Weak uterine tone. How to determine and feel increased uterine tone during pregnancy

Sometimes a woman has problems during pregnancy that subsequently cause uterine tone.

This is a rather dangerous pathology, especially when it comes to early pregnancy. It is necessary to identify hypertension as soon as possible and take the necessary preventive measures. Otherwise, a miscarriage or premature birth is possible!

What is uterine tone and why is it dangerous during pregnancy?

To understand what is hidden behind the name of the pathology, it is enough to understand the organ that it affects. As you know, the uterus is not just a formation of connective tissue with its own functions, like many other organs. First of all, it is a muscle that can contract, grow and increase in size due to pregnancy, and at the right time “push out” the child, helping him to be born.

At normal times, she is relaxed, although the tone of the uterus may be present without pregnancy. But during pregnancy this condition intensifies. In order to carry a child to term normally, the organ must always remain relaxed, contracting only occasionally just before birth. The latter phenomenon is called training contractions.

But things don't always go so smoothly. Sometimes the organ is constantly under tension, periodically contracting. This condition is called increased tone - and it can become permanent. In some situations, local pathology disappears on its own, and sometimes complex treatment from a good doctor is required.

First of all, this condition is dangerous due to increased pressure inside the organ cavity. It puts pressure on the baby, thereby gradually leading to miscarriage or premature birth. Such “training contractions” may be safe at a later stage like 40 weeks, but not at 29 or 30.

Regardless of the timing, it is better to consult your doctor, otherwise you risk giving birth in your own apartment.

Possible consequences of pathology

The first and most important consequence that threatens many women is premature birth. If tone begins not at 8 or 9 months, but earlier than expected, there is a risk of giving birth to a premature baby. This is dangerous, but in our time there is practically no threat - modern medicine even takes care of children born at the beginning of the third trimester or the end of the second.

It’s worse when the corresponding sensations appear in the first trimester, in the early stages. In this case, there is a significant risk of miscarriage, which will not only kill the child, but will also not benefit the woman herself. Therefore, if appropriate symptoms appear, go for an ultrasound scan as soon as possible. Delay is dangerous for the life of mother and baby!

A slightly less dangerous, but no less unpleasant consequence is a decrease in uteroplacental blood flow. The uterus narrows, the gaps between its vessels decrease. This leads to a significant lack of nutrients in the child’s body. Hypoxia occurs, subsequently leading to the death or underdevelopment of the fetus.

The amount of nutrients the child receives from the mother’s body decreases. As a result, developmental delays occur and various diseases develop.

In the future, the child may experience problems with harmonious growth and maturation, and lag behind his peers. There may be severe developmental delays, even mental retardation or mental retardation.

Norms of uterine tone by stage of pregnancy

Since the uterus becomes toned during premature contractions even during a normal pregnancy, this condition can be considered normal. It is necessary to determine at what time the first manifestations began. And, if tone occurs in the third trimester, there is no need to worry.

Neither the front nor the back wall should normally tense up until the 12th week. During normal periods, a woman should not experience any discomfort at all during these periods. Nagging pain in the lower abdomen, slight tension - all this should alert you. It’s better to go to the doctor right away, saying something like “I’m worried about my tone.”

If symptoms appear at week 20, this means that the body is gradually preparing for a future event. He's starting to train, so there's no need to worry. If you're feeling uneasy, check your contractions for three conditions.

Namely:

• they are painless.
• they are rare.
• they do not carry additional symptoms.

Mild sensations are normal. If the rule is not confirmed, consult your doctor. He will help: either prescribe treatment, or examine and calm you down. After all, pregnant women should not be nervous.

Finally, in the third trimester, such manifestations are almost always normal. Signs of hypertonicity cannot be ruled out, but in most cases the tension is caused by the child himself, starting to push and shove in every possible way in the stomach. Treatment is prescribed only if the sensations become too painful or harm the baby or mother.

How to independently determine the tone of the uterus

First of all, it is necessary to distinguish the normal state from hypertonicity. The latter usually manifests itself in the early stages, feels painful, unpleasant and sometimes unbearable. Grade 1 tone comes unexpectedly, becomes too frequent, and intensifies over time.

Myometrial tension is characterized by discomfort and painful symptoms in the lower abdomen. A heaviness and unpleasant pulling sensation appears. Partially reminiscent of pain during inflammation or before the onset of the menstrual cycle. Over time, the signs become more vivid, unpleasant and frequent.

In the second trimester, the pain often radiates to the sacrum or lower back and becomes quite severe. Towards the end of pregnancy, symptoms appear visually. The abdomen becomes noticeably tense and hard, slightly compressed and retracted. With primitive palpation, strong hardness is felt. This condition is quite dangerous.

Sometimes spotting and spotting appears. These signs indicate a very dangerous and rapid progression of the pathology. In this case, it is better to call emergency help as quickly as possible and go to the hospital as soon as possible.

There is also a “silent course”, that is, passing without symptoms. In this case, the pathology is determined only by ultrasound examination. Therefore, it is important to undergo a timely examination, not to violate the established schedule and not to neglect the advice of your doctor.

Usually, if significant hypertension is detected, it is necessary to take pills and use suppositories. Since the causes of the pathology are varied, the treatment regimen is prescribed individually, depending on the nature of the disease and the characteristics of a particular organism.

