Shortening cervix or PTL question

PurpleIris30

Hi ladies,

If you have or had a shortening cervix or PTL issues, did you have any warning signs (even if in hindsight)?

My cervix had shortened at 18 weeks to about a 3, but my doctors weren't concerned since total length was still longer than 2.5.  I have my next MFM appointment next week.  He has told me to pay attention to any stomach muscle tightening that lasts longer than 30 seconds with 4 or more episodes in an hour. 

Did you have any other warning signs?  I know I'm being paranoid, but I'm just worried about having further cervical changes and not realizing that anything is going on.  I'm also having some general discomfort and pains, but I think it's just the weight of the babies (as I'll feel the baby move and then the pain goes away).

Thanks!

smscartozzi

With my son I was having what I thought were Braxton Hicks that would last hours! I went to the doc and got a stress test, and "failed". My doc told me to take it easy. A few weeks later on a Sunday I had what I thought was a terrible stomach ache...and then Tuesday night my water broke. In hindsight I think the Braxton hicks were actually contractions that were not really painful and the stomach ache was the start of my cervix/uterus going into labor. I delivered 5 weeks early so I am on super monitoring this time. Hope that makes sense.

AmyJoy728

I was having contractions but couldn't feel them. My cervix went from a 3.5-4 to a 2 in the matter of 2 weeks. I was sent to L&D for monitoring and released after 4 days to bed rest.

yinyang124

Just lots of BH/contractions. Rest and stay off your feet as much as possible, mama.

nuttycoconut

Contractions and spotting. Things can happen very quickly. I agree that you should rest as much as possible. I also lost my mucous plug and that's when I panicked and called. Hope that cervix stays nice and long!

PurpleIris30

Thank you everyone for your insights.

smscartozzi

Oh yeah, I forgot about the mucus plug part! I thought I had lost it but was unsure, wish I had said something to my doctor. It seemed like just a crazy amount of discharge but was my plug....that is also a good warning sign.