What Is a Posterior Cervix?
In the female body, the cervix is normally situated in a manner that tilts toward the belly, in a position called an anterior cervix; this is the most common type of cervix positioning. A posterior cervix is positioned so that it tilts the opposite way, toward the back and bottom of the body. The cervix can change its position from anterior to posterior and back again. This is a common issue among pregnant women during childbirth.
It is common for the cervix to tilt during pregnancy. This simply means that the cervix is not lined up with the birth canal. It can tilt forward, backward or even off to the side. A posterior cervix indicates it is tilted backward, and therefore not lining up with the birth canal. Pregnancy is usually the only time that a posterior cervix is brought into question. Usually, during the course of natural labor, a posterior cervix will move into the anterior position as it opens and dilates.
The only time it poses a problem is during childbirth, as the cervix needs to tilt toward the birth canal in order for the baby to be delivered naturally. In most cases, the cervix will tilt on its own during the progression of labor. If the cervix is having a hard time tilting on its own, some midwives and doctors believe that a little gentle massage or chiropractic work can help it move to its correct position. If the posterior cervix absolutely refuses to tilt during childbirth, a cesarean section may be considered.
The condition normally does not cause problems and is often not noticed until pregnancy because symptoms are rare. The cervix must be checked by a doctor in order to diagnose it as being in the posterior position, and causes are typically hard to identify. As with many things pertaining to the human body, some women are just built differently. A posterior cervix is not generally considered a medical issue.
If a women is born with a posterior cervix, it can sometimes complicate the process of getting pregnant. If the cervix is tilted toward the back of the body, it can be more difficult for sperm to reach the eggs for fertilization. Although there are not generally any symptoms of a posterior cervix, if a women is having trouble becoming pregnant, it might be a good idea to have the position of the cervix checked by a doctor.
Written by Cassandra Murphy
