The state of the cervix during pregnancy changes weekly.
Thanks to modern methods of research, physicians managed to establish the relationship between the length of the cervix and the gestation period. This information helps in time to diagnose a possible premature spontaneous abortion and prevent it in a hospital.
So, at 16 weeks the length of the cervix is 38-39 mm, at 20 weeks the cervix increases to 40 mm, reaching a maximum length by the 29th week - up to 41 mm. This is an indicator that already in this period the cervix is actively preparing for the future birth.
Cervix in 36 weeks
When the 36th week of gestation takes place, the cervix decreases along the length, becomes softer and friable, its yawning centers and begins to open slightly. This means that the woman's body is actively working on a program created by nature itself.
Cervix in 38 weeks
At 38 weeks, the cervix begins to systematically "mature", prepare for the forthcoming birth. If this process occurs with a violation or slowdown, it is possible that difficult situations arise in the initial period of childbirth, when neck opening occurs with a significant delay or does not occur at all. In this case, doctors resort to emergency measures and spend the woman in cesarean section .
Cervix in 40 weeks
At the 40th week of pregnancy, the woman has a cervical dilatation of 5-10 cm, accompanied by cramping pains and spasms. These are the first signs of the beginning of labor. By the time of the fetal expulsion phase, the opening of the cervix is already 10 cm, which allows the child to appear unhindered.