The uterus is responsible for nurturing the fetus, but it often has various problems. For expectant mothers, once there is a problem with the uterus, will it affect the growth of the fetus? Will it affect normal delivery in the future?
Dr. Olivia Davis, a gynecologist and obstetrician with 18 years of clinical experience, provides the following suggestions for expectant mothers with uterine problems:
Problem 1: Uterine Fibroids
Explanation
Among women over 30 years old, 30% to 50% may suffer from uterine fibroids. Usually, the problems arising during pregnancy vary according to the size of the fibroids and their growth location.
Expert Advice
In the early stage of pregnancy, if the size of the fibroids is found to be more than 5 centimeters during the examination, it is necessary to guard against the risk of miscarriage and premature birth. In addition, if the fibroids grow near the placenta, it is necessary to closely observe whether the placenta function is normal. Whether to adopt natural delivery or cesarean section during childbirth should be decided by observing the location and size of the uterine fibroids after 37 weeks of pregnancy. If the uterine fibroids grow in the cervical area, it will affect delivery. At this time, cesarean section should be adopted to ensure the smooth birth of the baby.
In addition, the uterus with fibroids is likely to bleed during delivery due to poor contraction. Most uterine fibroids will shrink automatically after childbirth, so there is no need to perform surgical removal immediately, but regular follow-up is required.
Problem 2: Polyps in the Cervical Canal
Explanation
Cervical canal polyps are vesicular soft substances that appear in the cervix, which are usually only found through gynecological examinations. Although they do not cause major problems for pregnancy, they are prone to local infection.
Expert Advice
After a gynecological examination or sexual intercourse with a partner, pay attention to whether there is bleeding. If the polyp is bleeding and damaged, it may lead to the entry of pathogenic bacteria and cause infection. If the polyp is small, it will generally not affect the fetus or normal delivery. However, since cervical canal polyps are an inflammation, active treatment is still needed after childbirth. Cervical polyps are also prone to recurrence, so regular examinations should be carried out.
Problem 3: Cervical Insufficiency
Explanation
The greatest danger of this disease is that the cervix opens without any symptoms, leading to miscarriage or premature birth. Therefore, it is necessary to remember to receive regular prenatal examinations on time.
Expert Advice
If B-ultrasound diagnosis shows that the cervix is shortened and the cervix is open, surgery should be performed immediately to suture the cervix tightly. This is a simple operation that has no impact on the fetus and generally requires hospitalization. After the operation, infection should be prevented, and the vagina can be cleaned with antibiotic granules. After 37 weeks of pregnancy, the suture thread can be removed, and normal delivery can be carried out.
Generally speaking, cervical insufficiency will not affect postnatal physical recovery, but it is best not to use an intrauterine device to prevent it from falling off.
Problem 4: Uterine Malformation
Explanation
A normal uterus is oval, like an inverted pear. However, some uteruses are arcuate or divided into two halves internally, which are called uterine malformations and are generally not common clinically.
Expert Advice
Uterine malformation will reduce the growth space of the fetus, so special attention should be paid to the occurrence of premature birth or miscarriage. If the uterus can be fully expanded during pregnancy, there will generally be no major problems. Expectant mothers with uterine malformations are prone to abnormal fetal position. At this time, cesarean section can be considered. If the fetus is normal, natural delivery can also be adopted.
Generally speaking, as long as the pregnancy and delivery periods are passed smoothly, uterine malformation has no impact on postnatal recovery.
Problem 5: Early Cervical Cancer
Explanation
Almost all expectant mothers will undergo a cervical cancer examination during their first prenatal check-up. If cancer is detected early and handled properly, almost all patients can be cured. If there is a tendency of cervical cancer found during screening, doctors usually conduct another cytological examination and colposcopy to confirm the condition of precancerous epithelial cell carcinoma of the cervix, and then need to maintain observation for a period of time.
Expert Advice
Cervical cancer will not develop with the progress of pregnancy, nor will it affect the fetus. Usually, after the diagnosis of cervical cancer, in most cases, observation is still needed, and severe cases need surgical resection. After conization, the cervical canal will be shorter, so it is necessary to guard against the occurrence of miscarriage or premature birth. Do not do strenuous exercise after the operation, and it is advisable to rest in bed.
In addition, it should be reminded that whether it is in the precancerous stage or the early stage of cervical cancer, a re-examination is needed 1 month after childbirth to confirm the progress of the disease again, so as to adjust the treatment measures.
Dr. Olivia Davis further adds that the uterus is the core organ for fetal growth and development, and its health directly relates to the safety of mother and child during pregnancy and delivery. Expectant mothers should attach great importance to prenatal examinations, actively communicate with doctors if any abnormal symptoms are found, and take targeted preventive and treatment measures. At the same time, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet and stable mood is also of great significance for protecting uterine health and ensuring a smooth pregnancy.