Uterine tone during pregnancy: symptoms, increased cervical tone. How to get rid of uterine tone during pregnancy

In the gestational period, a woman lies in wait for many dangerous complications associated with her health. One of them is uterine hypertonicity. How to understand that there is a tone during pregnancy, is it possible to reduce it and what are the risks to the fetus?

The uterus consists of the outer shell, myometrium and a mucous ball - the endometrium, which lines the uterus from the inside. The myometrium is responsible for the tone of the uterine muscles. It is capable of contracting during childbirth or stretching while carrying a baby. Normally, the myometrium is relaxed until the time of labor approaches.

If the myometrium, for some reason, begins to contract intensively before delivery, we are talking about excessive uterine tone. If mild tone is not associated with severe confusing symptoms such as discharge, pain, low blood pressure, it is perceived as a natural physiological process.

The tone of the uterine wall during pregnancy may slightly increase during laughter, sudden movements, sneezing, stress, gynecological examination. But soon the myometrium relaxes again, and the tone goes away.

When the uterus is in good shape for a long time, the woman has signs of trouble (bleeding, dull pain, toxicosis). This is how pathological uterine hypertonia develops. This condition requires correction, since the woman has an increased risk of miscarriage and bleeding.

On a note! Hypertonicity is total when the walls and bottom of the organ are involved in the process. Or local, when only one of the uterine walls is in good shape.

Why is tone dangerous during pregnancy?

Muscle tone between the 4th and 12th gestational weeks makes it difficult for the egg to implant into the endometrial wall and then interferes with the normal development of the placenta.

Often, tone in early pregnancy provokes embryo detachment. If the tone has increased after implantation, the fetus may not develop properly, and the pregnancy freezes.

After 16 gestational weeks, an increase in uterine tone impairs phytoplacental blood flow. The baby does not receive oxygen and important substances, the placenta is aging prematurely. With severe hypoxia against the background of hypertonicity, late miscarriage or intrauterine fetal death may occur.

Important! Tonus on the eve of childbirth is considered the norm: the uterus "trains" before real contractions.

Causes of tone during pregnancy

Factors causing uterine hypertonicity:

Hormonal imbalance (progesterone deficiency). Under the influence of progesterone, the structure of the endometrium becomes loose, which allows the ovum to fully attach in the uterus. When this hormone is deficient, the endometrium does not soften, the muscles are tense and there is increased tone during pregnancy.
Congenital malformation of the uterus ("Two-horned uterus" or partial bend). Improper localization of the fetus forces the uterus to contract.
Early toxicosis. Frequent gagging provokes an overstrain of the myometrium, therefore, a physiological increase in uterine tone occurs.
Scars and adhesive process. Postponed inflammation, gynecological manipulations, cesarean section leave behind damage in the uterus and make the organ less elastic.
Polyhydramnios. The abnormal amount of amniotic fluid presses on the uterus from the inside, and spasms occur. Multiple pregnancies have the same effect.
Flatulence, constipation... The overcrowded colon presses on the uterus, and it begins to contract in response.
Rhesus conflict... The mismatch of the Rh factor of mom and dad is reflected in the uterine tone.
Active fetal movement... When the baby tumbles restlessly, the tone of the uterus rises for a short time. This phenomenon can be observed after lifting weights, intercourse, stress.
Thyroid pathology... The presence of dysfunction of this organ can cause hypertonicity of the uterus, premature birth, and fetal death.

Observations show that abdominal tone during pregnancy is more common in girls under 18 and in women over 30. In addition, the risk of developing pathology is higher in pregnant women who abuse smoking, have abortions, and suffer from reduced immunity.

Uterine tone: how it manifests itself during pregnancy

At the time of increasing the tone, the woman feels heaviness in the abdomen, aching pains appear, reminiscent of discomfort during menstruation.

When the tummy has noticeably increased, the unusual elasticity of the muscles indicates an increase in tone. A pregnant woman can describe her condition as a "stone" belly, which periodically contracts and relaxes.

Advice! If you do not understand how to determine the tone during pregnancy, lie down on the bed and try to completely relax. Now, gently feel your tummy: if the muscles are soft, you are fine. If the tummy is firm to the touch, you need to see a doctor.

