on the armchair.

The size of the cervix in most healthy women is from 3 to 4.5 cm. A change in this indicator is a very important clinical sign of the development of many pathologies.

An unstable hormonal background contributes to the fact that the size of the cervix can change. This is especially clear in the second half of pregnancy.

If, when carrying a baby in a woman, doctors determine the shortening of the cervix, this is a manifestation of a pathology that requires correction.

Condition before ovulation

The cervix is ​​adjacent in its lower part to the vagina. In non-pregnant women, this zone is solid. Already in the first weeks of pregnancy it becomes loose and softens. The position of the vaginal part of the uterus before menstruation may change somewhat. This condition is usually detected by a gynecologist during a gynecological examination.

In different periods of the menstrual cycle of a woman, the cervix is ​​​​different. In the period before ovulation, its hardness is maximum. The cervical canal is narrowed as much as possible. This condition is physiological.

A strong narrowing of the cervical canal is necessary at this stage of the female cycle in order to prevent conception.

At ovulation

During this period of the female cycle, the condition of the cervix changes. It becomes looser and softer. If the gynecologist conducts a study during such a period, he will also find the closure of the internal os of the uterus. Doctors call this condition symptom or sign of the pupil.

The cervix also rises slightly during this period. If the location of the genital organ is not physiological, then this situation can lead to the fact that the woman will have adverse symptoms. Usually in this case, a pulling soreness appears, and white discharge from the genital tract begins to appear.

During this period of the female cycle, the secretion of cervical mucus increases. It is essential for successful conception. It is thanks to this secret that spermatozoa can penetrate into the uterus and to the egg.

If the fusion of the germ cells of a man and a woman does not occur, then the next stage of the menstrual cycle begins.

After ovulation

During this period of the female cycle, the position of the cervix changes. This body begins to move down. During a gynecological examination, the doctor determines that the cervix becomes dry and somewhat dense to the touch. The diameter of the cervical canal is small.

This period is characterized by the cervix is ​​not ready for sperm penetration. The changing hormonal background contributes to the appearance of such changes. Female sex hormones act on epithelial cells, which leads to the development of their specific changes.

In early pregnancy

During a gynecological examination, the doctor evaluates several clinical indicators. It determines the location, tone, color, shape and density of the cervix.

In the first weeks of pregnancy, the color of the mucous membranes of this organ changes. This zone changes its color from pale pink to maroon. The density of the cervix before the delay of menstruation is also different. All clinical indicators change with the course of pregnancy.

During a gynecological examination, doctors already in the first days of pregnancy reveal plethora of blood vessels. The tone of the uterus also changes during this period.

If it is too pronounced, then this situation is already a manifestation of pathology - hypertonicity. In this case, more careful monitoring of the expectant mother is required throughout the pregnancy.

Characteristic changes in the cervix begin to occur already in the first half of pregnancy. Even in the earliest periods from the moment of conception organ density changes. The cervix becomes softer.

The lumen of this organ also changes. At first, the cervix is ​​ajar. As pregnancy progresses, the diameter of the cervical canal gradually decreases.

This physiological reaction is necessary so that a woman does not have a premature birth.

The location of the uterus in the pelvis is a very important clinical sign. It may be tilted too far forward or shifted to the side. In this case, the course of pregnancy may be pathological. In such a situation, a woman needs more careful monitoring throughout the entire period of bearing her baby.

In the initial weeks of pregnancy, the mucous membrane of the cervix looks smooth. This is due to the large amount of cervical mucus produced by the epithelial cells of the cervical canal. Such a biological secret is necessary in order to protect the pelvic organs and the developing baby from infection.

With the course of pregnancy, the mucous membranes of the cervix become looser. Usually this situation develops by the third trimester of pregnancy. If the cervix becomes too soft or loose, even the expectant mother may need to be hospitalized in a hospital.

Many women try to palpate the cervix on their own. It should be noted right away that it's not worth doing it. It is impossible to identify signs of pregnancy using this method on your own. In this case, only the risk of secondary infection is high.

If a woman has a delay in menstruation after unprotected intercourse, then she should immediately seek advice from a gynecologist.

How to determine the condition of the cervix in the early stages?

To detect pathologies of the cervix, it is not always necessary to conduct a gynecological examination. Usually, the doctor conducts such studies only according to indications. More often, to monitor developing disorders, doctors resort to prescribing transvaginal ultrasound.

If a woman has a long cervix and no shortening, frequent gynecological examinations are not required. It should be noted that the appearance of pathologies of the cervix occurs in the very early stages of pregnancy.

It is no coincidence that several clinical examinations are carried out during pregnancy. Until the 20th week, the cervix should be the same as before in the first days after the conception of the baby. Significant changes in this body are not observed. This is due to a gradual change in hormonal levels.

