Written by Editorial Team
Giving birth is certainly a lovely experience. Most mothers, especially those who have an uncomplicated pregnancy feel the same. However, it is quite normal to have several doubts related to labor and delivery. This is especially relevant to first-time moms who are unaware of the labor and delivery process. Do you know what happens to your cervix during labor or birth?
No need to fret about it, as the body is designed in such a way that it will carry the process of birth naturally and safely. The body of a pregnant woman goes through many changes during pregnancy and labor. The cervix is one of the most significant parts of your anatomy that plays a crucial role in the whole labor and delivery process. Continue reading to know what happens to your cervix during labor and delivery.
In This Article
It is important to know what is cervix in order to understand in a better way about its role and the changes it undergoes during labor and delivery.
Cervix can be described as a tube of tissue, which joins the vagina to the uterus and is commonly called the neck of the uterus. It is made of cartilage with a thick layer of soft tissues surrounding it.
The cervix undergoes many changes during pregnancy. As soon as pregnancy takes place, the OS of the cervix is closed tightly by a mucus plug which is a thick gelatinous mass secreted by cervical glands. It completely fills the cervical canal (4 to 5 centimeters long).
This thickening of the cervix is the first change that happens to the cervix during pregnancy. As pregnancy progresses, the position of the cervix changes – it hardens, softens, becomes longer and then shorter, dilates, thins, etc.
This might be one of many questions the pregnant women ask their doctor. Let us help you with this.
As the thinning out progresses, the mucus plug, which blocks the cervical passage during pregnancy, gets loose and passes out through the vagina. Let’s see the cervical changes during labor and delivery:
Some minor tears of the cervix are common during a vaginal delivery, especially if the mother is delivering her first child. However, cervical tears are more frequently associated with instrumental deliveries like forceps-assisted or vacuum-assisted deliveries.
The main reasons for the cervical tears are:
Minor tears resolve on its own without any treatment. However, it is important to fix the major cervical laceration or tears with active bleeding. It is more or less a surgical procedure done in an operation theater under anesthesia.
At times there can be some complications or problems with the cervix, like:
Childbirth is an amazing feeling and achievement, but remember that your body has been through a huge emotional and physical turmoil during pregnancy and delivery. So be kind and nice to your body and give it a lot of time to recover.
When the cervix is too short, it might make giving birth more difficult. Cervical insufficiency can occur if a pregnant woman has a short cervix. When the cervix dilates too quickly, it’s called cervical insufficiency. This doubles the risk of having a baby born prematurely.
To check if your cervix is dilating, insert your index or middle finger into the vaginal canal and move it slowly upward until you feel the puckered lips. If your cervix is already dilated, your finger may easily slip into the middle of your cervix.
With a rich experience in pregnancy and parenting, our team of experts create insightful, well-curated, and easy-to-read content for our to-be-parents and parents at all stages of parenting.Read more.
Dosa During Pregnancy – Is it Safe to Eat and Top Benefits
Back Labor Pain – What is it, How to Prevent and Tips to Relieve
Hair Changes During Pregnancy – Causes, and Home Remedies
Jelly During Pregnancy – Is It Safe?
Elderberry During Pregnancy – Benefits & Side Effects
Pregnancy Gingivitis – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Get regular updates, great recommendations and other right stuff at the right time.