Increased uterine tone is observed in 60% of pregnant women, but only in 5% this phenomenon requires special treatment. In other cases, uterine hypertonicity is not considered a dangerous condition when carrying a fetus. The only thing that is required of the expectant mother is to observe bed rest, sexual rest and adhere to the daily regimen.
Pulling pain in the lower abdomen with hypertonicity of the uterus
What is uterine hypertonicity during pregnancy?
The female uterus is a muscular, hollow organ that can contract like any other muscle in the human body. The contraction of the muscle fibers of the uterus brings it to the so-called tone. This means that the uterus seemed to "tense up" and remained in this state.
Normally, during pregnancy, the uterus is completely relaxed, but sometimes its increased tone is observed when the muscle layer of the uterus contracts, thereby increasing the pressure in the uterine cavity. This condition of the uterus has a bad effect on the course of pregnancy and the development of the fetus, this condition is called hypertonicity of the uterus.
Symptoms and consequences of increased uterine tone
The main symptom of uterine hypertonicity in the early stages is a pulling pain in the lower abdomen (as with menstruation), pain in the lower back and in the sacrum. In the second trimester and more later dates- These are cramping pains and hardening of the abdomen, which is well felt when palpating (feeling).
The increased tone of the uterus in the early stages is aggravated by smearing blood secretions from the genital tract. Then there is a risk of spontaneous miscarriage, since it is difficult for a fertilized egg to attach to the wall of the uterus due to the increased tone of the muscular layer of the uterus.
In the second trimester of pregnancy, when the placenta has already fully formed, there is a risk of its detachment due to the increased tone of the uterus.
In late pregnancy, hypertonicity of the uterus can lead to premature birth, because such a contraction of the uterus occurs during labor to help the baby be born.
Also, a negative consequence of hypertonicity of the uterus is fetal hypoxia, when, due to the tone of the muscular layer of the uterus, the uteroplacental blood flow is disturbed. Thus, the fetus receives an insufficient amount of oxygen and nutrients necessary for its normal development. Usually, such a fetus lags behind in weight and size, its development also slows down, and if treatment is not timely, the development of fetal organ malformations may occur, or even this may lead to a frozen pregnancy, i.e. to the death of the fetus.
Causes and methods for diagnosing hypertonicity of the uterus
There are many reasons for the appearance of an increased uterine tone during pregnancy:
- hormonal deficiency;
- diseases of the uterus (inflammatory processes of the appendages and the uterus itself, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, etc.) and disruption of the central nervous system;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases and the occurrence of colds (acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections and other ailments, which are characterized by an increase in body temperature);
- constant stress and increased physical activity, insufficient sleep and / or rest, as well as the presence of a pregnant woman bad habits;
- polyhydramnios, multiple pregnancies or large fetuses.
It is possible to determine the local hypertonicity of the uterus along the posterior or anterior wall using ultrasound. At the same time, ultrasound shows a change in the wall of the uterus in the place of its tone, it bends inward.
There is also a special sensor for determining the tone of the uterus. But, unfortunately, tonusometry is not performed in all antenatal clinics.
Treatment of hypertonicity of the uterus
At any stage of pregnancy, No-shpa or Papaverine suppositories will help relieve pain in the tone of the uterus. These drugs can be taken at home at the first symptoms of tone.
In the first trimester of pregnancy, with uterine tone caused by a deficiency of the hormone progesterone, Utrozhestan or Duphaston is prescribed to maintain the pregnancy. The main rule of taking hormonal drugs is that they cannot be abruptly canceled. If the tone has ceased to bother the pregnant woman, then the hormonal preparations are reduced in dosage and only then we stop drinking them altogether.
With detachment of the placenta, the tone of the uterus and aching dull pain radiating to the thigh or perineum are observed. Then the pregnant woman is hospitalized and treated at the hospital. Typically, this treatment includes an antispasmodic "plus" drug containing magnesium (for example, Magne-B6 or magnesium sulfate), which can reduce the activity of the uterus "plus" vitamins and sedatives plant composition (for example, valerian or motherwort).
From the second trimester, you can use a more effective drug for the treatment of hypertonicity of the uterus - Ginipral, but in the presence of placental abruption, it cannot be used.
In the third trimester, if the baby is mature enough and there is a risk of losing the baby due to excessive detachment of the placenta or opening of the cervix, doctors may decide to induce labor or conduct cesarean section, in order to save the life of both the child and the expectant mother.
But usually modern pregnant women suffer from hypertonicity due to psycho-emotional stress: blockages at work, the need for housekeeping, active pastime with children, etc. All this causes stress and increased fatigue, to which the central nervous system of the pregnant woman reacts with the manifestation of uterine hypertonicity.
Hypertonicity of the myometrium caused by an active lifestyle is usually not treated by doctors as such, but simply prescribe vitamins, recommend avoiding stressful situations, observing rest (including sexual) and daily regimen (sleeping at least 8 hours). During an exacerbation, take a day off for at least a couple of days and try not to get out of bed for a day (you should lie on your left side).