First of all, these are antispasmodics that can reduce tension and relax the uterus. Most often, Nosh-pa and other drugs with similar effects are prescribed. Suppositories can also be prescribed for the same purpose. The drugs mainly used are Utrozhestan, Papaverine, Nifedipine, Duphaston, and sometimes Magnesia.

If the cause is a deficiency or excess of any hormones, the specialist prescribes appropriate hormonal medications.

Examinations are carried out to determine the degree of development of the disease. They try to eliminate not only the consequences, but also the causes. Examinations are becoming more frequent; it is necessary to monitor the course of the disease.

Bed rest is prescribed. In some cases, the pregnant woman even undergoes conservation. Particularly dangerous degrees of pathology are characterized by the need to constantly lie in one place throughout pregnancy. Sometimes even the simplest movements are prohibited.

Sex when the uterus is tense is prohibited. Therefore, if a woman stays at home and does not go to the hospital, the attending physician prohibits any intimacy between the couple. If you value the health of your common child, it is better to abstain from any sexual intercourse at all.

How to avoid uterine tone during pregnancy - preventive measures

It is necessary to avoid foods that can increase tension in the uterus. This includes black tea, expensive blue cheese, and various fish dishes, especially raw fish. There is no need to get too carried away with white bread, drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes.

Live the lifestyle recommended for an exemplary pregnancy. Follow the correct work and rest schedule, as well as a daily routine. Try not to overload yourself, do not allow any unnecessary physical activity. If you continue to go to work, leave some time for rest and relaxation after a hard day.

Avoid hot baths with aromatic foam. It’s nice to lie around in these, but it won’t do you any good. It is not completely clear why this pathology occurs, but baths are considered a risk group. It’s better to take a shower, maybe a contrast shower if your health allows it.

Watch your health. Avoid getting infected with ARVI or more serious diseases. Under certain conditions, they can easily cause increased tone, thereby putting the child’s health at risk.

Sexually transmitted infections are also dangerous. To avoid hypertension, check with a gynecologist before pregnancy and cure all current illnesses. Regular examinations should not be forgotten until the birth itself. This way you can easily identify any diseases that increase the tone of the uterus and treat them in time!

This video will tell you why hypertonicity occurs and what it threatens:

Conclusion

If you sense and recognize the disease in a timely manner, it will not cause any problems. It is enough to follow the instructions given by the attending physician - and you can safely carry a healthy child to the given deadline.

Increased uterine tone during pregnancy is a problem that creates a threat of pregnancy interruption. Pathology occurs quite often, but with the right approach, serious consequences can be avoided.

Increased uterine tone is an excess tension of the cells that form the muscle layer in the wall of the organ. The uterus can stretch very much as the fetus grows. At the same time, it must maintain a biologically appropriate shape and size.

The muscle layer gives elasticity to the uterine wall. Due to it, the fetus is expelled during childbirth. In certain situations, the tone of the uterus increases, and this creates certain difficulties in the course of pregnancy.

Physiology of uterine tone

The uterus always has some tone. It is sufficient to prevent overstretching of its walls, but at the same time does not disrupt the physiological processes associated with the growth and development of the fetus.

The tone of the uterus has complex regulation. The cells of the myometrium (the muscular layer in the wall of the uterus) have receptors for female sex hormones (estrogens, progesterones, oxytocin) and various biologically active substances (prostaglandins, adrenaline, norepinephrine and others). They are susceptible to impulses transmitted along nerve fibers. Moreover, some factors have a stimulating effect, while others have a relaxing effect.

All this is necessary to maintain pregnancy if its course is favorable. In this case, certain mechanisms are involved, a sufficient level of progesterone is one of them. If the embryo is not viable, it is rejected and expelled.

During childbirth, the functions of the uterus are especially important. Full labor is required - rhythmic contractions, increasing in duration and frequency, sufficient to expel the fetus. At the same time, relaxation of the cervix is ​​required to open it. In addition, after childbirth, the uterus must contract quickly to prevent blood loss.

Of course, other structures are also involved in the described processes - the endometrium, ovaries, pelvis, abdominal wall muscles, and the entire body as a whole. But the role of the myometrium is very important.

Why does tone increase during pregnancy?

For all these processes to take place, the body must work “like a clock.” However, the high complexity and subtlety of regulation of uterine tone also determines the very high sensitivity of the myometrium to various factors.

There are several groups of reasons leading to changes: more often - to an increase, less often - to a decrease in uterine tone.

1. Hormonal. Outside of pregnancy, the uterus is small. In order for it to increase, giving room for fetal growth, a change in hormonal levels is necessary. The main hormone responsible for the continuation of pregnancy is progesterone, produced by the corpus luteum of the ovary. It is he who signals to all other organs that a pregnancy is in progress. If its quantity is not enough, the uterus tends to contract, as if there is no pregnancy, and becomes more toned. It is also affected by excess male sex hormones, prolactin and other hormonal changes.
2. Neuropsychic. When the emotional background fluctuates in a woman’s blood, the content of “stress hormones” – cortisol, adrenaline and others – can change. This entails an increase in the tone of the uterus.
3. Anatomical features, pathology of the reproductive sphere. Immaturity of the uterus, fibroids, structural anomalies () can also disrupt the normal course of pregnancy, including leading to an increase in myometrial tone.
4. Causes related to the fetus. This may be polyhydramnios, multiple births, or a large fetus. Leading to mechanical overstretching of the walls of the organ, they can provoke compensatory overstrain of muscle cells.
5. Somatic pathology of the body. In acute or severe decompensated chronic diseases, disturbances in the functioning of organs and systems often lead to pregnancy pathology, hypertension and the threat of miscarriage.