Uterine tone during pregnancy, symptoms in the 1st trimester

The risk of miscarriage is the highest at first, so you need to closely monitor the uterine tone.

Signs of uterine tone during pregnancy in the 1st trimester:

Pain syndrome localized in the pubic and lumbar region.
Vaginal spotting of varying intensity.
Spasms in the projection of the uterus.

Signs of uterine tone during pregnancy in the 2nd, 3rd trimesters

Starting from the 16th gestational week, the woman also feels moderate pain, notices discharge if the uterus is in good shape. This is due to the growth of the baby, which causes a sprain. The condition is considered a normal variant if there are no serious complaints.

If the following symptoms appear, you need to consult an obstetrician-gynecologist:

Sharp back pain.
Bright red discharge from the birth canal.
Cyclic contractions of the uterus, resembling contractions.

Uterine tone during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester occurs in all pregnant women. It is manifested by slight discomfort in the tummy and its induration, but these are "training" contractions. They are never accompanied by sharp pain, discharge, and are short-term. If the signs of "training" contractions in the later stages do not pass for more than 10 hours, it is necessary to exclude the pathological tone.

Advice! The tone of the uterus in the second pregnancy appears twice less often than in the first.

Uterine tone in the gestational period - diagnosis

The diagnosis begins with a detailed history taking. A pregnant woman needs to describe her feelings in detail, to clarify what preceded the increase in tone.

After interviewing the woman, the gynecologist will palpate the abdomen, and, if necessary, a gynecological examination. To clarify the diagnosis, the woman will be sent for an ultrasound scan. This will establish the degree of tone and the general condition of the myometrium. The woman will also undergo tonusometry: using a sensor, the contractile activity of the uterus will be recorded.

Tonus during pregnancy - treatment

The therapeutic regimen is prescribed in accordance with the degree of tone and gestational age. A woman may be prescribed medication and bed rest.

Medication treatment of uterine tone

Treatment of uterine hypertonicity is aimed at eliminating spasm and pain, as well as maintaining pregnancy.

As an antispasmodic and anesthetic, a woman is prescribed No-Shpu during pregnancy with a tone. She quickly relaxes the muscle fibers, the stomach becomes soft, and the woman's discomfort disappears.
They also use the antispasmodic Papaverine, which is often combined with Analgin.
The drip injection of magnesia is effective in toning.
To maintain pregnancy with severe progesterone deficiency, take Duphaston or Utrozhestan during pregnancy with tone. These analogs of the female hormone tone up and securely fix the fetus in the endometrium. These drugs prevent miscarriage.
For pain and signs of inflammation, candles are shown during pregnancy with tone. During this period, the herbal preparation Viburkol is prescribed. It relieves painful sensations, blocks uterine spasm.
To stabilize the psycho-emotional background, sedative therapy is performed. During pregnancy, tincture of motherwort, eleutherococcus, vitamins and Magne B6 are prescribed.
If the tone is caused by toxicosis, the woman is shown taking antiemetics. The drugs Benedictin and Cerucal well block the gag reflex.
With an increase in blood pressure, Nifedipine is prescribed during pregnancy with tone. It supports the work of the heart and blood vessels, relieves the tension of the uterus.

Important! All drugs should be prescribed by a doctor, since they have many contraindications.

Special exercises for the tone of the uterus

Physical therapy helps to reduce the tone during pregnancy. A gynecologist may advise you to do this exercise: take a knee-elbow position, bend your lower back and stand for 15 seconds. After three sets, you need to lie on your back for about an hour.

Relaxation of the muscles of the face and neck is known to reduce the tone of the uterus. Try to get comfortable in bed, even out your breathing, and gradually relax all your muscles. You will feel relieved after a couple of minutes.

Getting rid of negative thoughts can enhance the effect of relaxation exercises. Have a cup of fragrant herbal infusion, watch a soulful movie, do an aromatherapy session with chamomile and lemon balm ether.

How to remove tone during pregnancy on your own

To improve her well-being, a woman needs to adhere to the rules:

Observe bed rest.
Isolate yourself from anxiety and stress.
Limit sexual intercourse for a while.
Exclude coffee and strong tea from the menu.
Eat fiber foods to improve digestion.
Take sedatives.

