I asked her what it was and if she needed to go to the doctor. She told
me it was her cervical plug and she thought that meant the baby was
coming within the next few days. We called her doctor and went into panic mode.
The cervix is the gateway to baby. During pregnancy, a plug covering
the cervix works like a cork holding the umbilical sac and fetus in
place in the uterus. As labor approaches, hormonal changes cause the
plug to release starting the beginning stages of labor.
There are many factors that can affect fertility. While there are
many reliable sources that can help you understand these factors,
fertility myths abound. One of these factors is a deep cervix.
It is obvious that the uterus undergoes many changes during pregnancy; most visibly, it increases in size and changes shape. The hormones of pregnancy also cause changes in the cervix preparing it to hold and protect the fetus and eventually dilate for birth.
There is now ample evidence that measuring the cervix with transvaginal ulttrasound can identify pregnancies that may be at risk for preterm labor and delivery and treating them with progesterone may decrease preterm labor and delivery.
If you're already charting your menstrual cycle, checking the position and texture of your cervix each day can help you confirm where you are in your cycle. If you're not already charting, have a feel anyway - its a great skill to have in your empowered woman toolbox!