The work of the body can be compared to the performance of a melody by an orchestra. Only with the coordinated action of all organs and systems can harmony be achieved. During pregnancy, the requirements are especially high. When a woman is pregnant, the so-called “pregnancy dominant” is formed in her brain at a conscious and subconscious level. All organs and systems in their work obey this dominant. All the forces of the body are aimed at bearing the child.

If any adverse event occurs in the life or health of a pregnant woman that has a strong impact on her, then forces can be redirected to combat the problem that has arisen. In this case, the “dominant pregnancy” ceases to be dominant, and the strength and internal resources may not be enough to fully preserve the child. The result is a threat of interruption.

Symptoms of uterine tone during pregnancy

All manifestations of tone can be divided into those that a woman feels (complaints) and those that are determined during examination and additional examination. In addition, symptoms are divided into those affecting the mother’s body and the fetus’ body. Symptoms of increased tone differ somewhat in the early and late stages of pregnancy.

The main manifestations that worry a woman are as follows:

• Pain in the lower abdomen of a pulling or spastic nature. In the early stages, when the uterus is slightly enlarged, pain is often a concern. In the later stages, when the woman already feels the uterus, the increase in its tone is perceived as a spasm - something like a cramp in the abdomen.
• Discharge from the genital tract. They can be bloody, with endometrial rejection at an early stage and with placental abruption at a later stage (a very alarming symptom that requires immediate intervention). Also, the discharge can be mucous - when the “plug” comes out of the cervix.
• Weakening or disappearance of fetal movements. This may be due to the fact that he suffers from hypoxia, as well as the fact that movements are less felt when the uterine wall is tense.

If the uterus is small, the sensations resemble those of menstruation. At this time, the uterus also contracts, expelling the remnants of the rejected endometrium.

If the period is long, then the tension of the walls of the uterus leads to the fact that the woman begins to feel it like a hard ball in the stomach, which can be felt through the abdominal wall. If, with normal tone, the pregnant woman’s belly changes shape when the body position changes - when lying on her back, it seems to “spread out”, then with increased tone, the belly continues to remain dense and protruding in any position.

Hypertonicity can vary in severity. It can be permanently insignificant, the woman feels it as heaviness in the stomach, mild nagging pain. Sometimes the contraction of the uterine walls develops quickly and resembles a contraction in strength. In addition, hypertonicity can be total or cover only the endometrial area. In any case, this condition is threatening for pregnancy.

Why is uterine hypertonicity dangerous?

The most unfavorable thing about uterine hypertonicity is that it increases the risk of miscarriage. If the period is short, the fertilized egg with membranes and exfoliated endometrium can be “pushed out” from the uterine cavity. The likelihood of miscarriage is especially high when bloody discharge appears.

In the long term, there is a threat of premature birth. In addition, with hypertonicity there is a risk of rupture of amniotic fluid, as well as the development of prolapse (descent) of the presenting part of the amniotic sac into the vagina.

A more serious complication is placental abruption. Normally, the placenta is “spread out” on the inner surface of the uterus. The contact between the endometrium and placenta is very tight. If the uterus contracts, the area located under the placenta decreases in size. Although the tissues are highly elastic, this discrepancy can cause part of the placenta to detach.

Detachment of part of the placenta leads to uterine bleeding. In addition, the exfoliated area “falls out” of gas exchange and the fetus begins to suffer from oxygen deficiency. Placental abruption can occur for other reasons, hypertonicity is just one of them.

But even if placental abruption does not occur, with increased uterine tone, the fetus still suffers from hypoxia. Due to the contraction of the muscle layer, the blood vessels in the uterus and placenta are compressed. This also leads to disruption of uteroplacental blood flow and gas exchange. Signs of fetal hypoxia are determined subjectively (by weakening of movements) and objectively (according to examination data).

At-risk groups

Previously, the reasons leading to the development of uterine hypertonicity were considered from the point of view of changes occurring in the body. Based on these reasons, a list of conditions and situations has been compiled in which the risk of developing pathology is very high. These include:

• history of miscarriage (when a woman has already had miscarriages or premature birth);
• young (under 18 years old) and late for childbirth (over 35 years old) age;
• unfavorable life situation (single mother, low income, conflicting relationships in the family);
• difficult working conditions;
• chronic diseases, especially of the endocrine system;
• bad habits;
• diseases of the reproductive organs (endometritis, and others);
• acute diseases during pregnancy (flu, acute respiratory infections);
• severe stress (loss of a loved one, job, home);
• previous induced abortions.

If, when registering a woman, these risk factors are identified, then measures can be taken to correct the situation. To do this, the woman is transferred to lighter work, referred to a family psychologist, and given adequate treatment for concomitant pathologies. Other measures are also being taken. The pregnant woman is prescribed more frequent examinations to monitor her condition, so that if a pathology is detected, treatment can be started in a timely manner.

