Small Uterus and Pregnancy

Most women don’t realise they have a small uterus until they get pregnant. When a woman suspects she is pregnant and goes to a doctor, a gynaecological exam or an ultrasound may bring this news (of having a small uterus) and can cause immense worry. At times, the doctor’s language may also instil fear. However, it is always essential to get to the bottom of it and understand the health condition properly. This article has put together some important aspects about having a small uterus and pregnancy. The points below cover all your woes regarding a small uterus vis-a-vis pregnancy.

What Causes Formation of Small Uterus?

As per medical science, the uterus size varies in all women. However, the size that has been termed as a specific benchmark is what has been observed in a majority of women. The neck length of the uterus is usually 25mm, with the myometrium as thick as 30mm or so. The actual dimensions of the uterus tend to be 40-50mm in width, whereas the length is usually 70-80mm. These parameters are generally used as a reference, but many women tend to have a completely healthy uterus that might not be as large as this.

In some women, the uterus can be larger than the average or even smaller. However, it should function just fine. A woman’s body physique is a major governing factor for uterus size. Therefore, preternaturally thin women with a small body face have higher chances of having a small uterus.

Is It Possible for a Woman to Conceive Successfully If She Has a Small Uterus?

The tiny foetus at conception grows into a full-fledged baby by the end of the pregnancy. Therefore, it is crucial to understand whether women can conceive successfully with a small uterus. Any chances of risk should be mitigated right from the start.

One of the critical factors to be considered to conceive in the presence of a small uterus successfully is the epithelium. Enhanced blood flow can help with its growth. Sometimes, a doctor may also recommend a pregnant woman undergo hormonal stimulation to increase the chances of conception.

Any hormone therapy affects the external genitalia. Hormone therapy may be suggested for women who suffer from a condition where the uterus, as well as the genitals, are underdeveloped, causing an imbalance of various hormone levels within the body. Termed as hypoplasia, it could also indicate the presence of other illnesses. Undertaking hormonal therapy in such a case could make matters worse.

At times, proper intake of vitamins and minerals could make conception possible. You can opt for vitamin therapy if you are pregnant and have a small uterus. It uses specific fluid preparations that are useful when consumed daily.

What If You Are Diagnosed with a Small Uterus in Pregnancy?

Defining the uterus as “small” is insufficient for doctors to make a proper decision. Further diagnosis is necessary to determine the actual condition. It could be hypoplasia, where the uterus is small due to hormonal issues. Aplasia could also be a cause, where the uterus is the same as that of a new-born child or even absent. Another condition could be infantilism, where the uterus is not larger than 55mm.

Any treatment method to increase the uterus size takes a reasonable amount of time. Using hormonal medication is a standard method for women diagnosed with hypoplasia. In some instances, being involved in sexual activity regularly can also be beneficial and could cause the uterus to increase in size gradually.

What If the Uterus Is Less Than the Gestational Age?

While detecting a small uterus before conception is one case, it might even be observed during pregnancy. An intra-uterine growth restriction may take place that limits the child from growing as large as it should be and limiting its weight.

Several factors are usually considered to determine whether the uterus size will be problematic. These are primarily the vital elements such as the amount of amniotic fluid present in the sac, the position of the foetus within the uterus, the size it has grown to depend on the pregnancy’s progress, and so on.

Any case of a small uterus will be examined with proper ultrasound tests, which might be followed by a colour-Doppler for more details.