Cervix Length at Mid-Pregnancy May Predict C-Section Risk

The cervix is the narrow portion at the base of the uterus that joins the uterus to the vagina. At the time of childbirth, the cervix dilates up to approximately 10cm in diameter so as to allow the baby to pass through, in a normal delivery. Studies show that the length of the cervix at mid-term (usually checked at 23 weeks of gestation) may be an indicator of the risk of a C-section at the time of full term delivery. A short cervix at mid-term is an indicator of the risk of spontaneous premature births. Based on this study, it was theorized that a long cervix at 23 weeks of gestation would indicate the need for a Caesarean delivery. Further, it was seen that women with a long cervix were more prone to experience a failure to progress during labor. Dysfunctional development of the uterus in the initial stages of pregnancy could be responsible for poor progress during labor. Post term delivery, obesity and advanced maternal age are other factors that affect the progress during labor. Poor development during labor increases the risk to mother and child and points towards the need for an emergency C-section. Once a woman undergoes a cesarean for the delivery of her baby, future deliveries will also be through cesareans so as to minimize the risk of a ruptured uterus that could prove fatal to the mother and child. More on friable cervix during pregnancy

An ultrasonography can reveal the length of the cervix. At a cervical length of 25mm, the rate for the need of a C-section started escalating and doubled at 50mm. The age of the mother, body mass indicator, location, gestational age and birth weight did not alter the noteworthy connection between cervical length and C-sections. There is nothing that can be done to change the length of the cervix without increasing the chances of a preterm delivery. Hence, it is not advisable to get the length checked mid-pregnancy to determine whether a C-section would be needed. This study only helps in understanding an aspect of the natural functioning of the human body and the intricacies of pregnancy with regard to normal and abnormal labor. However, the study states only a prediction. It does not mean that women with average or small cervical lengths would definitely have a normal delivery irrespective of other complications that may arise. Similarly, women with slightly long cervical lengths may have normal deliveries.