If it is not possible to take a day off, then you can do relaxing gymnastics directly at the workplace (if you have your own office or you are surrounded by good female colleagues).
Get on a chair with your knees, taking a pose "on all fours", and slowly bend your back, while lifting your head up. Hold this position for a few seconds. So the tummy will be, as it were, in a "suspended" comfortable state. Then slowly arch (like a cat), pulling your chin to your chest, and linger again. Do this exercise several times and try to sit quietly for the next hour, leaning your elbows on the back of a chair and stretching your legs a little forward.
More than 60% of pregnant women face diagnosis of uterine tone... Why does the uterus tone up during pregnancy? Doctors say that hypertonicity is not a disease at all, but a symptom that signals that certain processes are taking place in a pregnant woman's body.
Western doctors are even more loyal to the tone of the uterus: they believe that muscle tension is of a physiological nature and does not need to be adjusted. Both Western and our doctors agree on one thing: if an increased tone is detected, additional research should be carried out in order to prevent possible deviations and threats.
The uterus consists of three layers: perimetry, myometrium, and endometrium. The middle layer, the myometrium, is muscle tissue. The myometrium is responsible for the state of the tone of the uterus. During pregnancy, it stretches and relaxes, creating the most comfortable conditions... On the eve of childbirth, the myometrium begins to actively contract, helping the baby to be born.
Unauthorized contraction of the myometrium is the symptom called "uterine tone". If, under the influence of various reasons, the muscles of the uterus begin to contract out of schedule, doctors talk about hypertension... Do not be upset when hearing about such a diagnosis: very often hypertonicity occurs for natural reasons. For example, a woman may become nervous during a pelvic exam, and the doctor will feel the contractions of the uterus.
Short-term muscle contraction is not dangerous. But prolonged hypertonicity, as well as the presence of additional symptoms such as a feeling of discomfort, cessation of fetal movements may be a reason for the appointment of additional studies. \
Prolonged hypertonicity is dangerous... The effects of uterine tone vary in name but do not differ in substance. In the 1st trimester, muscle contraction can lead to cessation of development and spontaneous abortion, death of the embryo.
Particular danger the tone of the uterus presents in the early stages of pregnancy. It is at this time that the contraction of the muscles of the uterus can prevent the embryo from gaining a foothold on the surface of the endometrium, and the pregnancy "will not take place."
At a later date, in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy, the same consequences of uterine tone during pregnancy are called differently: spontaneous abortion and premature birth. In other words, a woman can lose a child.
Prolonged uterine tone is harmful to the fetus. The muscles in the uterus contract and compress the placenta. The placenta does not deliver the required amount of oxygen. A fetus that does not receive oxygen may develop oxygen starvation-. The consequences of hypoxia: delayed development and growth.
In the later stages, the tone of the uterus may be due to natural causes. The uterus is "exercising" and prepares for future childbirth. As an athlete contracts and unclenches muscles to test their strength, so the uterus contracts and contracts, testing its own preparedness for the upcoming "work". The so-called occur in some pregnant women after 20 weeks.
Causes of uterine tone during pregnancy
Since hypertonicity is not a diagnosis, but a symptom, determining the causes of this condition is the primary task of a specialist. Only after determining the cause can treatment be prescribed.
Causes of uterine hypertonicity:
- Hormonal Disorders... For the process of preparing the endometrium for "implantation" fetal egg and relaxation of the muscles of the uterus responds. The lack of progesterone in the body leads to the fact that too dense muscles of the uterus prevent the implantation of the embryo.
- Rhesus conflict... The reason for the occurrence of the Rh-conflict is the difference between the Rh factor of the mother and the father. The maternal organism with a positive Rh factor reacts to a fetus that has received a negative Rh factor from the father as to a foreign body. As a result of the Rh-conflict, hypertonicity occurs.
- Infections and inflammation- a common cause of uterine tone. Infectious diseases that have not been treated or that have arisen after pregnancy lead to the fact that the uterus “loses its peace”. Inflammation is accompanied by additional symptoms: itching, pain, discharge.
- Severe toxicosis... promotes the development of uterine tone in physiological reasons... Severe vomiting leads to a sharp contraction of many muscles, including the muscles of the uterus. It is impossible to get rid of toxicosis, but its consequences can be minimized with the help of a special diet and medicines.
- Distension of the uterus... The uterus may become excessively stretched when, multiple pregnancy, too large a fruit.
- Medicines. Taking any medication during pregnancy should be treated with extreme caution. You may simply not be aware of the side effects of certain medications. Even the most harmless remedies can lead to increased muscle tone.
- Stress- one of the most "popular" causes of tone. Pregnant women should not be nervous! In a stressful state, pressure rises, the muscles of the uterus contract, the child suffers from a lack of oxygen.
- Abortion. Abortions preceding pregnancy often lead to the appearance of synechiae - intrauterine adhesions. In this case, pregnancy can take place with complications: uterine tone,.
- Gas formation. During pregnancy, changes occur in different systems of the body, including the digestive system. Increased gas formation and disturbance of peristalsis sometimes leads to the appearance of hypertonicity.
