Dynamics of cervical remodeling during pregnancy and parturition: Mechanisms and current concepts

R. Ann Word, Xiang Hong Li, Michael Hnat, Kelley Carrick

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

288 Scopus citations

Abstract

The cervix serves as a protective barrier from invading microorganisms and as a structural barrier to delivery of the fetus. Among all biological processes, the phenomenal connective tissue remodeling that occurs in the cervix during and after parturition is unparalleled in scope and magnitude. The process of connective tissue remodeling in the cervix during pregnancy occurs in four stages: softening, ripening, dilation, and repair. Although overlapping in time, each stage is uniquely regulated. Results from studies using serial measurements of cervical length indicate that cervical ripening precedes myometrial contractions of labor by several weeks, suggesting that parturition in women is a process of long duration and that uterine contractions of labor are late events in the parturition process. A clear understanding of the biologic mechanisms that regulate cervical remodeling during pregnancy is needed to influence the preterm birth rate and to develop strategies to prevent preterm dilation of the cervix.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)69-79
Number of pages11
JournalSeminars in reproductive medicine
Volume25
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2007

Keywords

  • Cervical dilation
  • Cervix
  • Glycosaminoglycans
  • Matrix remodeling
  • Ripening

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Endocrinology
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Physiology (medical)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Dynamics of cervical remodeling during pregnancy and parturition: Mechanisms and current concepts'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this