Advice! Yoga for pregnant women helps to relieve tone during pregnancy at home.

Tonus during pregnancy - prevention

It is impossible to completely prevent the tone of the uterus, but it is quite possible to reduce the risk:

Do not neglect a scheduled visit to the gynecologist.
Always have scheduled examinations.
Prevent the development of infectious diseases.
Practice good personal hygiene.
Remember to get enough sleep, spiritual rest, and walking in the fresh air.
Try to maintain emotional peace.
Eat selectively.

How to remove tone during pregnancy: nutrition of a pregnant woman

The diet of a woman with uterine tone should contain foods rich in magnesium and B vitamins. These elements relax the uterus and intestinal musculature, relieve the excitability of nerve impulses.

You can find magnesium in leafy vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, and leeks. There is especially a lot of magnesium in almonds and dried apricots. Spices also serve as a source of magnesium - sage, cilantro, basil. Do not neglect cereals - buckwheat, oats, wheat.

Additionally, you need to increase the amount of dairy and fermented milk products. They saturate the body with B vitamins and calcium.

To enhance intestinal motility, fiber is needed. It is important to consume whole grain breads, apples, nuts, vegetables.

Tonus during pregnancy - reviews

Studying the reviews of pregnant women online, it becomes clear that almost half of pregnant women hear the diagnosis of uterine tone. Most women successfully “lie down at home” in a relaxed environment and take vitamins. Some, with severe pain, are sent to the hospital, but after a few drops of magnesia they quickly recover.

Compliance with the doctor's recommendations, good mood and the absence of frequent overwork help to bring the tone of the uterus back to normal. Therefore, the main thing is not to panic, follow the prescribed course of treatment and then everything will be fine!

Video "Tonus during pregnancy: what to do?"

Expectant mothers are often diagnosed with uterine tone during pregnancy. Those who are carrying their first child do not recognize this danger and often do not understand how it all can end. But even more "experienced" pregnant women are usually afraid of tone in the 1st trimester and mistakenly believe that nothing bad will happen at a later date.

Why does uterine hypertonia occur, how to recognize it, why the pain cannot be tolerated, what drugs can be taken to get rid of it? You will find answers to these and other questions in our article.

The organ of the female reproductive system - the uterus - consists of the outer and inner mucous membranes, between which is the muscle layer (myometrium). Like all other human muscles, the myometrium tends to contract and relax. But if a woman can "control" the muscles in her arms and legs, then she cannot control the muscular layer of the uterus. For example, the uterine muscles contract when a woman laughs, coughs, or sneezes.

This process occurs imperceptibly and painlessly, but until the woman becomes pregnant. When a fertilized egg begins to grow inside the uterus, the female body tries to reject it, as a foreign (as it seems to him, completely unnecessary) body. The myometrium is contracting, and the expectant mother is in pain at this moment. This is called hypertonicity of the uterine muscles.

Painful sensations can be weak or strong, last a few seconds or minutes, appear a couple of times, or disturb constantly. If a woman does not yet know about her pregnancy, she often does not understand what danger threatens her and her baby. And if she knows and the gynecologist has already scared her that there should be no pain during pregnancy, she begins to worry, and thus only makes it worse.

In a woman who was absolutely healthy before conceiving a baby, the uterus becomes toned during pregnancy for the following reasons.

"Sedentary" work or the need to stand for several hours, travel in public transport.
Stressful situations.
Failure of the hormonal system in the 1st trimester: a lack of progesterone (it is produced by the ovary to relax the myometrium, in the 3rd trimester the placenta performs this task) or an excess of male hormones.
Toxicosis, which is accompanied by severe vomiting (in the 1st trimester). An increased tone of the myometrium occurs because the muscles of the organ are strained during vomiting. Toxicosis is considered normal in the first trimester. But if a pregnant woman is constantly nauseous at the mere sight of food, if she is losing weight, the baby will not receive the necessary nutrients. This will not reflect in the best way on its development.
Fetal movement at a later date (in this case, hypertonicity of the uterine muscles should not be feared).