How is uterine tone manifested during pregnancy? Very often, the presence of uterine tone is detected during a gynecological examination or. Interesting fact:
sometimes the causes of hypertonicity lie in the woman's condition on the eve of the examination. The pregnant woman is nervous and the uterus contracts.
In hospitals, where pregnant women are placed "for preservation," the following trick is used for the purity of the experiment: morning examination in bed. The doctor approaches the newly woken up woman and quickly probes her belly. The pregnant woman does not have time to get scared, and it turns out that she does not have any hypertonicity.
Signs of uterine tone appear depending on the duration of pregnancy. In the early stages of pregnancy (1 trimester), symptoms of uterine tone - pulling pain in the lower abdomen, pain in the lumbar region. In the 3rd trimester, as a symptom of uterine tone during pregnancy, a woman experiences tension, feeling of heaviness... The abdomen seems to become stony, becomes dense, changes shape.
Diagnostics of the hypertonicity of the uterus
Hypertonicity of the uterus can be a symptom of a threatened miscarriage or premature birth. To avoid problems, you do not need to be afraid, but you need to regularly go to the doctor. Timely diagnosis can prevent the onset of consequences dangerous for the mother.
Hypertonicity of the uterus is determined on the basis of a medical examination and ultrasound... On palpation, the obstetrician-gynecologist through the anterior abdominal wall can understand whether the uterus is in good shape. Also, an apparatus is used to determine the tone of the uterus. tonusometer, the sensors of which are attached to the belly of a pregnant woman.
How to treat and what to do with uterine tone during pregnancy? With a "normal" tone of the uterus, doctors, more often than not, do not prescribe hospitalization.
It comes to inpatient treatment if hypertonicity accompanied by additional symptoms: painful sensations or spotting. In this case, it is necessary to agree to hospitalization without fail. You won't be able to provide yourself with bed rest at home, will you? Better lie down quietly in the hospital, and let your family learn to cope for a while without you.
To reduce the tone of the uterus without the use of drugs in stationary conditions, the following procedures:
- endonasal galvanization;
- electrophoresis with magnesia;
- electroanalgesia;
- electrical relaxation.
If, from the point of view of the doctor, the manifestations of hypertonicity are not so dangerous, then outpatient treatment with compulsory bed rest... To reduce the tone of the uterus during pregnancy, antispasmodic and sedative drugs are prescribed: No-shpa, Papaverin, Magne-B6. If the cause of hypertonicity lies in a lack of progesterone, hormone-containing drugs are prescribed: or.
How to remove or slightly reduce the tone of the uterus during pregnancy at home? Lie down, calm down, forget about your household chores. Delegate household responsibilities to your husband. Take a tincture of motherwort or valerian. Remember that the most important thing for you now is the health of your baby, relax and sleep, finally. As a rule, timely rest and taking natural or medicinal preparations ("Magne - B6", for example) have the desired effect. Hypertonicity recedes, and life is getting better!
Your job is to prevent uterine tone from increasing during pregnancy. First of all, find out about your health problems before conceiving.
Get tested, cure infectious diseases, correct hormonal levels. Modern medicine knows and knows a lot, but it needs your help. Timely identification of health problems will help to avoid unpleasant "surprises" during pregnancy.
Do not be nervous. Remember that your baby's health is in your hands. Protect yourself from troubles and do not react to negative phenomena. Feel free to ask your loved ones to help you. Rest for the slightest ailment. Go to the hospital if your doctor tells you to. Not so much to heal as to get rid of home problems. Doctors know very well that they won't let you rest at home, so they often prescribe a hospital "for prevention." Take advantage of your position.
A pregnant woman instinctively feels what she needs. Trust your body, remember your intuition. Want some fruit? This means that your body needs. Do you want to rest? Immediately drop everything and fall on the couch.
- Adjust your diet to include as many fruits and vegetables as possible.
- If doctors have prescribed bed rest for you, do not act heroically to the detriment of your baby. You need to lie down - lie down!
- Do not neglect medications prescribed by your doctor. The drugs will relax the muscles and bring the uterus back to normal.
- Drink at least 1.5 liters of liquid water per day, unless a large amount of liquid is contraindicated (polyhydramnios,).
- Take a walk, do gymnastics for pregnant women.
- Give up unnecessary physical activity. Pregnancy is not a time for weightlifting and sprinting.
- Change your wardrobe. Move your tight clothes away and buy special trousers with an elastic at the top and a "fly-out blouse" instead.
Video about uterine tone during pregnancy
We invite you to watch a video in which you will find answers to many questions. Why is there an increased tone of the uterus? In what cases this is considered the norm and in what cases it is not. Why don't some women get this diagnosis early in pregnancy?
Dear mothers, present and future! We all know what a huge responsibility lies on your shoulders. Let's help each other: share our experience. Feel free to tell your stories, ask questions, argue. Let your advice and guidance help other pregnant women understand their condition, overcome fear and turn into calm, radiant mummies with blissful smiles.
Hypertonia - uterine contractions that occur earlier than the expected date of birth. This often happens in the early stages. The tone of the uterus during pregnancy can be felt by a woman and determined by ultrasound. If treatment is not started on time, there is a significant risk of losing the child.
Symptoms
How does hypertonia manifest? A pregnant woman should be alerted to the following signs of uterine tone during pregnancy:
- severe pain in the lower abdomen;
- bloody vaginal discharge;
- hard "stone" belly;
- heaviness in the lower abdomen;
- dizziness and nausea.
If a pregnant woman independently discovered at least one of the symptoms, you should consult a gynecologist and prescribe treatment. Excessive muscle tension at the beginning of the pathological process is detected only when examined by a doctor, and most often - by ultrasound.
Diagnostics
Palpation
The doctor establishes an increased tone of the uterus during pregnancy after taking an anamnesis. For diagnosis, the gynecologist will palpate. In long periods of pregnancy, this is done through the anterior abdominal wall. The woman lies on her back with bent legs. This position relieves tension in the abdominal wall, so the gynecologist feels a seal.
Ultrasound examination
Additional examination - ultrasound - helps to assess the thickening of the muscle layer and the condition of the cervix. Based on the results of the examination, a conclusion is made on what stress means, and whether there is a threat of miscarriage.
The phenomenon of tone during pregnancy is noted locally (in some areas) or on the entire inner surface of the uterus. There are contractions on the anterior and posterior walls of the organ. A pregnant woman feels independently if the entire uterus is tense. With hypertonicity along the back wall, the woman feels pulling pains.
On ultrasound, a local tone is established, which cannot be determined in the usual way. If the wall to which the placenta is attached, there is a danger of its detachment. This is diagnosed by a doctor on an ultrasound examination. If there is increased tension in the posterior wall and pain in the organ is noted, the length of the cervix is additionally measured and its condition is assessed.
With the threat of premature birth (can be established by ultrasound), fetal biometrics are performed and the blood flow in the vessels is examined. If there is an increased tone of the uterus during pregnancy, hospitalization is required.
Tonusometry
The tension in the uterus is recorded by special sensors. This method is rarely used. Palpation and ultrasound are used more often.
Etiology
The reasons that affect the tension of the wall of the uterus are different. They are divided into two categories - physiological and psychosomatic.
The causes of hypertonicity are:
- numerous abortions;
- large fruit size;
- a certain number of pregnancies;
- multiple pregnancy;
- infantile (baby) uterus;
- polyhydramnios;
- endocrine diseases;
- infections;
- a certain age of the pregnant woman;
- physical activity;
- bad habits;
- improper nutrition;
- complications during pregnancy;
- short sleep duration;
- a certain occupation.
Cardiovascular, chronic diseases of the kidneys, liver, hypertonic disease- all this leads to tension in the organ. The tone of the uterus in the third trimester is the cause of premature birth. Malignant formations in the organ lead to hypertonicity.
Increased tension in the uterus is often the result of psychological problems... When a woman experiences fear, she has symptoms of hypertension. Excessive stress is a consequence of certain mental states... Pregnancy brings many life changes and a woman should be supported at home. If there are constant scandals and quarrels in the family, this is the cause of tension in the whole body. This is why a woman's anxiety and stress cause the tone of the uterus.
The tension in the muscular organ is observed due to the lack of progesterone, which supports early pregnancy. Underdevelopment of the uterus and its mucous membrane occurs due to a lack of estrogen. If the level of male sex hormones is higher than normal, the uterus is toned.
Disorders in the thyroid gland can cause hypertonicity. Viral infections and the genital tract provoke tension in the muscular organ. Uterine tone in early pregnancy can lead to miscarriage. When the first symptoms appear, you should take the measures listed below.
First aid
If there is tension in the uterus, you can take an antispasmodic on your own and go to bed. It is advisable to consult a gynecologist on the same day.
If there is hypertonicity along the back wall of the uterus, a woman should:
- relax the muscles of the face and the whole body;
- refuse any work;
- get on all fours and do an exercise that will help relieve tension. Slowly bend in the back, raising your head, and return to its original position.
Treatment
If the tone of the uterus is observed in the early stages of pregnancy, the woman is shown rest. The following treatment comes to the rescue:
- herbal sedatives - valerian, motherwort;
- Magne B6;
- vitamin therapy;
- antispasmodics - "No-shpa", "Baralgin", "Papaverin", "Drotaverin";
- treatment through psychotherapy.
Hormone treatment must be justified. Prescribe drugs based on progesterone - "Duphaston" or "Utrozhestan". The minimum doses of drugs are selected, taking into account the gestational age. If a woman has profuse bleeding, she is hospitalized.
Treatment consists of a set of measures that eliminate the causes of the threat of pregnancy. Therapy may include:
- "Progesterone". Intramuscularly, 1 ml is injected for no more than 10 days.
- Intramuscularly - "Oxyprogesterone" once a week.
- Within 5-7 days - "Folliculin".
- 1 ml for 6-10 days carotene subcutaneously.
- Shown "Tocopherol acetate" - intramuscularly 1 ml.
- Inject 3-5 ml of nicotinic acid intravenously.
- Papaverine is injected subcutaneously.
If uterine tone is observed in the second trimester, diathermy is recommended. In case of infectious diseases, it is necessary to eliminate the underlying cause.
In the second trimester, short-term hypertonicity is a physiological process. Often a woman cannot independently determine whether her condition threatens the fetus. If a pathology is suspected, the doctor will prescribe treatment. Drugs will help relieve muscle tension:
- antispasmodics;
- sulphate magnesia;
- Partusisten, Ginipral, Salbupart, Bricanil, Albuterol;
- Atosiban, Hexoprenaline;
- magnesium sulfate;
- Nifedipine, Finoptin, Verapamil are potassium antagonists.
What causes uterine tone in the third trimester? Braxton Hicks training contractions are considered normal. This means that the uterus is preparing for childbirth.
Prevention
In order to relieve excessive tension in the muscular organ, a number of rules should be observed:
- Heavy physical labor and sports are contraindicated.
- You cannot lift weights.
- Breathe in fresh air, but without the exhausting walks.
- Sleep at least 8 hours.
- Limit your sex life.
- Eat well.
- Try to avoid long journeys and crowded transport.
- You should definitely give up bad habits.
- Try to avoid stressful situations.
As a prophylaxis of possible hypertonicity, even before pregnancy, a woman should be examined for infections in the pelvic organs. This is why you should consult your gynecologist. All tests must be done.
In order to get rid of threatening symptoms, a woman needs to relax. A soothing tea with honey made from lemon balm, mint, motherwort and valerian will help with this. You should also not neglect a healthy and proper sleep. Relieve stress will help essential oils chamomile, mint, jasmine, lotus.
Emotions
What does the emotional state mean in the life of a pregnant woman? In the early stages, a woman has mood swings, and it is unstable. Psychological stress arises, which means that it also manifests itself at the physiological level. What can you do to reduce it?
Communication with loved ones, good rest and creativity helps a woman to relieve unnecessary anxiety. In the middle of pregnancy, a sense of integrity and harmony comes to women. Many people feel comfortable in the second and third trimester. It is dangerous for a pregnant woman to be nervous, as this can manifest itself and lead to hypertension.
Effects
Tension in a muscle organ is a dangerous pathology. It occurs at any time, but attention is paid to pregnancy up to 14 weeks. If uterine tone occurs in the second trimester, fetal development may suffer. One of the consequences of contractions of a muscular organ during the period from 12 to 20 weeks is late miscarriage. If the uterus is too tense, the development of the embryo may stop. What causes placental abruption? Due to the same stress, which results in fetal hypoxia.
If placental abruption has begun and uterine tone is noted in the third trimester, delivery is indicated. The doctor determines the condition of the woman, and, if necessary, perform an emergency operation. At the same time, a cesarean section is performed to prevent the death of the fetus.
In the later stages of bearing a child, certain symptoms may also appear, which do not yet mean hypertonicity. A thorough medical examination is necessary. Medicines for relieving muscle tension are not prescribed after 35 weeks of pregnancy. With all the threatening symptoms, the pregnant woman is hospitalized.
Pregnancy is an almost magical state, well, at least definitely miraculous. Naturally, at this time, a woman simply has to be attentive to herself and very careful. During pregnancy, a woman faces a huge number of dangers and unpleasant diagnoses. One of the most common diagnoses is the so-called uterine tone during pregnancy, or uterine hypertonicity. What does “Uterus in good shape” mean?
The uterus is a hollow muscular organ, consisting of three layers: the outer mucous membrane - the perimetry, the middle muscle layer - the myometrium and the inner mucous membrane - the endometrium. Myometrium is smooth muscle tissue that can contract, for example, it contracts during childbirth. However, in its natural state, this muscle should be relaxed, this state is usually called the normal tone of the uterus.
If during pregnancy, but before the onset of labor, the uterus begins to contract, they say that the tone of the uterus during pregnancy is increased. It is worth making a reservation here: since the process of muscle contraction is natural, it is not always at all that the uterus is in good shape is a problem.
In Western medicine, this condition is considered a normal physiological process. Of course, in the event that this diagnosis is not associated with other symptoms that cause discomfort, as well as indicative of serious violations. There is a share of common sense in this reasoning, because even in the process of sneezing or laughing, almost all muscles, including the uterus, contract. The same goes for the ordinary orgasm. Affects the state of the uterus and the psychological state of the pregnant woman. Very often, the tension of the muscles of the uterus is observed precisely during a gynecological examination.
However, the peculiarity of the tone of the uterus in all these cases lies in its short duration. Yes and unpleasant sensations usually this condition does not deliver. Another thing is if the uterus is in good shape for a long time. The constant tone of the uterus during pregnancy is fraught with the most unpleasant consequences for the fetus, and for the preservation of pregnancy too.
Why is uterine tone dangerous?
The consequences of uterine hypertonicity can be very deplorable, up to spontaneous miscarriage, if it comes about the tone of the uterus in the early stages of pregnancy, before premature birth, if they talk about the tone of the uterus in the second or third trimester of pregnancy.
Most often, the tone of the uterus is observed precisely in the early stages, when the tension of the uterus can complicate the process of implantation of the ovum, and can also cause its rejection or death. In this case, they talk about spontaneous miscarriage.
Sometimes there is a tone of the uterus before childbirth, in which case it is customary to talk about training contractions. They are generally not dangerous. Thus, the uterus prepares for the process of childbirth, roughly speaking, trains.
May threaten the tone of the uterus and the condition of the baby. So, due to the fact that the tense muscles of the uterus squeeze the vessels of the umbilical cord, the fetus may receive less oxygen, which entails the development of hypoxia. If, for the same reason, the baby does not receive additional nutrients, then hypotrophy and growth arrest are possible.
Causes of uterine hypertonicity
The reasons for the tone of the uterus during pregnancy can be very diverse. So, above we have already described why the uterus can be toned for natural reasons. Unfortunately, in many cases, the causes of hypertonicity lie in a variety of problems associated with the course of pregnancy.
It is practically impossible to list and describe all the causes of hypertension within the framework of one article, but we will try to give our readers as much information as possible about such a common diagnosis. After all, more than 60% of a woman is diagnosed at least once during the entire pregnancy: increased uterine tone.
In the early stages, the reason for the toned uterus is most often a lack of the hormone progesterone. This hormone during pregnancy up to 4 months is produced by the so-called corpus luteum, formed at the site of the follicle that burst during the release of the mature egg. The main function of progesterone is to prepare the endometrium for implantation of the ovum, as well as to relax the smooth muscles in order to prevent the development of uterine tone. Lack of progesterone, therefore, can cause hypertonia.
There are other hormonal disorders, the consequence of which can be the same diagnosis. In particular, excess of some male hormones. That is why it is very important during pregnancy to closely monitor hormonal background women.
Severe toxicosis also affects the condition of the uterus. Especially if accompanied by profuse and often vomiting. During vomiting, many muscles in the body contract, in particular the abdominal cavity. Affects this process and the uterus. Unfortunately, toxicosis in the early stages cannot be removed at all, you can only alleviate the woman's condition a little, but it also makes sense to do this.
Hypertonia, as well as miscarriage in general, may be associated with the presence of abnormalities in the development of the uterus: the uterus can be bicornate or saddle-shaped, as well as have other disorders. Any anomaly in the development of the uterus creates difficulties for bearing a child, and sometimes makes it impossible.
It is very important that by the time of conception, the woman is aware of all her problems, and throughout the pregnancy, the woman should be under constant medical supervision. All anomalies in the development of the uterus will make themselves felt at the earliest stages of pregnancy.
In some cases, the so-called Rh-conflict can become the cause of the tone of the uterus. If the mother's blood Rh factor is negative, and the child's father is positive, the woman's body can reject the fetus like a foreign body. The rejection process will be expressed in an increase in tone.
Some infectious diseases and inflammatory processes of the genitals or in the uterine cavity also cause an increase in the tone of the uterus. Usually, infections are accompanied by other symptoms, such as: a change in the nature of the discharge, pain, itching, and so on.
Excessive stretching of the uterus can become the cause of the tone. This condition is observed if the fetus has too much big sizes or multiple pregnancies. Also, stretching of the uterus occurs with polyhydramnios.
The list can be almost endless: tumors, abortions / miscarriages before real pregnancy, and so on - all this can also cause uterine tone and other painful conditions. We have not yet touched on psychological problems, tension and stress, which also affect the state of smooth muscles.
There are also completely prosaic reasons. So, the tone of the uterus often develops due to the intestines, more precisely, due to strong gas formation and altered intestinal perelsatics.
The main thing that needs to be understood and remembered from this section: the tone of the uterus is a symptom, therefore it would be fundamentally wrong to treat it as an independent disease. It is always necessary to conduct additional research and establish an accurate diagnosis, and only then prescribe treatment.
Symptoms: how to determine that the uterus is in good shape?
How to determine the tone of the uterus yourself? In most cases, this will not be difficult. Symptoms of uterine tone during pregnancy are simple and understandable, although they differ at different times.
Symptoms of an increase in the tone of the uterus in the early stages of pregnancy are heaviness in the lower abdomen, pulling pains, as with menstruation, sometimes these pains are given to the lower back or to the sacrum. Symptoms of uterine tone in the second and third trimesters are practically the same, in addition, at such periods, hypertonicity can be noticed even visually: the abdomen contracts, becomes hard, the uterus "turns to stone". In general, every woman will easily understand how the tone of the uterus feels during pregnancy.
In some cases, the tone of the uterus is manifested by spotting bloody discharge. These are very alarming symptoms, you need to immediately call an ambulance, try to calm down. In most cases, with timely treatment, pregnancy can be saved. It remains to add that in some cases, the tone of the uterus is asymptomatic, or rather, a woman may not feel them.
Diagnostics of the tone of the uterus
Ways medical diagnostics a few hypertonicity of the uterus. It is often noticeable even with a simple gynecological examination. However, the most common diagnostic method is ultrasound. An ultrasound scan shows the condition of the muscles of the uterus. In particular, it is ultrasound that shows such pathologies as the tone of the uterus along the back or front wall of 1 or 2 degrees. The fact is that the tone along one of the walls of the uterus is expressed by a change in its shape, and the degree directly depends on which wall the fetus is attached to.