In this case, both cervical os remain completely closed. The dimensions of this organ in this case range from 4 to 4.5 cm. If in a woman this indicator drops to 2 cm, then in this case, doctors talk about shortening.

Normally, the length of the uterus should be within the normal range. Only after 20 weeks does a slight physiological shortening of this organ begin to occur. This condition develops almost until the 28th week of pregnancy.

In the future, the size of the cervix continues to decrease. This situation is necessary for natural childbirth.

How do pathologies manifest themselves?

Doctors identify several risk groups, which include women with certain pathologies. In order to assess such a risk, the anamnesis is very important. If a woman before the previous conception of a baby had abortions, especially complicated ones, then in this case more careful monitoring of her pregnancy is required.

The use of obstetrical forceps and other auxiliary medical instruments during a previous pregnancy contributes to the fact that the cervix can be damaged.

Hormonal imbalance only contributes to the fact that a woman's progesterone levels drop significantly. In this situation, doctors, as a rule, prescribe special hormonal preparations to pregnant women.

Expectant mothers with twins or triplets also have a higher risk of developing various cervical pathologies. Such pathological conditions are manifested in multiple pregnancy already at its earliest stages.

Low placenta previa very often leads to the development of various pathologies of the cervix. Usually such a pathology is formed by the end of the first trimester of pregnancy.

The lack of full medical control over the development of this condition can contribute to the development of extremely dangerous pathologies for both the expectant mother and her baby.

Women in whom doctors have identified cervical erosion even before the onset or in the early stages of pregnancy are at increased risk for the development of various pathologies. In this case, careful monitoring and selection of tactics for monitoring the expectant mother is necessary.

When registering for pregnancy, a woman must undergo a series of diagnostic procedures that reveal her state of health, the ability to endure and give birth to a baby. The greatest importance is attached to the examination of the internal genital organs, especially the condition of the cervix.

What it is?

The cervix is ​​the most important part of the female organ associated with the process of childbirth, affecting both the course of pregnancy and the birth process. It is a small tube, approximately 4 cm by 2.5 cm in size, connecting the uterus and vagina. The cervix is ​​divided into the upper - supravaginal part, located above the vagina, and the lower - vaginal, which protrudes into the vaginal cavity.

Additionally In the center of the lower part, the cervical canal opens in the form of an internal pharynx (the entrance to the uterine cavity). The surface of a healthy neck is pale pink, shiny, smooth and elastic, and from the inside of the cervical canal the color becomes more intense, and the surface character is loose and velvety.

What should be the cervix during pregnancy?

With the onset of pregnancy, like the entire female body, the cervix undergoes significant changes. Due to a sharp change in the hormonal background and increased blood supply, already a few days after fertilization, it becomes cyanotic, and the glands, which are in abundance in its thickness, significantly expand and grow. The muscle fibers lining the cervix are replaced by connective tissue during pregnancy.

Information The newly formed collagen structure, well extensible and elastic, contributes to the expansion of the uterus with its excessive formation and, accordingly, leads to a shortening of the cervix during pregnancy and the creation of conditions for opening the internal os.

This type of organ persists throughout the pregnancy, and by the end of it, the doctor states the softness of the tissues, which indicates the maturation of the cervix and readiness for the birth process. Just before childbirth, the cervix tends to shorten sharply to 1-2 cm, fixing strictly in the center of the small pelvis. Further, a periodic examination is required so as not to miss the onset of labor, which is signaled by the expansion of the internal pharynx and the first contractions.

The length of the cervix during pregnancy by week

The cervix gradually becomes shorter according to the duration of pregnancy, reaching the smallest length in the longitudinal dimension towards the end of pregnancy. This dependence is presented in the table:

Inspection

The period of pregnancy imposes on a woman the need to visit a doctor for a general examination and, in particular, to examine the condition of the cervix, quite often - at least once a month. This regularity is indicated for quite healthy women who do not have serious health problems. If the pregnancy is aggravated by serious diagnoses, or the risk of miscarriage is high, the doctor establishes a more frequent regimen of visits to the gynecological office.

Regular examinations of the cervix during pregnancy are of paramount importance for identifying pathologies of both the mother and the child, allowing you to prescribe the necessary treatment in a timely manner. At each visit, the doctor takes material to identify a possible inflammatory process, various infections, and excludes oncological diseases in the incipient stage.

Information The doctor pays special attention to the condition of the cervix, controls its size, shape, location, consistency. Careful planned studies are usually carried out in the first weeks of pregnancy, at 20, 28, 32 and 36 weeks. In case of deviations from the norm, inspection is carried out as necessary. Especially the state of the cervix at the beginning of pregnancy, when its shortening indicates that it has begun.

In view of the presence of vaginal discharge, which may also indicate the beginning of the interruption process, the question arises of excluding this option or taking urgent measures.

