How to check cervical maturity

Changes in the cervix mainly include changes in biochemistry, tissue and physiology. Clinically, it is manifested as cervical shortening, loosening, effacement and dilation, which is the so-called "perfection". It is generally believed that in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, the histological and microbiological changes of the cervix and uterus have become significant, develop with the progress of pregnancy, and reach a peak during delivery. So, how do you check cervical maturity?

The use of ultrasound to accurately measure the cervix during pregnancy is an important method for obstetric screening and prediction of premature babies. Transabdominal and transperineal ultrasounds cannot clearly display the cervix and are no longer used as the main methods for ultrasonic assessment of the cervix. The current clinical method for evaluating the cervix with color Doppler ultrasound is mainly transvaginal ultrasound. Inspection method: Inspection posture, take lithotomy position; place the camera in the anterior fornix of the vagina; withdraw the camera until the image is blurred, reinsert it, adjust the appropriate pressure, and save the image (avoid applying pressure on the cervix, which can expand the cervix); enlarge the image so that the cervix occupies at least 2/3 of the entire screen, and both the internal and external os can be clearly displayed; measure the distance from the internal os to the external os of the cervix along the endocervical canal; measure at least 3 times (within 3 minutes), and record the shortest measurement.

There are two methods for checking cervical maturity: transabdominal B-ultrasound examination and perineal examination. Currently, the traditional perineal examination is commonly used, which helps doctors to judge whether the cervix is ​​perfect more immediately. During the examination, the doctor will disinfect his hands and the private parts of the pregnant mother, and wear sterile gloves to check the hardness, length, position, dilation of the cervix and the position of the presenting part to determine whether it is time for delivery. The examination of cervical maturity depends on the doctor's examination reliability and the sensitivity of the pregnant mother. Sometimes it will cause mild bleeding, and there will be a little pain during the examination.

Cervical maturity examination is one of the internal examinations during pregnancy. Whether you choose natural birth or cesarean section, internal examination is required. The purpose is to observe whether it is suitable for natural birth, as well as to stimulate the cervix to mature in time and avoid prolonged pregnancy.

1. If the cervix is ​​perfected too late during pregnancy, it may cause overdue pregnancy or delayed delivery process. If it is perfected too early, it may sometimes lead to premature birth or miscarriage. If the cervix is ​​immature, the choice of intravenous oxytocin drip to induce labor, or artificial rupture of membranes to induce labor may result in failure of the induced labor. It often leads to a prolonged delivery process, high incidence of infection and neonatal asphyxia, and an increase in the cesarean section rate, reaching 50,000. It can be seen that perfect uterine induction before induction of labor is important to ensure the success of the induction of labor. Therefore, checking the maturity of the cervix during pregnancy, predicting the effect of induced labor, accurately grasping the conditions for induced labor, and choosing the appropriate induced labor method can reduce barium harm to mother and baby products and premature death during high-risk pregnancy.

2. The process of cervical perfection can be as short as 12 hours or as long as 6-8 weeks. Checking the maturity of the cervix during pregnancy can determine the time before delivery and make early predictions so that pregnant women close to the early stages of delivery can be hospitalized for delivery at the best time, thus avoiding accidents due to sudden onset. The closer the time to delivery, the easier it will be to give birth naturally after the cervix is ​​completely perfected.