Expectant mothers who have:

bad habits (smoking, addiction to alcoholic beverages);
a large number of abortions;
multiple pregnancy. A large load is created on the walls of the uterus. In some cases, she has to stretch to an enormous size;
the special structure of the reproductive organ (two-horned, saddle-shaped, children's uterus);
negative rhesus factor. If a pregnant woman has a blood group with a negative Rh factor, and the biological father of the child has a positive one, the mother's body tries to reject the ovum like a foreign body. But the first such pregnancy usually goes well;
dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
polyhydramnios;
viral and infectious diseases, including those that are sexually transmitted (ureaplasma, chlamydia, mycoplasmosis, viruses);
myoma;
diseases of the digestive tract. Hypertonicity of the uterus appears with strong gas formation.

Some diseases, such as genital infections, can only be treated in the third trimester, since antibiotics have to be taken. It is also impossible to refuse treatment: the placenta protects the child, but some substances can penetrate through it and negatively affect the development of the fetus.

Uterine hypertonicity throughout pregnancy manifests itself in different ways. In the 1st trimester, these are:

dizziness, nausea;
dull pulling pain in the lower abdomen, as during menstruation, in the lower back or perineum (it can be of the same strength or "roll", intensify, then weaken).

In the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, the "fossil" of the abdomen is added to them. The tense uterus can be felt by placing fingers on the abdomen.

Another sign of increased tone is bloody discharge from the genital tract. They can be profuse or smudging, beige, brown, pink, or blood-streaked. Normally, only light discharge is observed. In all other cases, you must immediately contact your gynecologist.

At a later date, when there is little room for a large child in the womb, you can see how the baby is "stretched". At this moment, the muscles of the uterus tense, and the woman feels well the fossilization of the abdomen, sees how it changes its rounded shape (one side of the abdomen seems to sink, while the other, on the contrary, begins to bulge more strongly). This lasts literally a few seconds and poses no danger to either the mother or the baby.

Diagnostics

In order to understand whether the patient's uterine muscle tone is increased, doctors use three methods:

palpation (palpation with fingers);
tonusometry.

In the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, the doctor can feel the tone of the uterus with his fingers through the front wall of the abdominal cavity. During the examination, the woman lies on her back and keeps her legs bent at the knees. In this position, the muscles of the abdominal cavity relax, and the uterus, if it is dense, is palpable.

Ultrasound is used as an auxiliary diagnostic method. The results obtained allow us to understand the degree of threat (complications, miscarriage) and the need for hospitalization.

With tonusometry, muscle tension is detected using special sensors. This method is rarely used, since the other two provide comprehensive information.

Elimination methods

The increased tone of the uterus is treated on an outpatient basis and in a hospital. The first option is chosen when the expectant mother is worried about mild pain in the lower abdomen or lower back. At the same time, she does not have bloody discharge, and up to this point the pregnancy proceeded without complications. Hospitalization is recommended when the increased tone cannot be relieved for a long time.

At home, a woman should rest more, forget about sexual activity for a while, take antispasmodics (No-shpu, Drotaverin, Papaverine - solution for intramuscular injection or rectal suppositories), sedatives (motherwort, valerian) and gestagenic (Utrozhestan) drugs, as well as Magne B6 ...

Medicines have contraindications. You can not prescribe drugs yourself. The doctor must do this. He selects the dosage in each case individually.

"Cat". It is performed as follows: kneel down, rest your palms on the floor, carefully bend your back, then bend. Repeat 5-10 times. After that, it is better to lie down for half an hour or an hour, especially if the exercise is performed in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy.
Tense facial muscles can cause the uterus to contract. By relaxing the facial muscles, uterine hypertonicity can also be eliminated. To do this, the pregnant woman needs to get on all fours, lower her face down, and relax the muscles of her face. Breathe through your mouth.
Knee-elbow pose. This exercise is performed as follows: a woman needs to kneel down and rest her elbows on the floor, and stand for 1-10 minutes. In this position, the uterus will be in a suspended position and will be able to relax.

Exercise should be done carefully, at a slow pace. If the pain intensifies, you need to stop, rest, lie down. With severe persistent pain, it is better to call a gynecologist, consult or immediately call an ambulance.

If a pregnant woman cannot relieve high muscle tone for a long time or bloody discharge appears, doctors will insist on hospitalization. In the hospital, the expectant mother will have to comply with bed rest.