The cervix to the touch during early pregnancy

At the very beginning of pregnancy, when there are no pathologies, the cervix, on examination, feels rather dense on palpation and is somewhat tilted back in location, which is considered normal. The absence of a threat of spontaneous miscarriage is also evidenced by the obstruction of the cervical canal (external pharynx) for the finger.

And, on the contrary, if such a threat exists, then the doctor will notice this by the softened structure, shortened size and loosely closed cervical canal.

Loose cervix during pregnancy

With the course of pregnancy, the tissues of the cervix, like her entire body, undergo strong changes in structure.

Being smooth at the beginning of pregnancy, due to hormonal and physiological reasons, it becomes more and more loose by childbirth. The loose nature of the surface of the cervix is ​​considered the norm near the cervical canal. However, extensive loose areas may indicate the presence of an infection that causes an inflammatory process.

Sources of trouble can be:

• gonococcus;
• and other serious infections requiring urgent treatment.

In addition to increased friability, ulcerations, pulling pains in the lower abdomen, and discharge can be observed.

Soft

In a normal pregnancy, the cervix should be a dense area with a closed external os, protecting the inside of the uterus from infections. Only later than this period does it begin to soften unevenly, that is, to become "ripening" - capable of opening during the birth process, but only along the periphery, and the area of ​​​​the cervical canal remains closed, as evidenced by ultrasound data.

Cervicometry

Cervicometry is a method that determines the length of the cervix during pregnancy.

The study is carried out using the usual ultrasound procedure, and with the help of a vaginal probe. Preparation for pregnant women does not involve filling the bladder, as in the case of a general study. The examination procedure itself does not differ from the study of the uterus, familiar to all women, only the sensor of the device will move along the lower abdomen. At the same time, the doctor pre-lubricates the skin with a gel for better operation of the ultrasound equipment.

Information When examining with a transvaginal probe, it is wrapped in a condom, following hygienic considerations, a gel is also applied and the cervix is ​​examined accordingly. Sometimes examination with a vaginal probe supplements the usual examination through the abdomen.

Suturing the cervix during pregnancy

The cervix serves as a "shutter" that holds the fetus inside the uterus. But with her weakness, he may not be able to withstand the increasing mass of the fetus and open ahead of time. In such cases, they resort to the imposition of special sutures in the form of a ring. This method is shown for a period of 13-24 weeks, after this period they do not resort to this method, but recommend bed rest to future women in labor.

This is a simple operation, which is the stitching of the neck with a lavsan thread, which does not resolve. It is carried out under anesthesia that is safe for the baby, allowing the woman to fall asleep for a short time. This is followed by a short course of antibacterial and uterine-relaxing drugs. After the operation, spotting and pulling pains, which are the norm, may be observed for some time.

Stitches are removed after 37 weeks already without anesthesia. Even if the birth occurs immediately after this, big problems can no longer occur, since the child reaches functional maturity by this time. In most cases, after removing the sutures (circle), childbirth occurs in a timely manner.

Cervix during second pregnancy

With a second pregnancy, the cervix looks looser already at the beginning of the term, compared with the previous state. If the “nil-giving” neck looks like a cylindrical pipe, then the “giving birth” takes the form of a cone or trapezoid. In addition, its surface is no longer completely smooth, but has scars left by previous births and medical manipulations, which worsens its extensibility and leads to shortening.

There is a risk of a shortening of the cervix with each subsequent pregnancy, so the doctor should constantly monitor its length, especially if the pregnancy was preceded by any complications in the past. It is widely believed that in women who have already given birth, some opening of the external pharynx is allowed, which is gross ignorance. In any pregnancy, the closure of the cervix must be absolute, other options are deviations.

Information The cervix is ​​a unique formation of the female body, which plays a crucial role in the desire to become a mother. And those women who, with all responsibility, eliminate the problems that have arisen with the help of a doctor, have every chance to make themselves happy with motherhood more than once.

During pregnancy, every woman has to make many planned visits to the gynecologist and undergo many examinations, but the first examination is always the most memorable of them, when the doctor establishes the very fact of pregnancy and determines its duration. One of the important points in determining the presence of pregnancy is the cervix, in which pronounced changes begin to occur from the moment of implantation of the embryo.

The body of a woman is designed in such a way that during the period of bearing a baby, the shape and condition of the cervix changes, allowing the fetus to develop before the due date. It depends on the state of this zone whether a woman will be able to bring the baby to the desired date or whether he will be born prematurely.

Physiologically, the uterus consists of three parts:

• the bottom of the uterus - its upper part is spherical;
• the body of the uterus - here, attaching to the wall, the fetus develops until the moment of birth;
• the cervix, which is the lower part of the organ, connected to the vagina and looking like a tube.

During a routine gynecological examination, the doctor can see the part of the cervix that extends into the vagina, but this is enough for a general assessment of its condition.

