What is the tone of the uterus on. Tone of the uterus during early pregnancy. Causes, symptoms, treatment, how to recognize and what to do. Treatment for hypertension. How to treat increased uterine tone during pregnancy

The uterus is an organ that is characterized by a state of some tension.

If the pregnancy proceeds without complications, we can talk about its normal position. With an unplanned termination of pregnancy, the tone of the uterus increases. This position of the body is called hypertonicity.

Hypertonicity should not be confused with a disease. This is a sign that not everything is in order with the body of the future woman in labor. It is not the condition itself that is treated, but the alleged source.
Only a specialist can determine this source.
Mechanical abortion occurs through premature contraction of the reproductive organs.

Causes of uterine tone

The muscles of the uterus contract for various reasons:

• Firstly, through endocrine disorders, pelvic inflammatory disease, viral diseases of the fetus and expectant mother, and previous abortions.
• Secondly, uterine anomalies, which are characterized by insufficient formation of the female genital organs (infantilism of the genitals). With insufficient formation of the cervix, it is not able to withstand the load.

Diseases that are not directly related to the organs of childbearing can provoke hypertonicity. Diseases of the heart, kidneys, and other organs can cause displacement of the uterus. An unfavorable emotional climate contributes to the fact that the muscles of the uterine wall become tense and provoke these problems.

The tone begins with a feeling of pain and discomfort in the lower back, lower abdomen, as before the start of critical days. Sometimes the aching pain is similar to contractions during childbirth, the uterus becomes “stone”. The diagnosis is established by examining the abdomen. Ultrasound shows contraction of muscle fibers.

There is a special apparatus for measuring these contractions, but it has not gained much popularity. Symptoms are visible to the naked eye.
If they appeared for the first time, you can drink no-shpu. With repeated signals, you need to urgently consult a doctor who monitors the course of pregnancy.

Throughout the entire period of bearing a child, it is important to observe a gentle regime of work and rest. A pregnant woman needs to be provided with healthy sleep. Outdoor walks are a must.

At the very beginning of pregnancy, due to an increase in the tone of the uterus, a miscarriage can occur. In the 2nd and 3rd trimester, with an unfavorable outcome, involuntary abortion often occurs. Sometimes this can lead to subsequent childlessness.
With hypertonicity, the blood supply to the placenta is disturbed, which is the cause of oxygen starvation, scientifically - hypoxia. This interferes with the normal development of the fetus. This happens because the placenta does not contract, it detaches, and sometimes premature termination of pregnancy.

If pulling conditions occur systematically, accompanied by pains that are similar to menstrual pain, then the uterus is in good shape.
In this case, doctors recommend taking sedatives and antispasmodics: bromine tincture, valerian, no-shpu, suppositories. Sometimes vitamins are prescribed.

With the emergence of a problem, it is necessary to immediately reduce the load associated with physical work. Sports exercises, sex should be postponed until better times.
To prevent miscarriage, drugs are prescribed that contain magnesium, which has anti-stress properties.
Usually, the above ways to fix the problem are enough to reduce the likelihood of abortion.

Hospitalization

If there is no effect from the treatment, you need to decide on hospitalization. Especially if, in addition to pain, bleeding appeared, similar to menstruation.
It is better to immediately provide a woman with bed rest, and not hesitate to call a doctor.
In a medical facility, workers will do a vaginal examination and determine the cause of the bleeding. Additional methods will establish the diagnosis, while preventing the threat of miscarriage at any stage of the pregnancy.
Ultrasound provides information about the compaction of the muscular layer of the uterus in a certain area, which determines its general condition.

Sometimes they can examine the hormonal level by passing blood and urine for analysis.

Women who are expecting a baby are very impressionable. Therefore, medical workers require them to strictly adhere to the daily routine. Soothing drugs - valerian, motherwort, contribute to the speedy recovery of the nervous system after a period of depression.

After the placenta is already formed, pregnant women are prescribed antispasmodics - no-shpu or motherwort. A drug containing progesterone is prescribed in the first 16-18 weeks of pregnancy. Later, the placenta will begin to produce this hormone on its own. The positive results of treatment are evidenced by the test results.

Up to 34 weeks of pregnancy, hypertonicity is eliminated with the help of means that relax the muscular activity of the reproductive organs. This is the time for the formation of the lungs. For this, dexamethasone is used.

To reduce the risk of a miscarriage, you need to take care of the successful course of pregnancy even before planning the birth of a baby. To do this, it is advisable to undergo a full medical examination, visit a gynecologist, endocrinologist, therapist, pediatrician, dentist and other doctors. To reduce the risk of prenatal and postnatal depression, you can contact a psychotherapist, a psychiatrist,

Ways to help relieve tension in the uterus

1. To ensure the child's normal development, you need to protect the expectant mother from stress. Do not worry, worry, panic. It is important to set all priorities, the main of which should be the future baby. During pregnancy, it is desirable to surround yourself with positive people, beautiful things, good music. Meditations, books on self-development, children's fairy tales will help you tune in to accepting only positive information.

2. At the first signs of hypertonicity, you need to become in the pose of a cat, bend over, breathe in the air. When exhaling, raise your head up, relaxing all the muscles of the face as much as possible.

3. The best natural remedy for ailment are herbs. Chamomile, valerian, motherwort, lemon balm, mint help calm the nerves. Aromatherapy consists in wearing an aroma medallion in which lavender, geranium or grapefruit oil is placed. To avoid complications associated with allergic reactions, you should consult your doctor before using aromatic products.

4. As already reported, taking vitamins can eliminate malaise, thereby strengthening the fetus. Magne B6 improves the condition of the thyroid gland and the condition of the nervous system. Valerian, motherwort also help to relieve tone without harming the mother and unborn child. To avoid side effects associated with the use of herbal infusions, you should consult a doctor before taking them. Of course, drinking alcohol-based drugs is contraindicated.

5. Breathing exercises help pregnant women calm their nerves and put their emotions in order. It is best to start doing gymnastics lying on the floor. You need to inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth. Such breathing is called diaphragmatic. Keep air in the abdomen, not in the lungs. The muscles of the perineum should be relaxed. Exercise should be done twenty times every day. After the exercises are mastered, they can be done sitting or standing. This will allow them to be performed in different places. Over time, you can increase the pace of exercise. They are a prophylactic against complications that may occur throughout pregnancy.

Breathing exercises with uterine tone are required in any condition, and not only when pain occurs. With hypertonicity, you can do two types of exercises - passive and active. Those performed lying down are called passive. Their essence lies in the development of diaphragmatic breathing. Usually, "chest" breathing prevails in women. The diaphragmatic maximally strains the abdominal cavity with the perineum. This contributes to the speedy resolution of pregnancy.
Active breathing exercises are distinguished by a combination of breathing exercises with physical ones. It can be performed with music. Such actions improve mood, can strengthen the muscles of the reproductive organs.

6. In case of pain, you need to lie on your back, relax, close your eyes, slowly inhale, figuratively imagining a clot of energy instead of pain. Let this pain reach a point in the throat area. Then, you need to hold your breath for four seconds, exhale it through the perineum, representing pain in the form of a dark cloud. After doing the exercise several times, it is advisable to thank the Universe for the help.

7. If there is discomfort in the lower abdomen, you can take a soothing bath. The water should be warm, but not hot. You can add lavender or citrus oil. While taking a bath, it is advisable to slightly open the door, otherwise, dizziness may begin from warm air. Warm water in itself promotes relaxation, and breathing exercises, as mentioned above, will help you relax as much as possible. Water procedures preferably done before bed. Especially if a woman suffers from insomnia, neurosis, depression. Since the tone of the uterus can lead to the threat of miscarriage, you need to follow all the doctor's recommendations, follow a strict regimen. During the entire period of expectation of a child, a woman should limit physical activity. At the same time, it is important not to stop doing exercises in the morning, to take walks in the fresh air. You need to look after your emotional state, go to bed early. The duration of sleep should be at least 9-10 hours.

8. If you suffer from insomnia, you should ventilate the room, turn on the aroma lamp, and meditate. It is advisable to partially protect a pregnant woman from domestic work. Before going on maternity leave, working women should avoid unnecessary worries for the sake of the full development of the unborn baby.

There are enough reasons for uterine tone. Let's pick out those that occur most often:

- Somatic. They arise due to physiological problems in the body of the expectant mother.

In case of problems, a doctor should deal with the treatment. If you have any doubts about the prescribed drugs, you can consult with other specialists.

The health of women who are expecting a child is affected by the food they eat.

You need to choose a diet that contains all the necessary vitamins, nutrients. Greens, vegetables, nuts, fruits should be consumed daily.

Changes in nutrition should not upset a woman and her family members.

If the daily menu will be dominated by "live" products, which consist of beneficial vitamins, minerals, this will affect not only the future woman in labor and her child, but also all family members. As an alternative to "dead food" - useful and delicious food will form a culture of nutrition and protect the unborn child from obesity and problems of the endocrine system.

- Psychological, which depend on emotional comfort and condition.

Almost every pregnant woman is faced with a mysterious phrase - uterine tone. Doctors also call this condition hypertonicity.

Disputes about the tone do not fade away. Modern doctors believe that it is not worth treating and hospitalizing a pregnant woman with such a diagnosis, and old school doctors prefer to play it safe. In most cases, the tone of the uterus does not threaten the pregnant woman and the child, but exceptions occur 1.

The tone of the uterus - a side view

To begin with, it is important to understand what the uterus is and how it functions. It is worth imagining a hollow organ, similar in shape to a vessel, the walls of which are muscle tissue.

The body consists of three layers:

• Outer serosa.
• Internal mucous membrane.
• Central muscle- myometrium.

We recall from the school anatomy curriculum that the main task of muscles is contraction.

The myometrium is responsible for contractions, which is the main function of childbirth. In theory, during rest, the myometrium should not contract. As the fetus grows, the uterus gradually stretches, providing the fetus with proper comfort. If contractions are observed before the onset of labor at any stage of pregnancy, then they speak of uterine tone. An obstetrician or an ultrasound diagnostician, regardless of the condition of the pregnant woman, can make a diagnosis of hypertonicity 2.

Some doctors believe that short-term uterine contractions are quite common, and the unborn child is not threatened. In Western medicine, there is no concept of uterine tone at all, there is hypertonicity, which actually portends the onset of labor. Short-term uterine tone can be provoked by stress, sex, and even going to the gynecologist 1 .

The real danger of uterine tone

Any pregnant woman immediately understands when she has a prolonged uterine tone. If it is accompanied by general malaise, unusual discharge and other unusual symptoms, then you should immediately consult a doctor. In addition, you need to know the real threats of prolonged hypertonicity:

1. In the early stages of pregnancy (first trimester), hypertonicity can cause fetal death. Hypertonicity really poses a danger in the earliest period of pregnancy, when the embryo has not yet fixed on the walls inside the uterus.

2. In the later stages (second and third trimester), hypertonicity can provoke premature birth.

3. The tone of the uterus in a pregnant woman threatens the child with hypoxia, since the compressed uterus partially blocks access to oxygen and nutrients. The growth and development of the child is suspended.

4. Starting from week 32, regular uterine contractions (which, however, do not cause pain or severe discomfort) are the absolute norm. Thus, the uterus "trains" before childbirth. Nevertheless, regular medical supervision during this period is very important. In the event that, along with increased uterine activity, there is an "adverse" obstetric history (termination of pregnancy, complications of childbirth), it is important to treat any manifestations of increased uterine tone with great caution, and carefully evaluate each situation. 3

Causes of uterine tone

If symptoms of uterine tone occur during pregnancy, expectant mothers immediately ask the question: “what is the reason”? However, it is worth considering that the tone of the uterus is not an independent disease. Uterine tone or hypertonicity is a symptom of another disease or problems developing in the body during pregnancy, and possible problems extremely many 4 .

The main task after diagnosing the tone of the uterus is to find the cause of the tone and the impact on this cause. In parallel, it is necessary to deal with the tone itself and prevent its protracted course.

It is almost impossible to list all the possible conditions of the body in which the tone of the uterus is formed. But the main ones are:

1. Stressful state. The most common cause of tone is the usual stress. Any experience of a pregnant woman is reflected in the tone of the uterus. That is why the tone of the uterus is so often diagnosed during examination by a gynecologist or during a routine examination in the ultrasound room. Unfortunately, not all doctors understand that such a condition is caused by stress, and after examination, everything quickly returns to normal.

2. Lack of pregnancy hormones, which is a hormonal disorder. The body is provided with a similar hormone by the remnants of the egg after fertilization. Progesterone relaxes the myometrium and allows the fetal egg with the future embryo to gain a foothold inside the uterus. A lack of progesterone provokes hypertonicity, the organ may begin to contract, preventing the fetal egg from attaching, which leads to an obvious and sad ending of pregnancy.

3. Inflammation and infection. Everyone knows that before pregnancy it is extremely important to heal all the "sores" and ailments. But this is not always possible, then such diseases can become the cause of uterine tone in a pregnant woman. However, in this case, hypertonicity is accompanied by symptoms characteristic of this disease, which facilitates diagnosis and further treatment.

4. Toxicosis. A common but unpleasant condition that accompanies pregnancy, especially its first half. Severe toxicosis causes vomiting and the urge to vomit, which in turn affect uterine contractions. In this case, funds are needed that reduce the symptoms of toxicosis.

5. Rhesus conflict. A different Rh factor in mother and father is always a risk for the unborn child. If an embryo develops in the womb that has inherited the Rh factor from the father, then the woman’s body will reject it with all its might, which ultimately results in prolonged hypertonicity.

6. Previous abortions. After an abortion, synechiae (unions) form on the walls of the uterus. Further pregnancy always proceeds with various threats, including uterine tone.

7. Problems with the intestines. Gas formation, disturbances in bowel contraction and the process of defecation has a physiological effect on the uterus, as does toxicosis.

8. Medicines. Taking medication during pregnancy is associated with risks. It is essential to be aware of all side effects and contraindications of the drugs used. Self-administration harms a pregnant woman, an unborn child and can cause uterine tone.

9. Physical changes in the uterus. They can cause polyhydramnios, multiple pregnancy, or simply a large fetus and its sharp growth. The uterus, in turn, reacts with a tone of 5.

Symptoms and diagnosis of uterine tone during pregnancy

As a rule, a pregnant woman herself understands when she has a uterine tone, such sensations are hard to confuse. Depending on the period, the symptoms of uterine tone in a pregnant woman may vary slightly:

• 1 trimester - back pain and pulling pain below the abdomen.
• 2nd trimester - the symptoms described above are accompanied by a feeling of heaviness and tension in the abdomen.
• 3rd trimester - the tone can not only be felt, but also felt, the stomach becomes as dense as possible, its usual shape may change 5.

It happens that a pregnant woman ignores such symptoms or gets used to them, then the tone of the uterus is easily detected on an ultrasound scan or at a gynecologist's appointment. For a more accurate diagnosis, additional tools are used, such as a tonometer.

But as already mentioned, it is important not only to diagnose the tone itself, but to determine the cause of the appearance. Sometimes outpatient monitoring of a pregnant woman is not enough, and hospitalization is required.

To treat or not to treat uterine tone during pregnancy?

An obvious question with an unobvious answer. It all depends on certain factors, such as the duration of pregnancy, the frequency and duration of the tone, and most importantly, the cause that causes this tone. If the tone threatens the unborn child, then naturally it must be treated, but only a gynecologist can make such a decision.

If the tone is accompanied by pronounced pain or unusual discharge, you should immediately consult a doctor.

With hospitalization and severe hypertension, doctors will try to cope with it promptly. For this, electrophoresis with magnesia and other types of electrical stimulation are used. With severe toxicosis, provoking hypertonicity, endonasal galvanization is used.

If the doctor determines that the expectant mother is able to cope with the tone of the uterus herself, outpatient treatment is prescribed. Most often, doctors prescribe mild sedatives and antispasmodics. With a lack of progesterone, hormonal agents are prescribed. A naturally pregnant woman is recommended complete rest, bed rest and the absence of any stressful situations 5 .

The two most important tips, which are also the basis of tone prevention:

• Before pregnancy, it is important to cure all diseases and give up all bad habits, and during gestation, monitor your health and respond to any changes in the body.
• "Calm, only calm" is the basis of life philosophy for expectant mothers. The absence of stress is the key to successful childbirth.

In addition, it is worth getting used to healthy eating and normalization of water balance. It is necessary to abandon any heavy physical exertion. Wear loose clothing and go outside more often. During pregnancy, try to lead a healthy lifestyle, because the health of the unborn child depends on it.

• 1. Berezovskaya E. 9 months of happiness. Desktop guide for pregnant women / E.P. Berezovskaya. – M.: Eksmo, 2015. – 576 p.
• 2. Gasparyan N. Modern ideas about the mechanism of regulation of the contractile activity of the uterus / N. D. Gasparyan, E. N. Kareva // Russian Bulletin of the obstetrician-gynecologist. - 2003. - No. 2 (3). – 21-27 p.
• 3. Bakhmach V. Changes in the uterus and cervix during pregnancy and on the eve of childbirth / V. O. Bakhmach [et al.] // Saratov Journal of Medical Scientific Research. - 2011. - No. 2 (7). – 396-400 s.
• 4. Enikeeva G. Prevention of violations of the contractile activity of the uterus in childbirth and the early postpartum period / GK Enikeeva [et al.]// Tez. I All-Russian congress of obstetricians-gynecologists and pediatricians. - Chelyabinsk, 1992. - 49-50 p.
• 5. Sidorova I. Guide to obstetrics / I. S. Sidorova, V. I. Kulakov, I. O. Makarov. – M.: Medicine, 2006. – 848 p.

In the state of pregnancy, women often hear the diagnosis "uterus in good shape." A phrase that is common in auditory perception can become threatening and lead to irreversible consequences. You should carefully consider the medical verdict and ask the gynecologist an important question: what does this phenomenon mean and whether it is necessary to fight it.

What is uterine tone during pregnancy

The uterus is a hollow muscle, contracting is its natural state. The organ consists of layers:

• external - perimetry;
• middle (muscular) - myometrium;
• internal - endometrium.

When sneezing, coughing, medical gynecological examination or ultrasound, the uterus contracts - it comes into tone for a short time. Prolonged contraction of the muscle layer is called "hypertonicity". This is a dangerous condition for pregnancy. It is necessary to recognize the symptoms in time and eliminate the causes.

Symptoms

The growing fetus stretches the tissues, during this period the muscles relax. You can determine the tone of the uterus by a number of symptoms and during an instrumental examination by a doctor. At each stage of bearing a baby, contractions appear with varying degrees of intensity, have their own characteristics and consequences. Contractions can be local (tonus along the posterior wall of the uterus) or general. A woman can understand that the uterus is in good shape by internal sensations and some external signs.

In the early stages

At this stage, cases of tone are observed frequently. Main features:

1. Aching pain in the lower abdomen.
2. Pulling sensations.
3. Cramps like contractions, or like menstruation.
4. Discomfort, pain in the lumbar region.

Sometimes increased tone does not manifest itself, so doctors recommend an ultrasound scan. This procedure accurately determines the condition of the muscles.

Signs of uterine tone in the second trimester

At this stage (from 8 to 16 weeks), cases of hypertonicity are detected much less frequently. They are no less dangerous than in the first and third trimester of fetal formation. You should immediately consult a gynecologist, feeling the appearance of:

1. Pain in the lower abdomen.
2. Tactile sensations of the "fossil" of the entire abdomen.
3. Bloody secretions.

The diagnosis is confirmed by a medical examination. If the uterus is in good shape during pregnancy in the second trimester, this threatens with abnormal fetal development or premature birth.

In the 3rd trimester

The most responsible and difficult stage. The body prepares for childbirth, muscle contractions become more frequent. It is difficult to independently determine what it is: a manifestation of habitual spasms or tone. Only a doctor can diagnose a deviation from the norm. If, upon examination at the 32nd week, the uterus is open, and the ECG of the child inside the womb is unstable, the specialist will immediately understand the presence of an increased tone. To prevent the risk of miscarriage, visits to your gynecologist should be frequent. In all cases, with bloody discharge, an urgent need to call a doctor.

Causes

The following reasons can cause a state of increased tone:

• overwork / slight malaise;
• stress / depression;
• physical pathologies (underdevelopment of the reproductive organ);
• lack of the hormone progesterone;
• Rh-conflict of systems for providing mother and child;
• severe toxicosis with vomiting;
• infectious diseases;
• age features woman's body
• chronic or acquired diseases;
• general psychological mood;
• the physical condition of the woman;
• loads;
• in special occasions- sex with uterine tone.

When the uterus is in good shape, what does this mean for a woman who is looking forward to the appearance of a child? Clinical consequences, dangers for the woman in labor and the baby can be described by an experienced specialist. Wrong lifestyle and behavior of a pregnant woman can leave an indelible mark.

What is dangerous increased uterine tone

Increased tone negatively affects the child and mother. During the period of bearing a child, hypertonicity means the risk of abortion: in the early stages of miscarriage, in the later stages - premature birth. In the second trimester, prolonged muscle contraction leads to a deterioration in blood circulation with the placenta, insufficient oxygen is supplied to the fetus, which causes hypoxia. Placental abruption occurs as a result of the fact that it does not contract with the myometric layer.

Treat with medication when the uterus is in hypertonicity, what does this mean? The condition involves a mandatory visit to a doctor who will correctly diagnose and prescribe the necessary drugs. In the initial stages, it can be antispasmodics: "No-shpa", "Papaverine", motherwort, valerian. For prevention, pregnant women are prescribed vitamins A and E, light breathing exercises are prescribed, more walks in the fresh air.

How to remove the tone of the uterus at home

You can remove the tone of the uterus by resorting to simple methods:

1. Go to shower. After standing for 10 minutes under warm water, lie on your back, relax all the muscles.
2. Take magnesium with food. Oatmeal or buckwheat porridge, almonds, herbs, beans, nuts (forest) are rich in minerals.
3. Do a light external massage of the abdomen and back. To reduce muscle tension, ask your relatives to rub your back until it burns, massage your head and neck.
4. Wear a bandage. It is used to reduce stress on the lower uterine wall. The bandage should not cause discomfort and feel like something foreign. How to wear, you can find out by looking at the corresponding photos.

Every woman has to be nervous before childbirth, the main thing is not to experience constant stress. Low mood negatively affects the entire course of pregnancy. Remember: the well-being of childbirth and the health of the baby depend entirely on the mother. Ideally, medical intervention in the natural process of gestation and birth should be minimal.

Video about uterine hypertonicity during pregnancy

Easy pregnancy and healthy baby - every woman's dream. The state of the reproductive organs of the expectant mother, and especially the uterus, has a huge impact on the course of pregnancy and the development of the fetus.

The uterus is a hollow organ in the body of a woman, located in the pelvic cavity and consisting of several layers of muscle fibers. It is in it that the development of the embryo takes place and the fetus is born. Like all muscles, the uterus can contract due to the action of external and internal factors. Such contractions are called increased tone. Increased uterine tone (hypertonicity) is a fairly common pathology during pregnancy, and all expectant mothers have at least a small idea of ​​what it is.

Let us consider this deviation in more detail and establish its causes, possible consequences and ways to deal with it.

Symptoms and types of pathology

Tension of the uterine muscles in pregnant women can be both temporary and permanent. The tone can be increased in all parts of the uterus (total tone), or in a certain place (local).

Signs of a pathological condition:

• Drawing pains in the lower abdomen, similar to pain during menstruation
• Feeling of heaviness in the abdomen
• Pain in the pubic and lumbar region
• In some cases, increased fetal activity

Single and short-term manifestations of symptoms should not cause panic. They can be the result of sneezing, coughing or laughing. In some women, the tone rises for a short time on examination by a gynecologist due to nervous tension.

