Cervical length Why does it matter during pregnancy? Mayo Clinic
Cervical length: Why does it matter during pregnancy? - Mayo Clinic
verify here. 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved.
COVID-19 Advice updates and vaccine options
Find out about COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccines, and Mayo Clinic patient and visitor updates. Skip to site navigation Skip to Content This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version.Appointments at Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Request Appointment Healthy LifestylePregnancy week by week
Products and servicesDuring pregnancy what s the significance of cervical length
Answer From Yvonne Butler Tobah, M.D. Cervical length refers to the length of the lower end of the uterus. During pregnancy, the length of the cervix might shorten too soon, increasing the risk of preterm labor and premature birth. Preterm labor is labor that begins between 20 weeks and 36 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy. The earlier premature birth happens, the greater the health risks for the baby. Before pregnancy, the cervix - the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina - is closed, long and firm. During pregnancy, the cervix gradually softens. As the body gets ready for labor, the cervix decreases in length, and finally opens as the mother prepares to give birth. If the cervix begins to open before 37 weeks, premature birth could occur. Your health care provider might do an ultrasound to measure your cervical length if you experience signs and symptoms of preterm labor. These include regular or frequent contractions, a constant low, dull backache, a change in the type of vaginal discharge, or pelvic pressure. Your provider might also do a pelvic exam to determine if your cervix has begun to open. If your ultrasound shows that your cervical length is less than 29 millimeters but greater than 25 millimeters, your health care provider might recommend more frequent ultrasounds to monitor your cervical length. If your cervical length is less than 25 millimeters (short cervix) before 24 weeks of pregnancy and you're only carrying one baby, your health care provider might consider a procedure that uses sutures or synthetic tape to reinforce your cervix (cervical cerclage). If you have a prior history of premature birth, your health care provider might also discuss the potential benefits of progesterone injections to decrease your risk of another premature birth. Keep in mind that research on the use of progesterone injections is ongoing. If you're concerned about your cervical length during pregnancy, talk to your health care provider. Your provider can answer your questions and help you understand how to promote a healthy pregnancy. With Yvonne Butler Tobah, M.D. Can birth control pills cause birth defects?Chickenpox and pregnancy ShareTweet May 28, 2022 Show references Frequently asked questions. Labor, delivery, and postpartum care FAQ087: Preterm labor and birth. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/labor-delivery-and-postpartum-care/preterm-labor-and-birth. Accessed April 6, 2020. Conde-Agudelo A, et al. Vaginal progesterone to prevent preterm birth in pregnant women with a sonographic short cervix: Clinical and public health implications. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2016; doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2015.09.102. Berghella V. Cervical insufficiency. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 6, 2020. Norwitz ER. Transvaginal cervical cerclage. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 6, 2020. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Practice Bulletin No. 142: Cerclage for the management of cervical insufficiency. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2014; doi:10.1097/01.AOG.0000443276.68274.cc. Roman A, et al. Overview of cervical insufficiency: Diagnosis, etiologies, and risk factors. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2016; doi:10.1097/GRF.000000000000018. Butler Tobah YS (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Accessed April 10, 2020. See more Expert AnswersProducts and Services
Assortment of Compression Products at Mayo Clinic StoreBook: ObstetricksBook: Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy PregnancySee also
Antidepressants and pregnancyPregnancy bed restBlighted ovum: What causes it?Chickenpox and pregnancyDepression during pregnancyMiscarriage and stressEpilepsy and pregnancyHeart conditions and pregnancyHemorrhoids during pregnancyHigh blood pressure and pregnancyHigh-risk pregnancyHow do ankylosing spondylitis and pregnancy affect each other?Low amniotic fluidNew Test for PreeclampsiaPregnancy and atrial fibrillationPregnancy and obesityPregnancy and COVID-19Rheumatoid arthritis: Does pregnancy affect symptoms?Vulvar varicosities during pregnancy: What can you do?Yeast infection during pregnancyShow more related contentAdvertisement
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad ChoicesMayo Clinic Press
Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceNEW – The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – The Essential Diabetes BookNEW – Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – Mayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE bookOther Topics in Patient Care & Health Info
Diseases & Conditions A-Z Symptoms A-Z Tests & Procedures A-Z Drugs & Supplements A-Z Health Books Healthy Living Program Mayo Clinic Health Letter Mayo Clinic Voice Apps . FAQ-20058357 Healthy Lifestyle Pregnancy week by week Expert Answers Cervical length Why does it matter during pregnancyMayo Clinic Footer
Request AppointmentSymptom CheckerGive NowContact UsAbout Mayo ClinicEmployeesSite MapAbout This SiteLegal Conditions and Terms
Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy Notice of Privacy Practices Notice of Nondiscrimination Manage CookiesReprint Permissions
A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.HON
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:verify here. 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved.