The uterus consists of muscle tissue, and any muscle can be in a relaxed or tense state. In a non-pregnant woman, for example, the uterus contracts during menstruation, and during childbirth these contractions help the baby to be born. In this article, we will focus on the symptoms, causes, and treatment methods for increased uterine tone.
What is increased uterine tone?
Increased uterine tone is a pathology during pregnancy that manifests as prolonged tension of the myometrial muscles, i.e., the muscular layer of the uterus.
In itself, this pathology is not considered a disease, but it is dangerous because an increase in muscle tone can cause early termination of pregnancy or premature birth.
Recently, increased uterine tone has been manifesting in every second pregnant woman, and unfortunately, some women do not attach much importance to such a pathology, considering it a natural condition. However, it sometimes leads to serious consequences, and sometimes it is impossible to eliminate the delayed consequences.
Therefore, women should treat such a pathology with serious attention and seek treatment.
Excessive muscle spasms have a very negative impact on the development of pregnancy:
- the attachment of the embryo to the endometrium becomes difficult;
- difficulties arise in the formation of a normal placenta;
- a risk of total or partial placental abruption develops;
- blood vessels are compressed, the fetus cannot receive enough oxygen, and hypoxia develops;
- high uterine tone is often the cause of delayed fetal development and various abnormalities.
Symptoms of uterine hypertonia
The main signs of myometrial muscle tension include:
- a feeling of tension in the lower abdomen;
- painful sensations in the lower abdomen and lower back, like those during menstruation;
- hardening of the abdomen in the second half of pregnancy, as if it turns "hard as a rock";
- hypertonia in the second half of pregnancy can be visually distinguished: the abdomen appears compressed, and its shape changes.
Sometimes, especially in the early stages of pregnancy, a woman may not feel the tone of her uterine muscles. In such cases, only a doctor can detect hypertonus through an examination. Considering the risk of pathology, it is necessary to monitor the pregnancy by making mandatory regular visits to the doctor as the delivery date approaches.
Monitoring the normal changes in yourself and your fetus during pregnancy also allows for the early detection of signs of various pathological changes. Therefore, download the "Lalu" app to your mobile phone and track your condition through weekly changes.
Causes of increased uterine tone
Increased uterine tone occurs for many reasons. Finding the exact cause is important when choosing a specific treatment method.
Most often, the following factors cause this pathology:
- hormonal disorders during pregnancy;
- the female body in some cases perceiving the fetus as a dangerous foreign object and seeking to reject it;
- abnormal uterine structure;
- gynecological diseases: endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts;
- the woman's mental and psychological state: fatigue, insomnia, stress;
- previous abortions, surgeries on the uterus;
- magnesium deficiency;
- short intervals between pregnancies;
- bad habits and an unhealthy lifestyle.
Useful article: What is not allowed during pregnancy?
Diagnosis
It is very important to diagnose increased uterine tone as soon as possible, as a favorable course of pregnancy may depend on this condition.
There are several ways to detect uterine hypertonicity:
- palpation;
- ultrasound examination;
- tonometry.
If examinations confirm uterine hypertonia, additional laboratory tests are prescribed to determine the cause of the pathology.
If you experience symptoms of uterine hypertonia, consult a doctor immediately and undergo comprehensive examinations to determine what is causing the increase in uterine muscle tone.
Treatment of uterine tone during pregnancy
The treatment of increased uterine tone depends on its underlying causes. Treatment is prescribed based on the results of the examination and is carried out by a physician. When uterine hypertonia is detected, the pregnant woman must, first and foremost, ensure bed rest.
- If the condition is caused by hormonal disorders, the pregnant woman is prescribed hormonal medications.
- If infections during pregnancy or other diseases are detected, appropriate treatments are administered.
- If uterine hypertonia is associated with increased blood coagulation, the patient is prescribed blood-thinning medications.
Prevention
As is well known, it is better to prevent the development of a disease than to treat it. There are very simple and effective measures for preventing uterine hypertonia. These include:
- Prepare for pregnancy carefully: before entering this important period of life, it is essential to treat all infectious and somatic diseases and undergo examinations for chronic conditions.
- Register at a clinic, visit a doctor regularly, and follow their recommendations;
- Sleep for at least 8 hours, eat well, and try to avoid stressful situations;
- Maintain moderate physical activity and refrain from heavy physical labor;
- Monitor your blood magnesium levels and consult a specialist regarding the intake of vitamin complexes;
- Give up harmful habits, follow a daily routine and diet, and reduce physical and mental stress.