In the 1st trimester, she will be given intramuscular injections of No-shpa, Papaverine, vitamins, sedatives, Utrozhestan. If there is bloody discharge, they will be stopped with the help of Dicinon or Tranexam.

But all these remedies stop the symptoms and do not solve the main problem - the elimination of the cause.

In the 2nd trimester, a pregnant woman's doctor may prescribe:

electropharesis with magnesia;
droppers with Ginipral;
vitamin and mineral complex.

In the 3rd trimester, the same drugs are used to treat increased uterine tone. If, according to the results of the ultrasound, it becomes clear that the tone is strong and the child receives little oxygen and nutrients, the expectant mother is prescribed Curantil or Trental.

These drugs are allowed to be taken only as directed by a doctor. For example, Curantil can have a severe headache. But if a woman is taking several drugs, she will not be able to understand what exactly caused the adverse reaction. You need to tell the doctor about your condition. He will decide which medication to remove.

Possible negative consequences and prognosis

Contraction of the uterus is a pain that cannot be tolerated in the hope that over time everything will go away by itself. Tonus carries a great danger, first of all, for the developing fetus.

In the 1st trimester, spontaneous miscarriage (detachment of the ovum) may occur. Pregnancy may not be interrupted, but freeze due to the fact that the fetus did not receive oxygen and nutrients. In both cases, it is not possible to maintain the pregnancy.

In the 2nd and 3rd trimester, placental abruption does not occur, but another problem appears: the uterus, contracting, compresses the fetal bladder, as a result, the cervix opens and preterm labor begins. In some cases, water will drain even if the cervix is \u200b\u200bclosed. It is most often possible to save the baby if the gestational age is 36-38 weeks.

Prevention

To prevent increased uterine tone, pregnant women are advised to follow a few simple rules.

Pass tests to detect genital infections at the stage of pregnancy planning.
Get registered in a timely manner, regularly go to the "appearances" to the gynecologist, follow his recommendations.
Sleep 8-10 hours a day.
It is imperative to breathe fresh air, but it is better to refuse long walks.
Avoid stressful situations.
Do not create excessive physical activity for yourself.
Eliminate the use of alcoholic beverages at the planning stage of pregnancy.
Quit smoking.
Do not lift heavy objects, especially in the 3rd trimester.

A pregnant woman should eat properly. Her diet must include foods rich in magnesium:

vegetables, herbs (cabbage, basil, spinach);
cereals (wheat, barley, buckwheat);
dairy products (cheese, natural yogurt).

This trace mineral helps to relax the smooth muscles of the intestines and myometrium (muscle tissue of the uterus). In addition, it has a beneficial effect on the central nervous system.

Conclusion

Uterine tone during pregnancy is a diagnosis that gynecologists make in 60% of women. Symptoms of hypertonicity are pain in the lower abdomen or lower back, "fossilization" of the abdomen, bloody discharge. A muscle spasm can cause placental abruption (miscarriage) or premature birth.

There are many reasons for the appearance of an increased tone, but you can prevent its appearance if you follow the simple rules of prevention: get more rest, be less nervous, eat right and listen to the doctor's recommendations. Self-medication can lead to dire consequences.

Unfortunately, the onset of pregnancy is sometimes accompanied by many dangerous problems that can cause a miscarriage or the onset of premature birth, one of these reasons is uterine tone... This reason is one of the most popular among women during pregnancy. This condition is a painful contraction of the uterus that can occur even in the first trimester of pregnancy. For all pregnant women, you need to know the symptoms by which you can understand that the uterus is in good shape? This knowledge will help you consult a doctor in time in order to prevent bad consequences.

How to recognize uterine tone?

A pregnant woman has the opportunity to independently determine the tone of the uterus even before she goes to a specialist. A sign of uterine contraction is the appearance of periodic pulsation and cramps in the lower abdomen. A woman may experience similar sensations during the onset of painful menstruation. In addition, a woman during pregnancy may feel a kind of "petrification", it may seem to her that the uterus has become as if stone. By itself, the concept of "uterine tone" is not a name for the disease, it is only evidence that dangerous changes begin in the female body that can cause fetal death.

