What is cervicometry and how is it done during pregnancy?

Doctors frequently keep an eye on a woman’s health throughout her pregnancy to make sure the mother and unborn child are doing well. Cervicometry is one of these crucial tests. Cervix length is measured in this straightforward but essential procedure to help predict the risk of preterm labor.

Transvaginal ultrasounds are commonly used for cervicometry procedures because they offer a clear picture of the cervix. Using this technique, physicians can determine whether the cervix is shortening prematurely, which may be a sign of possible problems. The outcomes aid in directing any therapies or safety measures required to maintain the pregnancy.

Knowing cervicometry’s function during pregnancy can reassure expectant mothers and give them more knowledge about the care they will receive. It’s a simple process that offers insightful information about sustaining a healthy pregnancy.

What is it?

Specialists refer to a technique for ultrasonography examination of the cervix as cervicometry. Physicians can evaluate this organ’s length as well as its other characteristics with the aid of this technique. Additionally, the external and internal os of the cervix can be measured with the aid of ultrasonography. A transvaginal sensor is used to perform the examination. This approach makes it much simpler for an expert to determine the required parameters. Pregnant women typically tolerate this diagnostic procedure well and without any pain.

This approach is popular. Its foundation is the way that different biological body structures reflect ultrasonic waves. This study is widely applied across several nations. It is noteworthy that this procedure can be performed in a regular clinic as well as a hospital. To identify different pathologies, other research techniques are frequently required. Doppler is among them. Using this auxiliary research method, you can evaluate the uterine main blood vessels’ blood flow.

To detect diseases of the blood supply to the reproductive organs at the earliest stages of their development, this examination must be used. The fetus’s heart rate can be easily ascertained with dopplerography.

It will be necessary to formulate a set of recommendations if the doctor notices any noteworthy changes during the diagnostic process. This is required in order for a pregnant woman to carry and deliver a healthy child.

Indications for the procedure

This research approach is used in specific medical contexts. The gynecologist who is observing the woman during her pregnancy decides whether or not the appointment is necessary. In rare circumstances, the specialist might recommend that the expectant mother have cervicometry performed once or even more. Women who are carrying multiple babies at once should read this study. In this instance, closer medical observation of the cervix’s health and canal width is necessary.

A pregnant woman will also require cervicometry if she has recently had any surgical procedures performed on her reproductive organs. It is particularly crucial to perform this examination on women who have undergone cervix surgery or laser treatment several months prior to conception. In the event that the expectant mother has isthmic-cervical insufficiency, this examination technique will also be required. The chance of a spontaneous miscarriage during the first trimester of pregnancy is extremely high in this case. Identifying the primary parameters that need to be looked at is essential to preventing this dangerous condition.

Another clinical indication for this method of examination is an excessively short cervical canal. This condition is typically unique to each woman and exists from birth. But cervix shortening can also result from a number of pathologies and surgical procedures involving this organ.

Cervical prolapse may not always prevent an examination from being performed. An obstetrician-gynecologist evaluates whether a conduct is necessary in this particular scenario. Generally speaking, this pathology necessitates that medical professionals keep a close eye on the expectant mother’s reproductive organs. A woman might also require this examination if she has persistently hypertonic uterus or has abdominal pain. It is crucial in this situation for the physician to rule out any serious illnesses that might endanger an early birth.

How the procedure is performed?

There are various ways to conduct the study. Typically, a transvaginal sensor is utilized most of the time. An exam that is performed transabdominally is preferred by many expectant mothers. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that the attending physician is still in charge of selecting the appropriate diagnostic technique. It is best to leave the examination to a knowledgeable and experienced professional. This is particularly crucial to do if the expectant mother has any reproductive organ diseases. The accuracy of the findings is crucial in this situation.

The research is conducted in a standard ultrasound room. The diagnostic process may take a different amount of time. The experience of the specialist conducting the study has a major bearing on this. The exam typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. A special monitor displays the results that the physician sees after using a transvaginal or transabdominal sensor to examine the organs. The resolution of contemporary devices makes it simple to identify a wide range of pathologies.

The exam doesn’t require any extra preparation. In this scenario, the expectant mother should bring a towel if the examination is conducted in a women’s consultation center. To place it on the couch prior to the exam, it will be necessary. It is not necessary to fill the bladder before the examination if a transvaginal sensor is used. The expectant mother should use the restroom to urinate prior to the procedure. This will make it easier for her to get through the exam.

