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Myometrial thickness in pregnancy: longitudinal sonographic study
S Degani1, Z Leibovitz, I Shapiro
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bnai-Zion Medical Center, and The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa.
Summary
Myometrial thickness in the upper uterus remains stable during pregnancy, but the lower uterine segment thins as pregnancy progresses. Placental site impacts uterine wall thickness.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Understanding myometrial changes during pregnancy is crucial for antepartum fetal surveillance.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated in vivo myometrial thickness variations throughout gestation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate in vivo changes in myometrial thickness throughout pregnancy.
- To establish baseline reference values for myometrial thickness in uncomplicated pregnancies.
Main Methods:
- Ultrasound measurements of myometrial thickness were performed in 25 singleton pregnancies.
- Measurements were taken from the lower and upper uterine segments, including anterior, posterior, right, left walls, and fundus.
- Four measurements were recorded per site during the second and third trimesters.
Main Results:
- Upper uterine segment myometrial thickness remained constant in the first and second trimesters.
- A significant linear decrease in lower uterine segment thickness was observed with advancing gestational age.
- Myometrial thickness was significantly greater behind the placental insertion site compared to other uterine wall areas.
Conclusions:
- Myometrial thickness exhibits distinct regional changes during pregnancy, with thinning in the lower segment and thickening at the placental site.
- These findings provide essential reference data for antepartum fetal surveillance in high-risk pregnancies.