Cramping localized pain is one of the main signs of the onset of uterine tone, if a woman feels them, then she immediately needs to go to a specialist. The doctor must give a referral for an ultrasound scan, which can refute or confirm the diagnosis. The tone of the uterus during pregnancy, the symptoms of which a woman found in herself, implies compliance with a number of rules. First of all, a woman should often be outdoors and be extremely careful. She must completely eliminate overwork and stress from her environment.

If the uterus is in good shape, then the sensations may not always be painful. If you are wondering how to determine the tone of the uterus yourself, then first of all a woman should lie on her back. One of her hands should lie on the front of the thigh, and the other should be placed in the place where the uterus is. If the surface of the thigh and the uterus have the same tone, then this indicates a normal tone. Otherwise, you will feel the uterus more "solid". At the beginning of pregnancy, a short-term contraction of the uterine muscles can take place without discomfort and in just a few seconds.

Uterine tone at the end of pregnancy

Starting from 28-30 weeks, a woman can feel the tone of the uterus much stronger, it can be more painful. If the tone of the uterus appears at 38-40 weeks, then this indicates the imminent onset of labor, it is this period of pregnancy that is considered full-term. The most dangerous is the appearance of hypertonicity, which may appear before the full-term period. Moreover, such sensations with the tone of the uterus can be quite painful and sharp. At this point, the risk of premature birth increases.

If a woman feels prolonged hypertonicity lasting from an hour to several days, then she should be under special control. In this case, a spasm of the vessels of the uterus occurs, as a result of which there is a deterioration in the work of the placenta, thereby impairing the blood circulation of the fetus. In such a situation, the child begins to develop poorly. The most dangerous consequences in this case can be internal uterine bleeding and placental abruption. If the tone of the uterus during pregnancy is detected only during examination by a doctor during an ultrasound scan, this means that such a condition is not dangerous for the life of a pregnant woman and her unborn child.

Treatment of uterine tone

After a woman knows all the signs of the appearance of uterine tone, she has the opportunity to independently control the condition, contacting a doctor if necessary. Usually it is the doctor who determines why the tone of the uterus occurs. However, in any case, a woman should reduce mental and physical stress, take medications prescribed by a doctor, sedative pills or tinctures.

What are the sensations with uterine tone?

So, what are the most frequent and basic sensations that a woman experiences during pregnancy if the uterus is in good shape:

heaviness in the abdomen, which is usually permanent;
the constant appearance of pain in the uterus, which resembles contractions in nature;
the appearance of pain in the pubic or lower back;
a hard belly that can become more rigid during special periods;
fossilization of the uterus;
shortening of the cervix, however, this symptom can be determined only with a medical examination;
the presence of bloody discharge.

Pregnancy brings a woman not only pleasant chores in anticipation of the birth of a baby, but also many unpleasant moments that give her discomfort. During the next examination, gynecologists tell some pregnant women that they have an increased uterine tone. But not every woman knows what it is. And the most important question that worries a pregnant woman: what to do with the tone of the uterus when making such a diagnosis. Let's try to deal with these issues.

What is uterine tone?

Uterine tone is a term that refers to the tension in the muscles of the uterus during pregnancy. Also, very often you can hear the concept of hypertonicity, which means the same. The first concept is used more often due to the fact that it is shorter.
Normally, the uterus is calm and relaxed. That is why at the first manifestations of this condition it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor.

The tone of the uterus in early pregnancy may be the first, and sometimes the only, sign of a spontaneous abortion that has begun.

Since the tone of the uterus can be observed in late pregnancy, this can lead to premature birth. However, the increased tone of the uterus is not as bad as it seems. The most important thing is to recognize it in time and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
During the normal course of pregnancy, the tone of the uterus occurs only before childbirth, and at this moment it is a physiological phenomenon that allows the uterus to expel the fetus outside. As a result of such an action, a new person is born.

Signs of hypertension

The most common signs of uterine tone are the subjective feelings of the pregnant woman herself. Hypertonia often manifests itself as unpleasant sensations in the lower abdomen, which can be pulling, radiating to the lumbar region or resembling pain during menstruation.

As soon as a pregnant woman has such sensations, it is necessary to urgently contact the local obstetrician-gynecologist in order to prescribe the correct treatment in order to maintain or prolong the pregnancy.