Cervix after conception

Almost immediately after fertilization and implantation of the embryo, the cervix begins to change, which is expressed as follows:

1. Its color changes. In the normal state of the female body, its color is pink, but during pregnancy, the cervix acquires a pronounced bluish tint, since blood circulation in this area increases dramatically and causes the rapid growth of additional blood vessels.
2. Consistency is changing. During pregnancy, the cervix is ​​soft to the touch and this condition is often compared to the softness of the lips, while in the normal state of the body its consistency can be compared to the hardness of the nose, however, this gradually changes.
3. Location is changing. During the period, the organ rises, while the cervical canal opens, preparing to receive sperm for fertilization. When pregnancy occurs, the soft cervix drops much lower than usual, due to the action of hormones, in particular progesterone. As the gestational age increases, the cervix gradually rises.

In addition, the shape of the cervix also changes, so that the doctor can immediately determine whether the woman has given birth before. In a nulliparous woman, the cervix has a flat cylindrical shape, while in women who have given birth, the shape of this organ is cone-shaped.

The cervix consists of the external and internal os, as well as the cervical canal, which connects the vagina to the body of the uterus.

Based on changes in the body, the doctor can conclude not only the presence of pregnancy, but also its duration, as well as assess the condition of the woman and identify a possible one. Of great importance during pregnancy are the dimensions of the cervix, but they can be accurately determined only with the help of ultrasound.

The norm of the cervix during pregnancy

The correct development and changes of this organ also determine how the gestation of the fetus will proceed and whether the birth will be timely. By examining the cervix during pregnancy with the help of ultrasound, the doctor can see not only its true size, but also the condition. Normally, the organ is closed when carrying a baby, and the entrance to the uterus is blocked by a special one that prevents the penetration of a possible threat from the outside and exits on its own before the onset of childbirth.

When performing an ultrasound at about 24 weeks, it is important to accurately determine the length of the cervix. According to all gynecologists, it is this indicator that is the most informative and helps to determine the presence of a threat and take action in time.

A transvaginal examination at this time is rarely prescribed, but if, performing the procedure in the usual way, the doctor sees that the cervix is ​​shortened, he will definitely double-check this with a vaginal sensor that allows you to accurately determine the true size.

With a normal pregnancy, the size of the cervix when examined at week 24 should be 3.5 cm. The smaller this indicator, the more the risk of preterm birth increases, for example, at 2.2 cm the risk is 20%, and if the length of the organ is less than 1, 5 cm, then the percentage of risk will be already 50%.

Of course, in the future, as the term increases, the neck will shorten, and this is absolutely natural, because the body will prepare for childbirth, but it is at this time that the size indicator is especially important.

If we consider the norms of the size of the cervix during pregnancy by weeks, we can note a stable and smooth decrease in its size:

• for a period of 16-20 weeks, the normal length indicator will be 4.5-4 cm;
• at 24-28 weeks - from 4 to 3.5 cm;
• at 32-36 weeks - from 3.5 to 3 cm;

In the future, before childbirth, the process of shortening the organ and its maturation is faster and before the onset of labor, the length of the neck does not exceed 1 cm.

If, during a planned ultrasound scan, all indicators were normal, but after some time, discharge from the cervix is ​​​​detected, you should immediately consult a doctor and undergo the study again. Discharge may be a sign of the onset of preterm labor.

Isthmic-cervical insufficiency during pregnancy

This condition is considered a pathology when carrying a baby and often leads to miscarriage or premature birth, since the cervix cannot cope with the load and cannot keep the fetus in the uterus for the required period.

In fact, the cervix consists of muscle and connective tissue, forming a kind of sphincter (muscle ring) in the area of ​​​​its internal pharynx, the purpose of which is to hold the resulting fetal egg for 9 months.

The reasons that this ring ceases to perform its natural function may be different, based on them, the pathology is divided into two types:

1. Insufficiency of the traumatic type. Occurs after various gynecological interventions performed before, associated with the forced expansion of the ring, for example, during research or abortion, as well as damage to the integrity of the muscles of this zone during natural childbirth. With any muscle rupture in this zone, a scar is formed at the site of damage, in which muscle tissue is replaced by ordinary connective tissue, thereby disrupting the further ability of muscle stretching and contraction. The same applies to the cervix itself as a whole.
2. Insufficiency of a functional type. Such a violation in most cases occurs when there are hormonal disruptions in the body of a woman. Most often, with such a deficiency, either an excess of androgen or a deficiency of progesterone is observed. In this case, ICI manifests itself during pregnancy from weeks 11 to 27, most often from weeks 16 to 26. At this time, the developing fetus begins to work with its own adrenal glands, which produce additional hormones, including androgens. If a woman's level of this hormone is already elevated or there is sensitivity to androgens, then with their additional intake from the fetus, the cervix begins to quickly soften and shorten, preparing for the birth of the baby, after which opening occurs. As a rule, there are no special signs of such a condition, and the tone of the uterus with a functional form of ICI may not change. If a woman does not attend scheduled medical examinations, she may not know that she has such a problem until the very moment of the onset of preterm labor, when it will no longer be possible to provide the necessary assistance to maintain the pregnancy.

