Can cervix be evaulated on ultrasound?

[soontobemomof3kids]

I have been bleeding for almost three weeks.  I was first dianosed with Placenta Previa.  A week later, the placenta had migrated to the top of my uterus, but I had a hematoma right over my cervix.  I have been bleeding since.  It has slowed down to only dark red or brown when I wipe only.  I am 17 weeks 5 days.  I am really getting paranoid because I am feeling pressure at night in my pelvic and rectal area.  It doesn't hurt and doesn't last long.  I am just really worried because I have already had such an hard time.  This is my third baby and my first two were uncomplicated and perfect.  My doctor has not done a pelvic exam since the bleeding started because he didn't want to irritate my cerivx.  I have had two ultrasounds in the last two weeks.  My question is, can my cervix be evaluated through ultrasound?

[pameladawn414]

I'm pretty sure it can as well, at my 19 week ultrasound the tech told me my cervix was in great shape and a perfect size lol. It was kinda odd hahaha

[LosingMyMindInGA]

Your cervix CAN be seen and monitored by ultrasound.  It's done all the time.  They do the vaginal exams to determine effacement and dialation. You can tell if the cervix is open or closed and long or short on ultrasound tho.  

[debbiefeff]

yes it can. when i went for my 20 week scan it was long but looked kind of opened so they did an internal ultrasound and found out it was closed.

[waitn838]

i just started feeling my move and im not sure if its really the baby to be honest...it feels like tingling and lasts for a few minutes then its done and gone....i sometimes dont feel it again for days....i have a doppler at home so i always check the heartbeat to keep my mind at ease

have you looked into one?

[soontobemomof3kids]

Thanks ladies. I went to the doctor a week ago for the pressure.  He did an ultrasound and internal exam.  My cervix was long, firm and completely closed!  My bleeding has been gone for a week.  So, everything seems to be good.  My newest worry is that I have not felt my baby much at all and I am 18.5 weeks.  This is my third pregnancy and thought that you could feel them earlier each time.  I felt my second a lot more than this by this time.

[nola0805]

Sorry that you are going through so much, and so soon. To answer your question, yes, they can examine your cervix during ultrasounds and they usually do - I always get feedback that my cervix is closed and normal length during my ultrasounds.  And as waitn838 mentioned, most doctors do not do internal exams until the 3rd trimester as they want to minimize the risk of infection and irritation.  I have not had an internal exam and am 20 weeks.

If your cervix was incompetent, it would be short in length and maybe effaced or dilated and that would definitely show up on ultrasound.  So try not to worry too much.  It is good that the bleeding is decreasing.  I would mention the pressure to your doctor, just to be extra cautious, but most likely everything is just fine.

good luck and keep us posted.

[waitn838]

my high risk doc watches my cervix by ultrasound....since i had a miscarriage 2 years ago at 14 weeks i am at high risk for pre term labor amongst other things....my doc actually said they do not do internal checks of the cervix until the 3rd trimester because of irritations

im sorry you are going through this....i hope everything gets better...if you are worried...call your doc and tell them...take it easy and try to relax

[hollydolly4485]

Unfortunatly, no your cervix can't be seen by ultrasound. Your cervix is located right above the vagina, so it's an area that an ultrasound just can't get to. That's why when women are in labor and extreme pain doctors still have to examine you down there with there hand. My only concern/suggestion for you is: if your doc didn't examine you how does he know that you don't have an incompetent cervix (the cervix can't hold pregnancy after 12-14 weeks) becuase if this was the case you could get a circlage  (one stitch used to keep the cervix closed). I can understand your doc not wanting to irratate the cervix, however, if you have been bleeding this long I think it would be important for them to find out the condition of your cervix for the correct diagnosis and treatment. Good luck. Try to stay calm. If you have been bleeding and everything is fine i.e. baby's heart rate is strong don't stress. Take it easy and follow doc's orders. Take care.

[gigi599]

yes it can, in my last ultrasound it said that my cervix was closed and normal in lenght, 4 cm.