There are also special devices that measure exactly the tone of the uterus. However, they are not very widespread due to the fact that the diagnosis of this problem does not leave any difficulty. It is much more difficult to determine the cause of the tone.
Hypertonicity of the uterus: treatment
But now, the diagnosis is known, the uterus is in good shape. What to do? First of all, listen to your doctor's advice. The choice of treatment largely depends on how strong the tone of the uterus during pregnancy takes place, as well as on what caused it. If the situation is not associated with a serious risk, the treatment of uterine tone during pregnancy is carried out on an outpatient basis.
A woman is recommended to stay in bed, prescribe antispasmodics, usually no-shpu or papaverine. Magnesium B6 and sodalite agents, for example, motherwort, are often prescribed for uterine tone. Please note that all these funds should only relieve the tone of the uterus during pregnancy, in addition to this, you will probably be prescribed by others medications, which should cure the cause of the appearance of the tone.
So, if we are talking about a lack of progesterone, then a woman is prescribed a drug with its content. If the reason for the tone of the uterus is an excess of male hormones, then their antipodes are prescribed. With toxicosis, they do everything necessary to alleviate this condition, and if the cause is intestinal problems, it is necessary to reduce gas production. There is a treatment of its own in the case of Rh-conflict, and for any other diagnosis.
If the tone of the uterus cannot be removed for a long time, or the situation is initially very serious, doctors will insist on hospitalization and further treatment in a hospital. In a hospital, the patient will not be able to systematically break bed rest, as women usually do when at home: cleaning, cooking and other household chores haunt the hostesses. In addition, only in the hospital will doctors be able to more closely monitor the condition of the mother and child, as well as to bring down the increased tone in a timely manner, so as not to allow premature birth to begin.
Here it is worth making a small digression, in which we will talk about why, starting from the 28th week, they talk about preterm birth, although the baby is clearly not full-term. The fact is that with the current state of medicine, it is from the 28th week that you can try to save the life of a newborn. Of course, this is far from the best outcome; it is always advisable to extend the pregnancy by at least one more day.
So, if the tone of the uterus at the 26th week of pregnancy provokes the onset of labor, then the doctors will do their best to stop it. For this, tocolytic therapy is carried out, that is, in every possible way, the uterus is relaxed with the help of appropriate schemes and drugs. And it is very important to start on time, since the child most likely will not survive at this time. That is why doctors in hospitals are fighting for every day of maintaining pregnancy. Still, the tone of the uterus at 36-38 weeks of gestation is not so risky, although it threatens the condition of the fetus. Therefore, after 28 weeks, first of all, they try to preserve the pregnancy.
Should I agree to hospitalization?
Very often, women have a question: how much hospitalization is necessary? Usually, this question is asked by those who have older children or those who fear losing their jobs due to a long absence, they say, the child needs to be fed, money needs to be earned, but no-shpu and papaverine can be taken at home.
Unfortunately, there is no single correct answer here. It all depends on the specific situation: how great is the risk of miscarriage or premature birth, how strong the tone is, and so on. A woman should understand that she refuses hospitalization at her own peril and risk, and she risks, first of all, her unborn child... Is the job worth the risk, for example? And for an older child, you can ask your husband, relatives or close friend to look after. There is almost always a solution to the situation.
How to remove uterine tone at home?
In some cases, the tone can really be removed at home, and not only with medications, although you should not refuse them too hastily. How to remove uterine tone at home?
The best way to do this is with uterine toning exercises. For example, "Cat". You need to get on all fours, raise your head and bend your back, stand in this position for a few seconds, and then slowly return to the starting position. This exercise must be repeated several times, and then lie down for an hour.
It has long been noted that relaxation of the muscles of the uterus is facilitated by the relaxation of the muscles of the face. That is why the second exercise recommended for the tone of the uterus is associated with the face. You need to lower your head and relax all the muscles of the face and neck as much as possible. In this case, you only need to breathe through your mouth.
Sometimes, in order to get rid of the unpleasant sensations and symptoms of hypertonicity that have appeared, it is enough just to stand in such a position so that the uterus is in a suspended position: that is, again, on all fours, with an emphasis on the elbows.
By combining this simple set of exercises with sedatives and antispasmodics, the tone of the uterus can be removed quite quickly. However, do not forget that it is important not only to relieve the tone of the uterus, but also to eliminate the cause, and for this it is important to strictly follow all the instructions of the attending physician. In addition, we consider it our duty to remind you that if this condition is eaten up to relieve, or the discomfort increases, you will still have to agree to hospitalization.
Prevention
Prevention of hypertension is a very simple matter. The main thing is to avoid unnecessary physical exertion and stress. It is also useful to eat right and observe the daily routine: go to bed and get up at about the same time. At this time, good rest and healthy sleep are very important.
Separately, it is worth mentioning a variety of bad habits, such as drinking and smoking. Both, as you know, increase, among other things, the risk of uterine tone, and other, even more unpleasant pathologies. Therefore, it is better to give up tobacco and alcohol at the stage of pregnancy planning.