In the presence of ICI, it is especially important to observe hygiene in order to avoid the occurrence of an inflammatory process in the vagina, since harmful bacteria can enter the fetal egg through the ajar cervix, infecting it, which causes loss of strength of the membranes and leads to their rupture.

In this case, the woman's water breaks quickly and painlessly without any special symptoms, and a miscarriage occurs.

Endocervicitis of the cervix

Any woman aged 20 to 40 can become infected with this disease, the infection can penetrate not only through unprotected sexual intercourse, but also when visiting public places such as saunas, solariums, swimming pools, gyms.

It is important to have regular check-ups with a gynecologist as a preventive measure for the occurrence of such a disease, and this applies not only to pregnant women or those who are planning to become a mother.

With untimely detection of endocervicitis and the absence of treatment, the disease can lead not only to infertility, but also to the oncology of the internal genital organs.

Erosion of the cervix during pregnancy

Erosion is called damage to the mucous membranes in the vagina, while normal epithelial cells are replaced by cylindrical ones, which are the epithelium of the cervical canal. The appearance of such a problem during pregnancy occurs often, but this does not have any effect on either the condition of the woman, or the fetus, or the process of childbirth.

Erosion looks like a red spot, located on the cervix practically without showing itself, so most women can only find out about the presence of such a problem when examined by a gynecologist.

Sometimes women in the presence of erosion may observe the appearance of bleeding from the vagina or experience pain during sexual intercourse.

Most often, this problem occurs in nulliparous women. Erosion can appear for various reasons, the main of which is the instability of the hormonal background, since the cylindrical cells of the cervical epithelium are very sensitive to any fluctuation of hormones.

Often, the use of hormonal contraceptives, in particular, pills, or the use of chemical contraceptives (candles, sponges, rings) leads to the appearance of erosion. In addition, mechanical damage to the mucous membranes, as well as chemical irritation, also becomes a frequent cause.

Cervical erosion cannot cause any complications during pregnancy, as well as create complications in childbirth, therefore, treatment during the period of bearing a baby is not carried out. The violation is cauterized only after childbirth in the event that erosion by this moment does not pass on its own.

Pregnancy shows signs of the presence of a fetal egg from the very beginning. The changes concern primarily the reproductive organs. Therefore, it is natural that in the early stages of pregnancy the cervix becomes different than before. So the changes taking place with her are one of the many symptoms of an event awaiting a woman.

Read in this article

Cervix: where is it?

Not all women will be able to explain, if necessary, what kind of segment of the reproductive system it is, where it is located and what significance it has. This is logical, it is impossible to keep track of the health or dysfunction of the cervix on your own. Its examination and evaluation is the responsibility of the examining gynecologist.

The cervix is ​​the part of this organ that is visible during visual examination, which is transitional to the vagina and connects them to each other. It produces mucus at all stages of the menstrual cycle. The role of the cervix during gestation cannot be underestimated, it is it that largely ensures the retention of the fetal egg in its proper place. During examination, only its vaginal part can be detected, but this is enough to assess the state of gynecological health. On examination, it looks like a round, protruding formation, covered with a mucous membrane and having a small hole in the middle.

The usual size of the organ is 4 cm in length and 2.5 in circumference, the consistency is firm, the pharynx is closed, it becomes slightly wider on critical days for the release of secretions.

A change in the cervix in early pregnancy is quite noticeable to a specialist, which makes it possible to detect this condition. It is considered one of the important signs, along with the cessation of menstruation.

Signs of changes in the uterus after conception

The uterus itself begins to noticeably change from about the 4th week of pregnancy, when the grown fetal egg causes a protrusion of its wall, an increase in the size of the organ and asymmetry. This is also able to detect a specialist. Which cervix in early pregnancy depends on the length of time from its onset. But the increase in progesterone, which is observed immediately after the fertilization of the egg, leads to the fact that the organ changes purely visually. This is easy to see during a gynecological examination. An experienced doctor can accurately determine the period from the moment of conception.

The cervix during early pregnancy acquires the following differences from the previous state:

• The color of her mucous membrane becomes cyanotic, and before fertilization it was pink. Do not be afraid of these changes, they are caused by the growth of blood vessels, the activation of metabolic processes. This is necessary to improve blood supply in this area, since the formation of the membranes of the fetus, its nutrition requires a large amount of oxygen;
• Its position changes relative to the main part of the organ;
• When touched during inspection, tissues become different in consistency.

How does the location of the vaginal part of the cervix change?

