Funneling Cervix Meaning, Definition, Symptoms, Causes, Ultrasound, Treatment

When the inner cervical os opens and the amniotic sac protrudes into the cervical canal, this is referred to as cervical funneling. Cervical funneling is a hallmark of cervical incompetence and shows the dilatation of the interior part of the cervical canal in addition to a reduction in the length of the cervical region. 

Cervical funneling during pregnancy increases the likelihood of spontaneous preterm birth, which often occurs in the second trimester. Cervical funneling is a sonographic feature that has been linked to chorioamnionitis, membrane tearing, and fetal morbidity and mortality. Sonographically, cervical funneling is characterized by a protrusion of amniotic membranes into the inner cervical os that is more than five millimeters (mm) away from the shoulder of the initial internal os when observed at the lateral border of the funnel. This observation is almost always accompanied by a short cervical length, which is considered as being less than 25 millimeters.

Cervical funneling is an indicator of cervical insufficiency, which is marked by painless cervical dilation mostly after the first trimester and linked with miscarriage or premature delivery. Cervical insufficiency can be confirmed by looking for funneling in the cervical canal during ultrasound. An emergency cerclage, also known as a stitch cerclage, is a type of cerclage that is applied in the cervix in order to reduce the complications that are associated with cervical funneling. Ultrasonographic abnormalities may help in the diagnosis of cervical insufficiency, which is a difficult diagnosis that frequently involves a history of prior pregnancy loss associated with painless cervical dilatation or spontaneous premature birth.

Funneling Cervix Definition

Sonographically, cervical funneling is characterized by a protrusion of amniotic membranes into the inner cervical os that is more than five millimeters (mm) away from the shoulder of the initial internal os when observed at the lateral border of the funnel. 

Funneling Cervix Symptoms

Premature cervix openings, often known as "funneling cervix," can cause complications during pregnancy. This might be brought on by an illness or injury, but it can also happen during pregnancy. Pain, bleeding, and discharge are some of the signs and symptoms of a funneling cervix. If the funneling cervix is not addressed, it may result in preterm labor or a miscarriage. The emergence of a funneling cervix can be caused by a variety of circumstances. In many instances, the disease is merely the consequence of normal changes that take place within the uterus as it gets ready to bear a baby. Sometimes this early opening is brought on by an injury or infection.

Funneling Cervix Causes

In the funneling cervix, the cervix starts to open before childbirth. This can happen in the later stages of pregnancy, and it can make it more likely that the baby will be born early. Although the precise cause of a funneling cervix is uncertain, there are a number of potential causes. One explanation for a funneling cervix is cervical tissue weakening. An infection, inflammation, or a previous pregnancy may have caused this impairment. Another explanation for the funneling cervix is abnormal fetus growth during pregnancy. It is possible for a fetus to develop too quickly in specific situations, which can force the cervix to funnel. 

Funneling Cervix Treatment

The treatment for funneling of the cervix is contingent on the degree to which the problem has progressed. In circumstances when symptoms are minimal, your physician may suggest that you merely watch your pregnancy. This can entail more regular prenatal checkups and ultrasounds. If your case of funneling cervix is more severe, your doctor may propose one or more of the following solutions to you:

1. Cerclage: A surgical technique in which the cervix is closed and stitched to sustain the pregnancy. Usually, this is carried out in the second trimester.
2. Restricted activity: To assist lower the risk of preterm labor, you might be instructed to limit your physical activity throughout pregnancy. This can entail taking a day off from work or staying in bed.
3. Prescription drugs: You can be given beta blockers or progesterone supplements to assist lower your chance of premature labor.
4. Treatment of underlying conditions: If you have an underlying medical problem such as uterine fibroids that are causing your cervix to funnel, treating that condition may be advised.
5. Depending on the severity of your ailment and other variables, your doctor will tailor your treatment. Most women with funneling cervixes are able to carry their pregnancies to term without any issues if given the right care.

Funneling Cervix Ultrasound

Cervical ultrasound" is a diagnostic method used to look into the cervix. This specific ultrasound is used to determine the cervix's length and check for any changes in the cervix's structure. If there are serious worries about the fetus's health, the surgery can be performed earlier in pregnancy, however, this is not the standard practice.

Translabial or transvaginal scanning can be used to evaluate the funneling of the cervical cavity. The translabial (transperineal) scanning method eliminates issues that are caused by the pressure of the probe, but it results in low picture resolution, particularly near the external cervical os. It may be necessary to have patience in order to elicit funneling, as it may only be present momentarily in both normal pregnancies and pregnancies that are at risk. The funneling effect vanishes when the length of the cervix decreases, and it is typically not present once the cervix is less than two centimeters.