Treatment of pathology

To be fair, it should be noted that uterine hypertonicity, especially in the second half of pregnancy, is most often caused by neuropsychic stress (in the early stages, a lack of progesterone is more common). If a woman is initially healthy, stress is practically the only cause of spasm. Therefore, the main recommendation is to monitor your emotional state and treat it consciously.

To do this, you should reconsider your attitude towards irritating factors, and also consciously create conditions for maintaining a good mood - walk in the fresh air, strive for positive emotions, do not get involved in conflicts, do not watch “heavy” films and television shows. There are relaxation techniques based on yoga, meditation and breathing techniques.

If uterine hypertonicity does not improve with non-drug measures or has “organic” causes (caused by pathology of the internal organs, genitals or endocrine system), appropriate treatment is prescribed for correction. The following groups of drugs are used:

• Antispasmodics are drugs that relax smooth muscles (participating in the construction of the walls of organs, including the uterus). These are No-shpa, papaverine, drotaverine.
• Magnesium preparations with B vitamins. They also help relax smooth muscle cells and also have a beneficial effect on the nervous system.
• Sedatives of plant origin. They should not be treated superficially. These are also medications that have indications and contraindications.
• Progesterone in various dosage forms. It is prescribed for functional deficiency of the corpus luteum.
• Calcium channel blockers. Since muscle contraction occurs due to the redistribution of calcium in the cell and intercellular substance, these drugs eliminate spasms.

There are other drugs prescribed in a hospital setting. These are beta-adrenergic agonists, oxytocin antagonists, prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors and other tocolytics (drugs that relax the uterus).

The use of all products should be carried out only as prescribed by a doctor and under his supervision. Taking medications that relax smooth muscles, especially in the last trimester, can lead to the development of labor weakness during labor when it is due. In addition, some drugs have significant side effects and their use is a last resort.

If the severity of uterine hypertonicity is very high, hospitalization is indicated due to the threat of miscarriage. The woman is prescribed complex treatment: bed rest, sedatives, physiotherapy, medications that reduce myometrial tone. If there is a high risk of preterm birth, your doctor may prescribe therapy to speed up fetal maturation to improve the baby's chance of survival if it is born premature.

When bleeding due to premature placental abruption often requires emergency delivery to save the life of the mother and child. If bleeding develops at a short period of time, then if it is impossible to maintain the pregnancy, removal of the remaining parts of the fertilized egg and endometrium (curettage of the uterine cavity) is indicated.

In conclusion, it should be said that although pregnancy is not a pathological condition, it requires special treatment from a woman. Maximum attention and effort should be aimed at preserving yourself and the child. Examinations should be completed in a timely manner, prescribed medications should be taken regularly, and lifestyle recommendations should be followed carefully. All this will allow you to carry the baby healthy and give birth without complications.

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 everything 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 in the later stages.

Why does uterine hypertonicity occur, how to recognize it, why pain cannot be tolerated, what medications 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 external and internal mucous membranes, between which there is a muscular layer (myometrium). Like all other human muscles, the myometrium has the ability to contract and relax. But while a woman can “control” the muscles in her arms and legs, 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 unnoticed 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 contracts, and the expectant mother experiences 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 bother you constantly. If a woman does not yet know about her pregnancy, she often does not understand the danger that threatens her and the baby. And if the gynecologist knows and has already managed to scare her that there should be no pain during pregnancy, she begins to worry, and thereby only makes things worse.

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

1. “Sedentary” work or the need to stand on your feet for several hours, travel on public transport.
2. Stressful situations.
3. Malfunction of the hormonal system in the 1st trimester: deficiency (it is produced by the ovary to relax the myometrium, in the 3rd trimester this task is performed by the placenta) or excess of male hormones.
4. Toxicosis, which is accompanied by severe vomiting (in the 1st trimester). Increased myometrial tone occurs because the muscles of the organ tense during gagging. Toxicosis is considered normal in the first trimester. But if a pregnant woman constantly feels nauseous just by looking at food, if she loses weight, the baby will not receive the necessary nutrients. This will not have the best effect on his development.
5. Fetal movement in the late term (in this case, hypertonicity of the uterine muscles should not be feared).

Expectant mothers who have:

• harmful (tobacco 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 enormous sizes;
• special structure of the reproductive organ (bicornuate, saddle-shaped, children's uterus);
• negative Rh factor. If a pregnant woman has a blood type with a negative Rh factor, and the biological father of the child has a positive blood type, the mother’s body tries to reject the fertilized egg as a foreign body. But the first such pregnancy usually proceeds well;
• thyroid dysfunction;
• polyhydramnios;
• viral and infectious diseases, including those that are sexually transmitted (ureaplasma, chlamydia, mycoplasmosis, viruses);
• myoma;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Hypertonicity of the uterus appears with severe gas formation.

Some diseases, such as sexually transmitted infections, can only be treated in the third trimester, since antibiotics must 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.

Hypertonicity of the uterus manifests itself in different ways throughout pregnancy. In the 1st trimester this is:

• dizziness, nausea;
• a dull nagging pain in the lower abdomen, as during menstruation, in the lower back or perineum (it can be of equal strength or “roll up”, intensify, then weaken).

