Short cervix

What does having a short cervix mean?

Your cervix refers to the neck of your womb. During your pregnancy, it is supposed to remain long, firm and closed. As your pregnancy reaches term, your cervix prepares for labour by softening, shortening and opening up (dilating).

Having a short cervix earlier on in your pregnancy means that you have a risk of late miscarriages as well as preterm labour and birth. Premature babies can have problems with their brains, lungs, hearts, eyes and other organs. They can also have long-term health issues including intellectual and development delays.

What are the risk factors of a short cervix?

You may be at a higher risk of having a short cervix if you had previous surgery to your cervix e.g. removal of part of your cervix in a cone biopsy. However, most women with a short cervix do not have symptoms. Your gynaecologist may suspect this if you:

• Had a previous late miscarriage
• Had a previous preterm labour or birth

If you experience lower abdominal cramps, pelvic pressure or bleeding during your pregnancy, contact your gynaecologist immediately. 

How is a short cervix diagnosed?

It is diagnosed via a transvaginal ultrasound, where the length of your cervix is measured. If it is <25mm, it is considered short. This is not routinely done and is usually performed in your second trimester only if you have risk factors.

What is the treatment for a short cervix?

• Cerclage

This is a stitch that is put around the cervix to keep it closed, and is done before 24 weeks of pregnancy. This operation is performed vaginally under general anaesthesia. This stitch can be removed outpatient once your pregnancy reaches term. 

• Progesterone medications

This can come in the form of injections or vaginal tablets. They help reduce the risk of you going into preterm labour, and will need to be continued until your pregnancy reach term.

• Close monitoring

If your cervix is not too short and you are not too far away from being term, your gynaecologist may simply advise you to rest, avoid strenuous exercise and sex, and return for close monitoring.

Does having a short cervix affect my health outside of pregnancy?

No, having a short cervix does not have implications of your health if you are not pregnant.