An open uterus can refer to a dilated cervix, which can be a problem during pregnancy. An incompetent cervix can lead to premature birth and uterine infection, but can sometimes be fixed with surgery. An open uterus can also occur during a woman’s menstrual cycle.
An open uterus typically refers to a dilated cervix, which is the uterine opening. This would mainly be a problem during pregnancy when the uterus is expected to remain closed as the baby develops inside. During the average woman’s menstrual cycle, the cervix opens and closes regularly to allow for menstrual flow and to let in sperm during ovulation. The exact amount that a woman’s cervix opens and the width of that opening will depend on the individual and whether or not the woman has had children.
The most common reference to an open uterus refers to a condition known as an incompetent cervix. This condition affects pregnant women and refers to a cervix that won’t stay closed. The cervix is the opening or mouth of the uterus and should remain closed and protected by the mucus plug during pregnancy until labor approaches. Women with an incompetent cervix are at increased risk of premature birth and uterine infection, both of which are dangerous to pregnancy.
Incompetent cervix can sometimes be fixed with surgery. This requires a doctor to stitch the cervix closed until labor and delivery are approaching. Women having this procedure are often encouraged to avoid heavy lifting and other strenuous activities until delivery to avoid opening the stitches. Some can even be put on bed rest. Once the pregnancy is full term, at about 37 weeks gestation, the stitches are removed and labor can progress normally.
Unfortunately, many women don’t realize they have an open uterus until premature labor sets in. It is possible for the cervix to remain closed during the first half of pregnancy and then slowly open as the baby grows and puts more pressure on the opening. If labor is still in its early stages, medications can often be given to stop the contractions before they progress. Additional medications and steroids may also be given to prevent infection and to help speed the development of the baby’s lungs in case a premature birth is unavoidable.
An open uterus can also occur outside of pregnancy, as the cervix goes through many changes during a woman’s menstrual cycle. During ovulation the cervix produces more mucus and opens wider to allow sperm to pass through. This makes pregnancy more likely, and many women who are trying to conceive check the way their cervix looks or feels to determine when these changes are occurring. The cervix also opens wider during the menstrual cycle so that blood can pass through.
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