In the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, a “fossil” of the abdomen is added to them. A tense uterus can be felt by placing your fingers on your abdomen.

Another sign of increased tone is bloody discharge from the genital tract. They may be copious or spotting, beige, brown, pink or streaked with blood. Normally, only light discharge is observed. In all other cases, you should immediately contact a gynecologist.

At a later stage, when there is little room for a large baby in the womb, you can see how the baby “stretches out.” At this moment, the muscles of the uterus tense, and the woman clearly feels the fossilization of the abdomen, sees how it changes its rounded shape (one side of the abdomen seems to sink in, while the other, on the contrary, begins to protrude more). This lasts literally a few seconds and does not pose any danger to either mother or 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 anterior 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 abdominal muscles relax, and the uterus, if it is dense, can be easily felt.

Ultrasound examination 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.

During tonuometry, muscle tension is detected using special sensors. This method is rarely used because the other two provide comprehensive information.

Elimination methods

Increased uterine tone is treated on an outpatient basis and in a hospital. The first option is chosen when the expectant mother is bothered by mild pain in the lower abdomen or lower back. However, she has no bleeding, and up to this point the pregnancy has been uneventful. Hospitalization is recommended in cases where 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, Drotaverine, Papaverine - solution for intramuscular injection or rectal suppositories), sedatives (motherwort, valerian) and progestin (Utrozhestan) agents, as well as Magne B6 .

Medicines have contraindications. You cannot prescribe medications for yourself. The doctor must do this. He selects the dosage individually in each case.

• "Cat". It is performed as follows: kneel down, place your palms on the floor, carefully bend your back, then arch it. Repeat 5-10 times. After this, 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 uterine contractions. By relaxing the facial muscles, you can eliminate uterine hypertonicity. To do this, a pregnant woman needs to get on all fours, lower her face down, and relax her facial muscles. Breathe through your mouth.
• Knee-elbow pose. This exercise is performed as follows: a woman needs to kneel and rest her elbows on the floor, stand like this for 1-10 minutes. In this position, the uterus will be in a suspended position and will be able to relax.

The exercises must be performed carefully, at a slow pace. If the pain intensifies, you need to stop, rest, lie down. In case of severe, persistent pain, it is better to call a gynecologist, get a consultation, or immediately call an ambulance.

If a pregnant woman’s high muscle tone cannot be relieved for a long time or bloody discharge appears, doctors will insist on hospitalization. In the hospital, the expectant mother will have to remain on bed rest.

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

But all these remedies relieve symptoms and do not solve the main problem - eliminating the cause.

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

• electropheresis with magnesium;
• droppers with Ginipral;
• vitamin and mineral complex.

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

These drugs are allowed to be taken only as prescribed by a doctor. For example, Chimes can cause a severe headache. But if a woman takes several medications, she will not be able to understand what exactly caused the adverse reaction. You need to tell your 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 it will go away on its own over time. The tone 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 may 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 amniotic sac, as a result of which the cervix opens and premature labor begins. In some cases, even if the cervix is ​​closed. 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 recommended to follow a few simple rules.

1. Get tested to detect sexually transmitted infections at the stage of pregnancy planning.
2. Register in a timely manner, regularly go to “appearances” with the gynecologist, and follow his recommendations.
3. Sleep 8-10 hours a day.
4. Be sure to breathe fresh air, but it is better to avoid long walks.
5. Avoid stressful situations.
6. Do not create excessive physical stress for yourself.
7. Avoid drinking alcohol while still planning pregnancy.
8. Stop smoking.
9. Avoid lifting heavy objects, especially in the 3rd trimester.

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

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

This trace element helps 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 for 60% of women. Symptoms of hypertonicity are pain in the lower abdomen or lower back, “fossilization” of the abdomen, spotting. Muscle spasms can cause placental abruption (miscarriage) or premature birth.

There are many reasons for the appearance of increased tone, but you can prevent its occurrence if you follow 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.

More than 60% of pregnant women experience diagnosis of “uterine tone”. Why does the uterus become toned during pregnancy? Doctors say that hypertonicity is not a disease at all, but a symptom that signals that certain processes are occurring in the body of a pregnant woman.

Western doctors are even more loyal to the tone of the uterus: they believe that muscle tension is physiological in nature and does not need adjustment. Both Western and our doctors agree on one thing: if increased tone is detected, additional research must be carried out in order to prevent possible deviations and threats.

What does a toned uterus mean during pregnancy? Before we talk about the definition of the concept of “uterine tone,” let’s understand the structure of the uterus itself.

The uterus consists of three layers: perimeter, myometrium and endometrium. The middle layer, the myometrium, is muscle tissue. The myometrium is responsible for the tone of the uterus. During pregnancy, it stretches and relaxes, creating the most comfortable conditions for the baby. On the eve of childbirth, the myometrium begins to actively contract, helping the baby to be born.

Unauthorized contraction of the myometrium is the symptom called “uterine tone.” If, for various reasons, the muscles of the uterus begin to contract out of schedule, doctors talk about hypertonicity. Don’t be upset when you hear about this diagnosis: very often hypertension occurs for natural reasons. For example, a woman may become nervous during a gynecological examination, and the doctor will feel uterine contractions.