The reproductive organs, when an embryo appears, adapt to it in such a way as to ensure normal development, comfort and protect against possible dangers. This dictated the new position of the cervix in early pregnancy. It is impermanent and before it, it changes at different stages of the cycle. But in general, this part of the body is relatively high relative to the vagina. This is especially noticeable during ovulation, when the body seeks to facilitate the penetration of spermatozoa to the female reproductive cell as much as possible.

The location of the cervix in early pregnancy becomes lower than usual. It falls under the influence of progesterone, preventing the fetal egg from slipping out. The course of the process depends on the level of the cervix in early pregnancy, high or low.

If the cervix is ​​high, this may mean an increased tone of the organ itself, which creates the danger of interruption. Some women, because of this circumstance, have to spend almost the entire period in a horizontal position. But the doctor will also take into account and evaluate other existing signs. Perhaps the high position of the neck is a feature of a particular organism that does not threaten the fetus in any way.

Neck consistency

The cervix to the touch during early pregnancy is quite soft compared to the previous state. This is due to the expansion of its vessels, swelling and more active work of the glands. Progesterone, an indispensable companion of pregnancy, also plays its role, making the uterus itself and the endometrium lining it also looser and thicker. But in comparison with the consistency of the walls of the organ, the neck is denser. It is, as it were, a castle that guards the approaches to the fetus. That does not prevent her from being more mobile than before conception.

Many are afraid that if the cervix is ​​soft to the touch during early pregnancy, it will not hold the fertilized egg. There are no grounds for fear, since its channel is significantly narrowed, and the tissues normally still remain elastic and difficult to stretch until a certain time. The glands begin to actively produce mucus, which becomes thicker and more viscous. A large clot of secretions forms in the cervical canal, called a plug. It performs several functions at once:

• does not allow foreign bacteria to enter the uterine cavity;
• helps to maintain the balance of microorganisms in the vagina;
• creates comfortable conditions for the functioning of the reproductive organs.

If the cervix in early pregnancy is too hard to the touch, this may signal excessive stress on the organ itself, called. This condition threatens the rejection of the fetal egg. It is unrealistic to assess the consistency of the cervix on your own, without being a specialist.

Therefore, you should not "wind" yourself if it seems too soft or hard during self-examination. Regular visits to the gynecologist are a guarantee that the pathology will be detected before it is too late to correct it.

What is a short neck

Not many women get pregnant without any problems. And one of the most serious is the threat of interruption, which is caused by various reasons.

The development of the fetus and its weight gain increase the pressure on the cervix. In extreme cases, it shrinks in size and can no longer serve as a full-fledged protection for the fetus. This condition of the cervix in early pregnancy is most often caused by hormonal causes, but it happens with injuries received by the body in the past, multiple pregnancy and polyhydramnios. This phenomenon is referred to as isthmic-cervical insufficiency and requires constant medical supervision and subsequent treatment. Symptoms of shortening of the cervix during pregnancy, detected by a specialist:

• Too soft texture of its tissues;
• Excessive mobility of this part of the organ;
• Expanded lumen of the cervical canal.

In some women, these signs are mild, but in any case, she herself will not notice the problem, especially in the first weeks. It is important that the doctor has the opportunity to see the anomaly, both visually and with the help of ultrasound. This requires timely registration and a lot of surveys.

What is the danger of shortening the neck

In early pregnancy, shortening the cervix is ​​dangerous by increasing the likelihood of miscarriage. Instead of a dense ring that protects the embryo from falling out of the cavity, isthmic-cervical insufficiency leads to the appearance of an element that provokes bleeding next to it. This part of the body is not able to contain the increasing pressure, which leads to the tone of the uterus. She becomes hard, tense, her muscles at any moment can begin to actively contract and decompress, trying to reject the fetal egg.

At an early stage, this is dangerous because the symptoms of cervical contraction during pregnancy are not always noticeable to the woman herself. Shortening of a section of an organ is also detected using transvaginal ultrasound, which is prescribed at different times. Some women experience:

• Appearance of watery discharge. They are in this state and are normal, but usually thick and not in such a large amount;
• Mixing blood drops to transparent mucus;
• Increased need to urinate;
• Pulling pain in the lower abdomen, lower back, discomfort in the form of tingling in the vagina.

Sometimes the short length of this part of the organ is congenital, in more common cases it is an acquisition. But in order not to provoke a shortening of the cervix herself and not pose a threat to the child, a woman needs to take care of this even before pregnancy, that is:

In addition to a gynecological examination using mirrors and a two-handed examination, the doctor will refer the woman for microflora analysis. It is necessary to make sure that there are no venereal infections and a fungus in the body that can harm the fetus. We are talking about the microflora of the vagina, but it affects the state of the cervix in the most direct way.