Symptoms of uterine tone must be confirmed clinically. To do this, a woman is prescribed an ultrasound control, a vaginal examination is performed and the abdomen is palpated.
When palpating the abdomen, the doctor feels the uterus, which is similar in consistency to a stone. Similar sensations arise with a two-handed vaginal examination. But the ultrasound shows that the muscles of the uterus are in a contracted state.

But not only an experienced gynecologist will be able to determine only by appearance that a pregnant woman has problems. The woman herself can also understand that she needs a specialist consultation. All of the above signs are so obvious that they do not require additional research.

Causes

The reasons for the tone of the uterus can be very diverse and each woman has her own. However, we can highlight those of them that are most common. Among them, a special place is given to the causes of the external environment: stressful situations, lack of sleep, increased physical exertion. Also, an important role in the development of uterine hypertonicity is attached to smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy. The age category under eighteen and over thirty are at risk for the development of uterine tone in pregnant women.

Uterine tone in the first trimester of pregnancy can be caused by insufficient levels of progesterone, a hormone that is responsible for reducing muscle tension in the uterus during pregnancy. Lack of this hormone can provoke uterine contractile activity and, as a result, the development of miscarriage.

The tone of the uterus in the second trimester can be caused by reasons related to both the uterus itself and those located outside it. Uterine causes are all kinds of tumors, inflammatory diseases, or hormonal diseases. Women with endometriosis or uterine myoma are at risk of having hypertonicity.

The tone of the uterus in the third trimester is most often caused by reasons related to the fetus. This is a large fetus, multiple pregnancies, as well as polyhydramnios that developed during it. This occurs due to the fact that the fetus presses on the walls of the uterus, which leads to the development of its contraction.

Prevention

The tone of the uterus during pregnancy must be stopped in order to avoid miscarriage or premature birth. That is why timely registration with a antenatal clinic, regular visits to a gynecologist and active participation in the pregnancy process can prevent unwanted consequences of this condition.
In order for the tone of the uterus to not develop during pregnancy, it is necessary to be less nervous, spend more time in the fresh air, preferring walking, however, without bringing them to fanaticism.
Also, for the normal development of pregnancy, it is necessary to take in sufficient quantities of vitamins and, preferably, in the form of fresh vegetables and fruits.

Treatment

If the diagnosis of uterine tone has already been made, then, as a rule, the woman is hospitalized in a hospital. At the same time, she is prescribed bed rest.
Treatment for uterine tone begins with sedation, or relaxation. Of the medicines, herbal sedatives are very effective, for example, valerian, motherwort, or herbal mint-based tea. Very often, only one intake of these funds allows you to completely get rid of uterine hypertonicity. Based on this, it can be assumed that in this case, hypertonicity is caused by stress factors or physical exertion.

If the tonic symptoms are relieved by sedatives, the woman can be advised to expose herself less to negative emotions, preferring to lead a calm lifestyle.
If sedatives do not help, you need to take stronger medicines. These include antispasmodics, or myotropes, which cause smooth muscle relaxation and have a mild sedative effect. In this group of drugs, special attention is paid to papaverine, drotaverine or no-shpa. Most often, papaverine is prescribed, as a relatively inexpensive remedy and does not have an adverse effect on the fetus.

Clinical experiments on the use of papaverine on pregnant women have not been carried out, however, its effectiveness is visible on the face. The use of papaverine began at the beginning of the twentieth century and since then its negative effect on the mother and the fetus has not been found.
In pregnant women, papaverine is often used in the form of rectal suppositories, which must be used three times a day. This is precisely its main drawback.
With an increased tone of the uterus, taking papaverine allows you to relax its muscles, lower blood pressure, while it produces a sedative effect, which reduces the excitation of the mother's nervous system. All this has a beneficial effect on the fetus, which begins to receive more oxygen and, thanks to this, develop further.

If the cause that caused the hypertonicity is associated with the uterus, then it must be treated. Only the combination of all possible treatment methods will reduce the contractile activity of the uterus and prevent spontaneous abortion or premature birth.
And remember, uterine hypertonicity is quite common. If you have been diagnosed with this, don't panic. Just think about your baby. This will allow you to relax a little, which will benefit the treatment your doctor prescribes.