Short-term muscle contractions are not dangerous. But prolonged hypertonicity, as well as the presence of additional symptoms, such as a feeling of discomfort, cessation of fetal movements, may be a reason to prescribe additional studies.\

Prolonged hypertension is dangerous. The consequences of uterine tone differ in name, but do not differ in essence. In the 1st trimester, muscle contraction can lead to cessation of development and spontaneous termination of pregnancy, death of the embryo.

Special danger The tone of the uterus is present in the early stages of pregnancy. It is at this time that contraction of the uterine muscles can prevent the embryo from attaching to the surface of the endometrium, and pregnancy “will not take place.”

At later stages, in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy, the same consequences of uterine tone during pregnancy are called differently: spontaneous abortion and premature birth. In other words, a woman may lose her child.

Prolonged uterine tone is harmful to the fetus. The muscles of the uterus contract and compress the placenta. The placenta does not deliver the required amount of oxygen. A fetus that does not receive enough oxygen may experience oxygen starvation— . Consequences of hypoxia: development and growth delay.

In later stages, uterine tone may be due to natural causes. The uterus is “training” and prepares for future births. Just as an athlete squeezes and unclenches his muscles to test their strength, so the uterus contracts and contracts, testing its own readiness for the upcoming “work.” The so-called occur in some pregnant women after 20 weeks.

Causes of uterine tone during pregnancy

Since hypertonicity is not a diagnosis, but a symptom, determining the causes of this condition is the primary task of a specialist. Only after determining the cause can treatment be prescribed.

Causes of uterine hypertonicity:

• Hormonal disorders. It is responsible for the process of preparing the endometrium for the “implantation” of the fertilized egg and relaxation of the muscles of the uterus. A lack of progesterone in the body leads to the fact that the muscles of the uterus are too dense and prevent implantation of the embryo.
• Rhesus conflict. The reason for the occurrence of Rh conflict is the difference in the Rh factor of the mother and father. A mother's body with a positive Rh factor reacts to a fetus that has received a negative Rh factor from its father as if it were a foreign body. As a result of Rh conflict, hypertonicity occurs.
• Infections and inflammatory processes– a common cause of uterine tone. Infectious diseases that are not fully treated or that occur after pregnancy lead to the fact that the uterus “loses peace.” Inflammation is accompanied by additional symptoms: itching, pain, discharge.
• Severe toxicosis. promotes the development of uterine tone for physiological reasons. Severe vomiting leads to a sharp contraction of many muscles, including the muscles of the uterus. It is impossible to get rid of toxicosis, but its consequences can be minimized with the help of a special diet and medications.
• Uterine distension. The uterus can stretch excessively during multiple pregnancies or when the fetus is too large.
• Medicines. Taking any medications during pregnancy should be treated with extreme caution. You simply may not be aware of the side effects of some medications. Even the most harmless means can lead to increased muscle tone.
• Stress– one of the most “popular” causes of tone. Pregnant women should not be nervous! In a stressful state, pressure rises, the muscles of the uterus contract, and the child suffers from a lack of oxygen.
• Abortion. Abortions preceding pregnancy often lead to the appearance of synechiae - intrauterine adhesions. In this case, pregnancy may occur with complications: uterine tone,...
• Gas formation. During pregnancy, changes occur in different systems of the body, including the digestive system. Increased gas formation and impaired peristalsis sometimes lead to hypertonicity.

How does uterine tone manifest during pregnancy? Very often, the presence of uterine tone is detected during a gynecological examination or. Interesting fact: Sometimes the causes of hypertension lie in the woman’s condition on the eve of the examination. The pregnant woman gets nervous and the uterus contracts.

In hospitals where pregnant women are placed “for preservation”, the following trick is used for the purity of the experiment: a morning examination in bed. The doctor approaches the woman who has just woken up and quickly palpates her stomach. The pregnant woman does not have time to get scared, and it turns out that she does not have any hypertension.

Signs of uterine tone appear depending on the duration of pregnancy. In the early stages of pregnancy (1st trimester), symptoms of uterine tone - nagging pain in the lower abdomen, pain in the lumbar region. In the 3rd trimester, as a symptom of uterine tone during pregnancy, a woman experiences tension, feeling of heaviness. The abdomen seems to turn to stone, becomes dense, and changes shape.

Diagnosis of uterine hypertonicity

Hypertonicity of the uterus can be a symptom of threatened miscarriage or premature birth. To avoid problems, you don’t need to be afraid, but you need to see a doctor regularly. Timely diagnosis can prevent the onset of dangerous consequences for the mother.

Hypertonicity of the uterus is determined on the basis of medical examination and ultrasound. By palpation, the obstetrician-gynecologist through the anterior abdominal wall can understand whether the uterus is in good shape. Also, to determine the tone of the uterus, a device is used blood pressure monitor, the sensors of which are attached to the pregnant woman’s belly.

How to treat and what to do for uterine tone during pregnancy? With “normal” uterine tone, doctors most often do not prescribe hospitalization.

We are talking about inpatient treatment if hypertension accompanied by additional symptoms: pain or bleeding. In this case, you must agree to hospitalization. You can’t provide yourself with bed rest at home, can you? It’s better to lie quietly in the hospital and let your family learn to cope without you for a while.