Another study on cytology studies the structure of the cells of this part of the organ. The cervix during pregnancy in the early stages is not at all immune from their degeneration into malignant ones. Two more problems that are sometimes found at the beginning:

• Endocervicitis. Infectious inflammation of the cervix can lead to the penetration of bacteria into the organ cavity, infection of the fetus, weakening of the muscles and, as a result, miscarriage. Therefore, treatment should be carried out immediately. The disease is manifested by the fact that in the early stages of pregnancy, the infected cervix produces purulent instead of mucous secretions;
• . Its formation can be caused by pregnancy, and provoked by other reasons. But in any case, treatment is carried out after childbirth, and before them, the state of the epithelium is monitored. Erosion looks like redness or sore on the surface of the mucosa.

In the early stages of pregnancy, an altered cervix is ​​not only one of the symptoms of an "interesting situation." In addition to the protective functions for the fetus, it informs about possible problems that, if adequate measures are not taken, can lead to the worst. Therefore, women should not be afraid and avoid gynecological examination and intravaginal ultrasound, especially if there is a history of abortion, miscarriage, and premature birth.

For a long 9 months, the uterus will become the home for the unborn baby. Its formation, the comfortable existence of the fetus and mother, the course of the whole process depend on it. The uterus during pregnancy in the early stages undergoes changes that are not as noticeable as in the following stages. But they play an important role, because they are not only one of the signs of the birth of a new life, but they can also warn of potential difficulties that sometimes have to be faced in the nine months of gestation.

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Briefly about the structure of the uterus

To understand how the uterus changes in early pregnancy, you should know what it is before it. This organ is pear-shaped and includes the neck, isthmus, and body. The layer that holds the fertilized egg is called the endometrium. In many ways, it ensures the retention of the embryo inside, especially at first.

The structure of the uterus and the passage of the egg monthly cycle

By the time of implantation, the upper portion of the mucosa should be sufficiently loose and thick.
In addition to the endometrium, two more layers stand out: the myometrium (the muscular base) and the perimetrium (the outer part of the uterus). Their integrity, adequate functioning is also necessary for a healthy pregnancy.
The parameters of the uterus before it starts have the following values:

• length 7 cm;
• transverse dimension 4 cm;
• thickness 4-5 cm.

In women who already have a child, the dimensions are slightly larger, and the mass of the organ is 20-30 g higher.

Appearance

Many women would like to know what the uterus looks like in early pregnancy. The appearance of an organ for a specialist can be one of the signs of a condition. And although on examination only a part of it called is visible, and then not entirely, but partially, the changes occurring with it will unambiguously indicate the presence of a new organism in the uterus. Usually the pink shell is bluish in color. The symptom is caused by a significant volume of blood entering the area, as well as vasodilation and the appearance of new capillaries necessary to improve oxygen metabolism. All these criteria are important for the healthy development of the embryo. The cyanosis of the mucosa is noticeable at a very early stage, almost immediately after implantation of the embryo.

What the Doctor Sees and Feels During a Cervical Examination

The size of the body at the beginning of the process

At the initial stage of its development, the fetus is still very small. It's just a collection of cells that take up very little space.
You can find out what size of the uterus in early pregnancy by its duration:

• by 4 weeks, the size corresponds to a chicken egg;
• by 8 weeks, the parameters double and resemble a goose egg;
• by 12 weeks, the uterus can be compared to the head of a newborn;
• by week 16, the organ is similar in size to a small melon, because the height of the fetus reaches 13 cm.

The size of the uterus in the early stages of pregnancy is also smaller (if the parents do not differ in large growth, respectively, the fetus is small). But in any case, the situation will have to be controlled, since it may be a reflection of anomalies in the development of the condition. A larger organ at each of the listed stages occurs with multiple pregnancies.

In early pregnancy, the uterus increases due to the stretching and growth of muscle cells, that is, the myometrium. They have the ability to divide, form new fibers, make them longer and denser. This can be prevented by cicatricial inclusions that appeared as a result of diseases or previous births that occurred with the help of a caesarean section.

It is possible to determine which uterus during pregnancy in the early stages, bearing in mind its size, using an ultrasound scan or examination by a specialist. The highest point of the organ, called the bottom, matters. Its height corresponds to the gestational age.

The form

The usual pear shape of the uterus changes from the time the embryo is fixed in it. If the increase in size is obvious from 4 weeks, then the shape takes on a slightly different shape even earlier. At the point where the embryo is screwed into the mucosa, a slight protrusion forms. The uterus appears asymmetrical. With the growth of the fetus, its gradual transformation into a ball is noted. The change in shape is due not only to the growth of the embryo, but also to the tissues that ensure its existence.

Consistency

Changes in the uterus in early pregnancy are not only about its size and configuration, they are more global. This is expressed in the fact that tissues become different than previously observed. Changes are noted in all layers of the body. One of them has already been mentioned: the endometrium is made more pliable so that the fetal egg can firmly gain a foothold in it and exist comfortably.

An important sign of the correctness of what is happening is that the uterus to the touch in the early stages of pregnancy becomes noticeably softer. This is ensured by the relaxation of its smooth muscles. This quality is also a necessary condition for the safety of the embryo. The contractility of the organ is reduced. If this does not happen, the probability of rejection of the fetus is high.

