Introduction
The cervix is the lower section of the uterus, that directly connects the uterus to the vagina (birth canal). During a pregnancy, the cervix will stay shut and firm, and does not dilate or open until the end of the third trimester, nearing labor. However during this period of progression towards labor, the cervix gradually shortens and thins, to prepare for the delivery of the baby that will be exiting the uterus via the cervix. A short cervix is a condition where your cervix is shorter than average, and during your pregnancy, it may pose a risk for premature birth or a potential miscarriage. You can be born naturally with a shorter cervix (congenital disease), or it can be caused by artificial reasons.
A short cervix is one of the most prominent causes for late miscarriages happening between the 2nd and 3rd trimester.
Causes
Cervical Conization is the surgical process of removing cancerous tissues from cervical mucous membranes in early cervical cancer cases. To prevent the spread of cancer cells, some parts of the cervix will be removed. For patients who undergo this surgery, it may result in their cervix decreasing in length and size, and compromises the integrity of the cervix as well. A short cervix poses a substantial risk for subsequent pregnancies because the uterus is no longer secure enough to hold the fetus, leading to a preterm birth or a late miscarriage.
Some women can also be naturally born with a short cervix. In rare cases, inflammation or infections of the cervix can also lead to short cervix.
Signs during Pregnancy
If you have cervical insufficiency, you may not have signs early on in pregnancy. Some women may feel mild discomfort or spotting starting between 14 to 20 weeks of pregnancy. Some other signs to look out for include:
- A feeling of pelvic pressure
- A new backache
- Mild cramps in your belly (abdomen)
- A change in vaginal discharge
- Light vaginal bleeding
Diagnosis
If you have a history of late miscarriages or you have undergone cervical conization, it is advised that you seek a medical checkup from your doctor. As there are no obvious physical symptoms of this condition, the only way to accurately diagnose it is through transvaginal ultrasound. If you are unsure or want to know your cervix length, seek an ultrasound examination from your doctor to have a clear confirmation.
If detected early, Antai Hospital offers effective and preventive treatment to prevent preterm birth or late miscarriage amongst women with a short cervix.
Common Misconception
Progesterone is often prescribed to women who have a short cervix, which is considered to be able to lower the chances of a premature birth or miscarriage. It has to be noted that Progesterone does nothing to prevent a short cervix from causing a miscarriage, as a short cervix is an organic diseases that can only be effectively treated via surgical intervention.
Treatment
Despite having a short cervix, you can still have a successful pregnancy and give birth to healthy children, but only with the correct treatment. Antai Hospital offers a highly specialized treatment, known as the Antai Double Cervical Ring, which has a 95% pregnancy success rate for mothers with a short cervix. It is important to note that this treatment must be done before you become pregnant for it to be effective.
The procedure is simple. Our surgeons will secure two cervical rings in the lower segment of the cervix neck via 3D- laparoscopy through the lower abdomen (transabdominal). The two rings will have to be set apart at a distance of 1 cm. Your cervix is extended to a healthier length, promoting a successful pregnancy and providing more vital support for the cervix during pregnancy.
Having a short cervix does not mean you cannot have a successful pregnancy. Please arrange an appointment with Antai Hospital to find out more about how we can help you.
Antai Hospital’s Commitment
Antai Hospital’s full refund policy for the miscarriage prevention treatments we provide should already be the best guarantee for a healthy pregnancy. Patients should rest assured, can and should go about their everyday life, focusing their diet on vegetables, beans, celery, and other fiber-rich foods. Besides that, an active lifestyle of yoga and swimming should also be incorporated to help relieve stress and increase blood circulation, which is beneficial for the fetus’s development and the mother’s health. With our assurance, a healthy lifestyle, and peace of mind, you can go through a healthy pregnancy with no complications.
Recurrent miscarriages are no doubt a heavy blow to the patient’s physical and mental health. All we can do is to help ease the burden and decrease your trauma, to slowly help you overcome the anxiety with the love and care that we provide at Antai Hospital.
Trust in Antai Hospital and trust in yourself, your pregnancy is our priority.