Many women worry that the doctor might use a transvaginal sensor to introduce an infection while doing the examination. It is important to note that this is not included. Every medical device and instrument is meticulously cleaned using specialized disinfectants. The fetus and expectant mother have very little chance of contracting an infection in this instance. Also, a single condom must be placed on the ultrasound sensor prior to every diagnostic procedure.

Norms of the studied indicators

The parameters that are evaluated might differ. This is impacted by numerous factors. Therefore, all of the evaluated indicators are typically much lower during the first pregnancy. In cases where a woman has given birth multiple times or had a prior twin pregnancy, there will also be differences in the norms of the indicators under study. It’s also critical to keep in mind the specific week that the study is being conducted. Exam indicators conducted at 16–17 weeks will not be the same as those conducted at 20–22 weeks.

Length of the cervix

An indicator that is 30 mm in length is the standard for this evaluated parameter. There is no need to become alarmed if a pregnant woman’s cervix measures 25 to 29 mm in length at week 17 of her pregnancy. It is crucial to perform dynamic monitoring of the pregnancy’s progression in this case. It frequently occurs that the cervix is small in petite women.

Additionally, expectant mothers with a low body mass index prior to pregnancy have smaller reproductive organs.

An overly widened cervical canal is already a rather dangerous condition at 24-25 weeks of pregnancy. According to statistics, if a pregnant woman has a cervix less than 25 mm, then the risk of premature birth is 15-18%. With a cervical length of less than 20 mm, this figure is already 25-28%. And only 50% of pregnant women will be able to carry a baby to the due date if their cervix is ​​less than 15 mm long. If, against the background of shortening of the uterus, the expectant mother experiences pain in the lower abdomen, then this condition can be dangerous. The probability of spontaneous miscarriage increases many times over. In such a situation, mandatory medical intervention is required.

In this instance, the doctor may suture the cervix up until the twentieth week of pregnancy. They stay for a few months. In certain instances, cervix sutures are only taken out during weeks 37 and 38 of pregnancy. In the event that the pathology becomes apparent after the twentieth week, the physician will install a customized medical ring. We refer to it as an obstetric pessary.

Additionally, the expectant mother receives specific advice on how to modify her daily schedule. Weightlifting and other strenuous physical activity are prohibited in this situation. There may also be a need to wear a special bandage.

Shape of the internal os

Cervicometry can also be used to determine this clinical parameter. The internal os typically resembles the letter "T." At this point, the cervix is closed completely. Its shape changes when it ripens too soon. It starts to resemble the letter "Y," then "V," and finally "U." If the internal os has an hourglass-like shape, that is also very unfavorable.

The reason for this is that the fetal bladder starts to prolapse lower.

At what stage is it carried out?

This examination technique can be used at various stages of gestation. The examination is typically conducted between 12 and 22 weeks. In situations where there is a high risk of preterm birth or spontaneous pregnancy termination, the examination can be performed between 14 and 15 weeks into the pregnancy. The procedure can be carried out again in the future to verify the condition. Cervicometry is already done in this instance at 20–21 weeks.

A medical procedure called cervicometry is used to measure the length of the cervix during pregnancy in order to help doctors determine the likelihood of preterm labor. The safe and painless technique of ultrasound monitoring enables medical professionals to keep an eye on cervix changes that may indicate an early delivery. When taking precautions to guarantee a healthy pregnancy, this straightforward measurement can be extremely helpful.

How many times can it be done?

This kind of analysis can also be done dynamically if needed. Typically, if a pregnant woman has any pathologies between weeks 15 and 17, she will undoubtedly have another exam "for control." It is usually done two to three weeks later. A somewhat higher frequency of examinations can also be performed on women who have isthmic-cervical insufficiency.

Cervicometry is performed on women who are hospitalized "on preservation" owing to a high risk of preterm birth, following strict medical guidelines.

During pregnancy, cervicometry is a vital tool for tracking the length and health of the cervix. Doctors can learn important information about the risk of preterm labor and other complications by measuring the cervix. This procedure, which is frequently included in a standard ultrasound, offers vital information that helps guarantee the health of the mother and unborn child throughout the entire pregnancy.

In general, cervicometry is an easy-to-use yet effective method of monitoring cervical changes. It provides comfort and aids in doctors’ decision-making regarding the management and care of the pregnancy. Being aware of this process and knowing it’s a step toward a healthier pregnancy can reassure expectant mothers.

Recall that it’s always a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider if you have any worries or inquiries regarding cervicometry or its findings. They can offer you tailored information and handle any problems unique to your circumstances, making sure you feel informed and supported the whole way through your pregnancy.

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