To reduce the tone of the uterus without the use of drugs in a hospital setting, following procedures:

• endonasal galvanization;
• electrophoresis with magnesium;

• electroanalgesia;
• electrorelaxation.

If, from the doctor’s point of view, manifestations of hypertonicity are not so dangerous, then outpatient treatment with mandatory bed rest. To reduce the tone of the uterus during pregnancy, antispasmodic and sedative drugs are prescribed: “No-shpa”, “Papaverine”, “Magne-B6”. If the cause of hypertension lies in a lack of progesterone, hormone-containing drugs are prescribed: or.

How to relieve or slightly reduce the tone of the uterus during pregnancy at home? Lie down, calm down, forget about your household chores. Delegate housekeeping responsibilities to your husband. Take motherwort or valerian tincture. Remember that the most important thing for you now is the baby’s health, relax and finally get some sleep. As a rule, timely rest and taking natural or medicinal drugs (Magne-B6, for example) have the desired effect. Hypertonicity recedes and life gets better!

Your task is to prevent an increase in the tone of the uterus during pregnancy. First of all, find out about your health problems before you conceive.

Get tested, cure infectious diseases, correct hormonal levels. Modern medicine knows and can do a lot, but it needs your help. Timely identification of health problems will help avoid unpleasant “surprises” during pregnancy.

Do not be nervous. Remember that your baby’s health is in your hands. Shield yourself from troubles and do not react to negative phenomena. Don't be shy about asking your loved ones to help you. If you have the slightest ailment, rest. According to your doctor's instructions, go to the hospital. Not so much to get treatment, but to get rid of problems at home. Doctors are well aware that they won’t let you rest at home, so they often prescribe hospital care “for prevention.” Take advantage of your position.

A pregnant woman instinctively feels what she needs. Trust your body, remember your intuition. Do you want fruit? This means your body needs. Need a rest? Immediately drop everything and “collapse” on the sofa.

• Adjust your diet to include as many fruits and vegetables as possible.
• If doctors have prescribed bed rest for you, do not act as a hero to the detriment of your baby. You need to lie down - lie down!
• Do not neglect medications prescribed by the doctor. The drugs will relax the muscles and bring the uterus back to normal.
• Drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day, except in cases where large amounts of fluid are contraindicated (polyhydramnios).
• Take a walk, do exercises for pregnant women.
• Avoid excessive physical activity. Pregnancy is not the time for lifting weights and sprinting.
• Change your wardrobe. Put away tight clothes and instead buy special trousers with elastic at the top and a “blouse-blouse”.

Video about uterine tone during pregnancy

We invite you to watch the video in which you will find answers to many questions. Why does increased uterine tone occur? In what cases is this considered the norm, and in what cases is it not? Why do some women not have this diagnosis in early pregnancy?

Dear mothers, present and future! We all know what a huge responsibility lies on your shoulders. Let's help each other: Let's share our experience. Don't be shy, tell your stories, ask questions, argue. Let your advice and recommendations help other pregnant women understand their condition, overcome fear and turn into calm mothers beaming with blissful smiles.

From the very beginning of pregnancy, the concentration of progesterone in a woman’s blood increases. This hormone acts in the interests of the fetus: it relieves the tone of the uterus and prevents its contractions, which is necessary to preserve the child. If symptoms of uterine tone appear during pregnancy, the likelihood of having a baby prematurely increases. But there are treatments for this condition.

The tone of the uterus enters the category of safe states when the moment of birth approaches. The uterus begins to increasingly come into a state of tension, sometimes reminiscent of contractions. This is a workout that starts against the background of a gradual decrease in progesterone.

Symptoms of uterine tone during pregnancy

The basis of the uterus is made up of muscles. Before pregnancy, its size is small: it is no larger than a chicken egg and does not even protrude from the symphysis pubis. As the baby develops, the uterus stretches many times. The muscles are located in three layers in three mutually perpendicular directions. This is necessary so that during labor the baby is pushed out during labor. Each muscle fiber thickens four to five times and lengthens 10-12 times.

Under the influence of progesterone, the uterus is in a relaxed state. But sometimes local or general tension arises. That is, uterine tone during pregnancy is a temporary or permanent state of myometrial tension.

During pregnancy, subjective signs of uterine tone may differ, therefore, to determine medical tactics, several degrees of tone are distinguished.

• First degree. The pain in the lower abdomen is short-lived and does not cause significant discomfort or anxiety. Goes away on its own at rest.
• Second degree. Severe pain in the abdomen, pain can radiate to the lower back, sacrum. The uterus enters a state of high density.
• Third degree. Small physical or mental stress leads to the appearance of tone. The uterus becomes “stony” and does not relax well. This condition requires medical attention.

Hypertonicity of the uterus during pregnancy can occur at any stage and appear periodically until the time of birth.

How it manifests itself

Increased tone can be a dangerous symptom of the onset of premature labor, so you need to listen to your body. You should consult a doctor if the following symptoms appear, regardless of gestational age:

• lower abdominal pain;
• cramping pain in the uterine area;
• rocky uterine density;
• bloody discharge from the genital tract.

When can it develop

You can independently determine the tone during a normal pregnancy when the uterus is clearly visible. Sometimes she “turns to stone” even when touching her stomach.

