What does a short cervix mean?

Generally speaking, in clinical medicine, a short cervix usually indicates a risk of premature birth or miscarriage. Predicting premature birth in pregnant women with high-risk factors in the late pregnancy is helpful to assess the risk of premature birth and properly deal with it. The main methods include intravaginal ultrasound cervical size measurement and fetal fibronectin measurement tests in female secretions. A short cervix is ​​often a problem of natural growth and development, and may also affect fertility.

What does a short cervix mean?

Under normal circumstances, after a woman becomes pregnant, the length of her cervix should not be less than three centimeters. If the length of the cervix is ​​less than three centimeters, it indicates that the cervix is ​​elongated. If it is less than 2.5 centimeters, it indicates that the cervix is ​​too short and requires intervention. If it is not actively treated, the patient is likely to suffer from miscarriage or premature birth. There are many reasons why patients experience cervical reduction. In clinical medicine, the most common causes are cervical damage, cervical dysplasia, or cervical insufficiency caused by cervical surgery. Cervical cerclage is usually chosen to prevent premature birth.

What causes a short cervix?

1. As for the length of the cervix, it is the result of its own growth and development. In other words, it is congenital and there is no reason.

2. Pregnant women with short and strong cervix are more likely to have premature babies. A study of 2,900 pregnant women found that those whose cervix shortened within 24 weeks of pregnancy had a higher chance of premature birth than other pregnant women. Ultrasound was used to measure the pregnant women's cervix and the uterine muscle ring protruding into the vagina. It was found that the shorter the pregnant women's cervix, the higher the rate of premature birth. The data show that at 24 weeks of pregnancy, pregnant women whose cervix is ​​only 13mm are 14 times more likely to have premature births than those whose cervix is ​​40mm or longer.

3. Researchers said that if the cervix is ​​not long enough, it may indicate that there is a problem with the pregnant woman's birth canal. This condition, coupled with abnormal uterine activity, can lead to premature birth. Therefore, experts believe that using ultrasound to measure the length of the cervix can help doctors predict which pregnant women have signs of premature birth and then provide appropriate medical care. Gynecologists also said that using ultrasound to examine pregnant women has another benefit, which is that doctors can predict which women are suitable for "cerclage", which is to fix the position of the cervix through sutures to minimize premature births.

4. Recommendation: If the cervix is ​​too short, it is easy to expand and cause premature birth, so you should stand up and walk less.