The cervix is characterized by the lower portion of the uterus that comes into contact with the vagina and has an opening in the center, the cervical canal, which connects the interior of the uterus to the vagina and which may be open or closed.
Usually, before the pregnancy, the cervix is closed and firm. As the pregnancy proceeds, the cervix prepares for delivery, becoming softer and more dilated. However, in situations of cervical insufficiency, it may open too early and may lead to an early delivery. Learn more about cervical insufficiency.
Situations in which the cervix is closed
Usually the cervix is closed during pregnancy or when the woman is not in her fertile period, which means that the cervix closed is not an absolute sign that the person is pregnant.
Situations in which the cervix is open
Usually, the cervix is open during menstruation, so that the menstrual flow can go out during pre-ovulation and ovulation, so that the sperm go through the cervical canal and fertilize the ovum and at the end of pregnancy, so that the baby can go outside.
How to feel the cervix closed
The cervix can be checked by the woman herself, and it is possible to see if she is open or closed. To do this, you should wash your hands well and be in a comfortable position, preferably sitting with your knees apart.
You can then gently insert the longer finger into the vagina, with the help of a lubricant if necessary, letting it slide until you feel the cervix. When you reach this region, you can see if the hole is open or closed by touch.
Most common questions
1. Closed cervix means what?
The cervix closed may be a sign that the person is pregnant or out of the fertile time.
2. What can be closed cervix and bleeding in pregnancy?
If the cervix is closed and bleeding occurs, it may mean that some of the blood vessels in the cervix have ruptured due to their growth, since it swells quite early in the pregnancy. In addition, it can also happen due to the implantation of the embryo in the uterus. See how to know if there was nesting.
However, in the event of any bleeding, one should go immediately to the obstetrician, so that he can identify the cause as soon as possible, in order to prevent complications.
3. Closed cervix makes it difficult to get pregnant?
Usually the cervix is closed during the non-fertile period, ie when there is no ovum ready to be fertilized or when ovulation still takes a few days to occur. Therefore, although it is not impossible, it is unlikely that a pregnancy will occur in this situation.
4. Does closed cervix mean pregnancy?
No. During pregnancy the cervix is closed, however, it is not the only situation in which this happens, since it is also closed outside the woman's fertile period.