1st trimester

In the 1st trimester, uterine tension becomes a sign of a possible miscarriage. It has been noticed that on ultrasound, tone along the anterior wall of the uterus appears when the child has chromosomal abnormalities. But many other reasons can affect the condition of the uterus:

• sex;
• physical exercise;
• stress;
• constipation;
• severe toxicosis.

2nd trimester

In the 2nd trimester, uterine tension may be more pronounced. The main reasons are the same conditions as at the beginning of gestation, but rapid fetal growth is added to them. Other possible causes of uterine tone during pregnancy at this stage:

• polyhydramnios;
• pregnancy with twins;
• myoma;
• endometriosis;
• Rhesus conflict;
• placenta previa;
• premature placental abruption;
• pathologies of uterine development;
• inflammatory processes in the genital organs.

High parity of births (frequent pregnancies with a short break between them) can also lead to increased tone.

For a pregnant woman, an additional increase in intra-abdominal pressure that occurs due to vomiting due to poisoning, severe diarrhea, and flatulence is dangerous. This may cause uterine contractions.

3rd trimester

In the 3rd trimester the baby is already quite big. But before the 35th week, the appearance of increased uterine tone is undesirable. There may be the following additional causes for this condition:

• malposition;
• gestosis;
• placental insufficiency;
• history of caesarean section;
• miscarriage in the past.

The female body is subject to the influence of external factors. Stress affects not only mood, but also sexual function, the ability to conceive and bear a child, and lactation. Constant emotional stress and lack of sleep also provoke the appearance of uterine tone. Some doctors attribute this condition to psychosomatics.

Risks

A toned uterus does not always go away without a trace. In the early stages, this condition can result in termination of pregnancy. An additional symptom is bloody discharge from the genital tract.

In later stages, uterine tone is dangerous due to impaired blood flow in the placenta. In this case, a spasm of blood vessels appears, and then their relaxation. These processes can lead to abruption of a normally located placenta and fetal death.

If tone occurs periodically, the consequences are malnutrition of the fetus and intrauterine growth retardation.

Ways to influence the condition

Diagnosing uterine tone is not difficult. Upon examination, the doctor can determine a change in the shape of the abdomen, a hard uterus, which hurts even more when touched. In the short term, tone is diagnosed during ultrasound. Most often this is a local process along the front or back wall.

For periods after 27 weeks, the use of a CTG machine is informative. It has two sensors. One reflects the fetal heartbeat, and the second reflects uterine contractions. This allows you to evaluate not only the strength and duration of uterine contractions, but also the child’s reaction to them. A pronounced decrease in heartbeat, which takes a long time to return to normal, indicates the suffering of the fetus.

Early dates

The cause of the pathological condition is often a lack of progesterone, and the consequence is the threat of interruption. Therefore, hormonal drugs that can compensate for hormone deficiency are used for treatment. The most commonly prescribed drug is Duphaston. But some women are more suitable for Utrozhestan, which can be taken orally or vaginally. The vaginal form is indispensable for signs of toxicosis - severe vomiting in the morning.

Treatment is supplemented with antispasmodics. You can use No-Shpa tablets (analogous to Drotaverine). For frequent vomiting, Papaverine suppositories are prescribed, which are best taken at night.

In a hospital setting, Vikasol and Dicinon may be prescribed to stop bleeding. You can calm your nerves with motherwort tincture. But you shouldn’t get carried away: it contains ethyl alcohol.

Treatment of uterine tone in early pregnancy involves changing the patient’s lifestyle. The woman is prescribed sexual rest. In some cases - hospitalization. It is recommended to normalize the work and rest schedule, sleep at night, but also go to bed to rest for an hour during the day. Foods that promote gas formation, as well as coffee and strong tea, are removed from the diet. If you suffer from constipation, then you need a laxative diet.

Mid-gestation

Approaches to eliminating tone in this period are different. Some women with progesterone deficiency continue to take Duphaston until week 20 (followed by a gradual reduction in dose). Antispasmodics help in treatment. If necessary, they are used in the form of injections.

But the main drug for quickly reducing local cervical tone and generalized spasm is a magnesium solution. It is used in the form of droppers. Magnesium sulfate helps relax muscles and also calm the nervous system. The solution lowers blood pressure and improves diuresis, which is used for gestosis. Prescription is contraindicated for bradycardia, low baseline blood pressure and severe kidney disease.

The choice of other drugs depends on concomitant pathologies that could cause the deterioration of the condition.

After discharge from the hospital, women are prescribed Magnesium B6 in courses in the form of tablets. This is necessary to improve the condition of the fetoplacental complex. At home, a pregnant woman can perform breathing exercises that help calm her down in stressful situations. Some people do yoga for pregnant women, but these should be light asanas that exclude raising your arms and straining your stomach. Dietary recommendations remain the same as in the previous trimester.

From 7 months

During this period, the uterus also responds to the administration of magnesium. But the number of receptors in it increases, which can be influenced with the help of the drug "Ginipral". It belongs to the group of sympathomimetics and is able to reduce the tone and contractility of the myometrium. Available in the form of tablets and solution. But most often the drug is used in hospitals for tocolysis - relieving contractions during premature birth or during complicated labor.