A question for Alan :)

[ChrissyT]

Hi Alan,

Some of us September Mummies were wondering if you wouldnt mind explaining the whole 'long' and 'short' cervix.

We were trying to work out why having a 'short' cervix is an indication that labour is possibly close seeing that it thins out when ripening.

Thanks,

Confuzzled Sept Mummies.

[Alan]

Hi Chrissy

Your cervix is part of your uterus and is normally about 4cm long. Try to imagine a balloon. The balloon itself is the uterus and the part that you blow into is the cervix. When your uterus starts to contract it actually starts to pull up the cervix and in doing so causes it to become shorter. So if your cervix is shorter it is an indication that your uterus has been contracting. These early contractions can be very mild and some women may not even realise that they are contracting.

Hope this answers your question.

[ChrissyT]

aaaaah thank you Alan....thats a very helpful answer.

[hannanat]

Yes that was great Alan (from an August Mummy )

[*Belle*]

Thanks Alan, great explanation. I was told yesterday my cervix was long at my ultrasound.. so not having contractions yet! but Maz from our Sept group's cervix is short!! ooh she maybe next!

Bel
xxx