Of great importance for prevention and timely detection is constant observation by a gynecologist, as well as the timely passage of all related studies: analyzes, ultrasound, examinations of narrow specialists, and so on. This is especially true if a woman belongs to one of the risk groups.
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Increased uterine tone is a fairly common condition among pregnant women. It can arise for various reasons. But how to cope with such a phenomenon at 35 weeks of gestation? It is worth understanding this thoroughly.
If the doctor diagnosed hypertonicity, then you should not let everything go by itself and neglect the advice and recommendations. If you do not take any measures, then the increased tone can lead to premature birth, which is undesirable at 35 weeks.
What is tone and is it normal?
So, if the 35th week of pregnancy has gone, the tone of the uterus at this time is a variant of the norm. First of all, it is worth explaining what the uterus is. In fact, it is a hollow muscular organ. And muscles, as you know, tend to contract. So it is in the case of the uterus.
In general, during pregnancy, she should be relaxed so that the future baby is comfortable, and labor does not start. ahead of time... But sometimes still minor and painless contractions can be observed, especially in the last stages of pregnancy, when the body is preparing for the upcoming important event- childbirth.
Causes of uterine tone
For what reasons can there be a tone at 35 weeks of gestation? It is worth listing the main ones.
Stress. Yes, it is known that nervous excitement leads to tension in all muscles, including the uterus. So if a pregnant woman is afraid of the upcoming childbirth or often quarrels with her husband, then there is a high probability that an increased tone will occur.
Stretching of the uterus can also lead to an increase in its tone. This can happen due to a large fetus, multiple pregnancies, or polyhydramnios.
Previous abortions and other surgical interventions can also cause uterine hypertonicity.
Inflammatory and other processes in the uterus, for example, endometriosis or fibroids.
Pathologies of the structure of the uterus can also provoke a tone (bend, for example).
Increased physical activity: sharp and intense movements, lifting weights can provoke contractions.
Wrong lifestyle, in particular, bad habits (smoking, drinking alcohol).
Constipation or diarrhea can also cause hypertension. The thing is that the intestines are in the immediate vicinity of the uterus, so if it is overflowing or actively contracting, then the uterus will react to it.
Infectious diseases of a pregnant woman.
Viral diseases, such as influenza, acute respiratory infections or ARVI.
Disturbances in the work of the central nervous system.
Low water can also lead to tone.
From around the 25th week of pregnancy, training contractions can begin. It's okay if they are infrequent and not intense.
Symptoms
So how can you tell if you're toned at 35 weeks? First, it will be visible on the belly. It will become hard to the touch and even sharpen. In addition, the expectant mother may feel tension and contractions. There may also be pulling pains in the lower abdomen, pubis or lower back.
What to do?
How to treat uterine tone at 35 weeks? First, bed rest and rest are shown. So the pregnant woman is temporarily relieved of all duties.
If the tone is not too strong, then treatment at home is possible, in another case, hospitalization and strict bed rest are indicated. In addition, antispasmodic drugs are necessarily prescribed, for example, No-shpa or Papaverine. Also sometimes it is simply necessary to take sedatives, since fear future mother losing a baby only aggravates the situation.
Among other things, the doctor will probably prescribe drugs that reduce the activity of the uterus. Treatment must be prescribed by experienced specialists after examination and examination. If the tone arose suddenly, then the pregnant woman must certainly take a recumbent position and, for example, take a No-shpy pill (the doctor should tell about the possibility of use and contraindications). A warm bath will also help relieve stress.
Effects
An increase in the tone of the uterus can lead to serious consequences. The main ones are listed below.
Firstly, as a result of constant contractions and tension of the uterus, abortion can occur, that is, labor will begin. And 35 weeks is not the most best time for the baby to be born, since not all of its organs are ready for independent life outside the mother's womb.
Secondly, it suffers and future baby... The fact is that due to the constant tension of the uterus, an insufficient amount of oxygen and nutrients is supplied to the fetus. Hypoxia occurs, intrauterine growth retardation may occur. In especially severe cases, the baby may even die.
Prevention
How to remove the tone of the uterus has already been written above. But prevention is no less important, because if you minimize the factors that provoke this manifestation, then you can be calm. So, first of all, it is important to pass all examinations and take tests on time, as this will allow at an early stage to identify deviations or changes that can provoke the occurrence of hypertonicity.
In addition, it is imperative that healthy image life and observe the daily regimen: give up bad habits, get enough sleep and rest. But lifting weights and performing complex exercises is not worth it, since increased activity is contraindicated. Among other things, the expectant mother should be calm, so a peaceful environment in the family and at work is important.
In European countries, in general, there is no such diagnosis as tone. European experts believe that the uterus becomes dense and elastic due to the increased blood flow to it. And this is absolutely normal. But Russian doctors may well regard this condition as an indication for hospitalization.
It remains only to add that the tone of the uterus is a condition that is not as dangerous as others, but still it can lead to certain serious consequences. So if you experience such a symptom, it is best to tell your doctor everything about it.