With localized increased uterine tone, it can occur on the anterior or posterior wall of the uterus. In the second case, timely detection of violations is difficult to implement due to the absence of characteristic symptoms. Sometimes excessive tension in the muscles of the uterus can only be detected with the help of ultrasound (ultrasound). The magnitude of the risk of increased tone along the back wall depends on the age of the woman: pregnant women under 18 years of age and over 30 years of age are most susceptible to it. An increased tone of the posterior wall of the uterus in the presence of pain may be evidence that processes are activated that disrupt the normal course of pregnancy. This condition can lead to miscarriage or premature birth.

An increased tone localized on the anterior wall of the uterus may indicate the presence of serious chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, for example, Down syndrome. The muscles of the uterus in this case tense up due to the fact that the female body is trying to get rid of a sick or completely unviable embryo.

Experts distinguish three degrees of increased uterine tone:

I degree. Short pain in the lower abdomen and thickening of the uterus, which do not cause serious discomfort. Disappear when the pregnant woman is at rest.

II degree. More pronounced pain in the abdomen, lumbar and sacrum. There is a high density of the uterus.

III degree. Even minor physical and mental stress can lead to severe pain in the abdomen and lower back. The uterus becomes extremely hard. This condition requires qualified treatment.

Reasons for the increase in tone

Why does the increased tone of the uterus appear during pregnancy? There are many factors affecting the increase in tension in the muscles of the uterus, they can be both external and be the result of malfunctions in the mother's body.

In some cases, the deviation of tone from the norm is due to hormonal disorders:

• Insufficient level of progesterone production by the corpus luteum;
• Increased production of male hormones by the adrenal cortex (hyperandrogenism). Before pregnancy, the problem can manifest itself in the form of menstrual irregularities, excess hair on the face, abdomen and pubis;
• Elevated levels of prolactin in the blood (hyperprolactinemia). Before pregnancy, it can be manifested by the release of milk from the nipples, an irregular menstrual cycle.

Other causes of hypertension:

• Hypoplasia of the uterus (incomplete development of the organ due to congenital or acquired defects);
• Endometriosis (the presence of non-functional tissue inside the uterus);
• uterine fibroids (benign tumor);
• Inflammatory processes;
• Sexually transmitted infections;
• Exposure to toxic substances;
• A large number of abortions in history;
• Physical exercise;
• Very large fetus, multiple pregnancy;
• polyhydramnios;
• Bad habits expectant mother (alcohol, smoking).

For whatever reason, the tone of the uterus is increased, neglect of this condition can lead to sad consequences, up to spontaneous abortion.

Increased uterine tone in the first trimester

The first trimester is a stressful time for a mom-to-be. The tone of the uterus in early pregnancy is not uncommon. It can pose a serious threat to the processes that are responsible for the successful implantation of the fetal egg in the endometrium of the uterus. In the worst case, this condition may result in the rejection of the fetal egg or its death.

In the first trimester, the tension of the uterine muscles may appear as a result of even a slight influence of external stimuli, such as:

• excitement and stress
• physical exercise
• sexual intercourse
• delayed trip to the toilet

At the same time, the expectant mother feels tension in the lower abdomen and how this area hardens. Sometimes these sensations can be accompanied by mild soreness in the lumbar region. If these symptoms are present, a pregnant woman needs to relax and rest. Most likely, the muscles themselves will come to a normal state. In the case when lumbar pains are excruciating and are accompanied by cramping pains in the lower abdomen, an urgent visit to the doctor is necessary, since such processes may be evidence of a threatened abortion.

Second trimester and uterine hypertonicity

In the second trimester, toxicosis recedes in most pregnant women and well-being improves significantly. It is believed that this is the most favorable time for the entire pregnancy. However, it can be overshadowed by an increased tone of the uterus.

The causes of its occurrence may be the same factors as in the first trimester. To them is also added such a reason as the rapid growth of the fetus. In this case, the tone may appear at approximately 20 weeks.

How to determine in the second trimester that the muscle fibers of the uterus are in tension? The expectant mother may feel slight uterine contractions. Most often, they do not cause severe discomfort and can be eliminated by stopping physical activity or taking a horizontal position. Drawing pains in the lower back may indicate that there is an increased tone of the posterior wall of the uterus.

