Rectal-Uterine Ligaments

These are paired connective tissue cords that separate the uterine cavity from the rectum. There are two rectal ligaments on each side of the lower part of the uterus. They start from the fundus of the uterus and pass along the lateral edge of the broad uterine ligament through the sacrouterine space to the external opening of the rectum and are attached to it. In front they are attached to the anterior surface of the cervix, then move to its lateral surface.

The left and right sides of the uterine ligaments are located symmetrically. The ligaments act as a valve that protects the uterus and cervix from the contents of the rectum entering the uterine cavity (retroposition).

In case of pathology, for example, with an incorrect location in the uterus (for example, a very low position of the presenting part - when the presenting edge of the placenta is less than 3 cm from the internal os or fetal macrosomia), it contributes to the descent of the supravaginal part of the fetus and the preceding amniotic fluid into the lower segment of the uterus. The high position of the fundus of the presenting parts, as well as increased tone of the uterus, lead to premature rupture of amniotic fluid and untimely onset of labor in late pregnancy.