The hardest part of the uterus is its cervix. It plays the role of a frontier, fencing off the approaches to the embryo. But her tissues also become more pliable than before conception.

Features of the location of the body

The softest part of the body is the isthmus. This is what determines the position of the uterus in early pregnancy. The organ is still localized only in the small pelvis, but noticeably bends forward. The softening of the isthmus also allows it to become more mobile, which is necessary for further trouble-free growth.

By week 16, due to a significant increase in the size of the organ, part of it is already in the abdominal cavity, which causes the appearance of a tummy in a woman.

What does a woman feel

Sensations in the uterus in early pregnancy often make a woman feel a new position before other symptoms. Although there is nothing unpleasant or super-unusual in them. There is a slight tingling in the area where the organ is located, fullness, sometimes a slight bursting. This is not caused by a growing fetus, it is still too small.

The sensitivity of the uterus gives swelling of the tissues, which is characteristic of the beginning of pregnancy. It provokes an increase in the blood supply to the organ. The tide at this stage is necessary for the formation of amniotic membranes, the placenta, the growth of capillaries that will nourish the fetus before their formation and beyond.

Due to the increase in ligaments of the organ stretching in volume, the expectant mother may feel a slight soreness in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe uterus.

What does "womb in good shape" mean?

The early stage of pregnancy is the period when the position itself is in question. Even in healthy women, problems associated with the usefulness of the fetus can be identified, which provoke the body's attempts to get rid of it.

But still, the condition of the uterus in early pregnancy is more often determined by the health of the woman and her behavior at this stage. Not everyone tries to protect themselves from physical and psychological stress. Therefore, many are diagnosed with uterine hypertonicity. This is a condition in which the danger of rejection becomes especially close for the fetus. There are several signs that indicate a possible danger:

• uncomfortable sensations in the lower abdomen, pain radiating to the sacrum - sensations are similar to those that are noticed before critical days;
• the uterus becomes "stone";
• appear colored red.

means the obligation to take measures to prevent interruption, especially if the pain does not go away for a long time, and the excretion of bloody mucus from the vagina increases. But sometimes, if the uterus is pulled in the early stages of pregnancy, this only indicates an increase in the load on its muscles, which is absolutely normal and safe. At the same time, the tension of the organ is removed by the correct regimen, rest. But the gynecologist must be told about the sensations, because only he can correctly assess what is happening.

Another reason for the exacerbation of sensitivity and the simultaneous appearance of bloody mucus is attachment to the cavity of the organ of the embryo. But this happens no more than 40 hours, and in most women it proceeds without noticeable signs.

How to identify the symptoms of a "pregnant uterus"

The uterus during pregnancy in the early stages needs the close attention of a specialist and examination. There are several ways to do this. It makes sense to be examined after a 2-week absence of critical days. All procedures will be quite informative and will allow not only to diagnose an “interesting situation”, but also to identify many problems with it, if any.

One of the reliable means of establishing pregnancy and the proper quality of its course at this level of development is intravaginal ultrasound. A special device is introduced into the genital tract, which will detect and demonstrate what the uterus has become during a normally developing pregnancy in the early stages, especially if pathology is present. At this point, there is already a chance to also feel the fetal heartbeat.

No less important and used by all specialists is such a method as a gynecological examination and a two-handed examination of an organ. Palpation in early pregnancy can reveal all the changes that have occurred in the organ:

• The doctor inserts one hand into the genital tract, the other examines the woman's stomach. Due to the softening of the tissues in the isthmus, the fingers, when meeting, feel each other.
• During a bimanual examination, the consistency of the tissues does not remain constant. Directly upon contact with the doctor's hands, the uterus is slightly tense, its size decreases. After elimination of irritation, the tissues become soft again.
• The uterus during a normal pregnancy in the early stages has a protrusion in the form of a dome on the left and right, which is easy to feel right now. Localization depends on the site of attachment within the embryo. As the fetal egg develops, the bulge disappears.
• Manual examination allows you to detect the mobility of the neck of the organ, which in other states is not characteristic of it.
• The weakening of the elasticity and density of the tissues of the isthmus makes it necessary to tilt the uterus forward. The specialist can feel a thickened line on the front surface of the organ in the middle.

Palpation at the initial stage in the absence of incomprehensible or negative manifestations does not need to be carried out often. The study gives the doctor enough information, and unnecessary examinations can lead to activation of the smooth muscles of the uterus, increase its movements and create a threat of interruption.

The uterus during pregnancy in the early stages needs a careful attitude, but also the control of the processes occurring in it too. It is important to visit regularly, monitor your well-being, follow all recommendations. Any deviations must be reported immediately! After all, it can save the future baby. And in order to determine them, it is worth imagining what the uterus is after conception in a normal position.