The increased tone of the uterus of the second trimester can lead to a deterioration in blood circulation in the placenta. This is a rather dangerous condition that can lead to hypoxia (oxygen starvation of the fetus). Hypoxia, in turn, leads to the fact that the fetus does not receive the necessary nutrients. This condition can end quite tragically - a frozen pregnancy. Another serious complication of hypertonicity can be placental abruption. This happens due to the fact that it is not common for the placenta to contract during uterine contractions, and it begins to separate from the uterine walls.

In the case when the contractions are pronounced, excruciating pains of a compressive nature appear, it is urgent to consult a doctor. The combination of these symptoms may signal the onset of an involuntary miscarriage.

Features of tone in the third trimester

Increased uterine tone in the last stages of pregnancy can be determined by the feeling of sipping in the lower abdomen. In some cases, there is a short-term "petrification" of the abdomen.

If these symptoms do not disappear for a long time, they are accompanied by spasmodic and stabbing pains, spotting, then you should immediately seek medical help. With hypertonicity for a period of 28 - 38 weeks, the patient needs to drug therapy. An inattentive attitude to increased tone can lead to premature birth and even death of the child.

It is important not to confuse hypertension in the third trimester with preterm labor. Most often, spasms and contractions at 38-40 weeks are normal and are of a training nature. This physiological process is called Braxton-Hicks preparatory contractions. They are the result of hormonal changes that occur when the body prepares for childbirth. However, this process is characterized by painlessness, short duration and does not provoke the opening of the cervix and the onset of labor. The onset of labor is characterized by contractions with a regularity of more than three times per hour.

Diagnosis of hypertonicity

There are several methods for detecting increased uterine tone during pregnancy:

• A conversation with a pregnant woman, during which you can find out what the nature of pain is and whether they are associated with physical activity or stress;
• Examination of a woman at a later date. If the uterus is in a normal state, then on palpation (feeling) it will be soft. Otherwise, the specialist will feel that it is compacted.
• Ultrasound can give the most complete picture regarding the condition of the muscle fibers of the uterus. The presence of an increased tone is detected quite simply: on the screen it will be seen how its front wall bends inward a little. In addition, this side will be thinner than the back.
• Tonusometry is a procedure that is carried out using a special apparatus and a sensor that is applied to the pregnant woman's abdomen.

In some cases, doctors direct the patient to take a blood test for hormones, a low or high concentration of which can provoke an increased tone of the uterus.

Treatment. What to do with increased tone?

When revealing the tone of the uterine muscles, it is necessary to determine the causes of this condition in order to prescribe an effective course of treatment.

In many cases, increased tone can be overcome with outpatient treatment. Increased tone can have a negative impact on the development of the fetus, so everything must be done to quickly solve the problem. It is important to observe bed rest, stop sexual activity and be in a state of emotional peace. Depending on the causes of uterine tension, a woman may be prescribed appropriate drugs: antispasmodics (no-shpa, papaverine), drugs that increase progesterone levels (utrogestan and dufaston), sedatives (motherwort). If the doctor gives a referral for inpatient treatment, then this recommendation should not be neglected. In the end, few people can afford absolute peace of mind at home.

Everyone knows that prevention is better than cure. Compliance with simple medical recommendations will help the expectant mother to keep the uterus in a relaxed state, as well as avoid many complications of pregnancy. The waiting time of the child should not be accompanied by strong physical exertion, stress and anxiety. The expectant mother should pay special attention to proper rest, proper nutrition, outdoor walks and timely visits to the gynecologist. Bad habits should be completely eliminated.

Compliance with these simple rules will help a woman minimize the risk of uterine tone and the complications that follow.

Free consultation based on the results of prenatal diagnosis

geneticist

Kievskaya Julia Kirillovna

If you have:

• questions about the results of prenatal diagnosis;
• poor screening results

*consultation is conducted for residents of any region of Russia via the Internet. For residents of Moscow and the Moscow region, a personal consultation is possible (have a passport and a valid compulsory medical insurance policy with you)