Short cervix at 21 weeks with twins, bedrest & progesterone?

TRS48

Hello, I'm new to the High Risk board but active on July '14 Moms & the Multiples board. Writing here because I'm looking for advice or stories of your experience, I'm really nervous. I was sent straight from the perinatal to L&D on Friday (at 20 wks, 5 days w/ di-di twin boys) with worries I was contracting due to my cervix measuring short (between 1.8-2cm... A week prior it was 3cm) My OB came to L&D and I wasn't contracting (thank goodness) but she put me on bedrest at home (can only get up to shower & use the restroom). She also prescribed me Progesterone suppositories saying they haven't been shown to help pregnancies with multiples & a short cervix but it can't hurt to try since it works for singleton pregnancies. I'm so scared, I'm only 21 weeks. Can anyone offer some advice whose been here before? Or positive outcomes? I could use it right now. Thank you!

twodaisies

I've only got 1 in there, but I was diagnosed with shortened cervix at 21 weeks too at a/s, then taken immediately to hospital (next door to dr office) where I got a cerclage put in that evening.  I think I was around a 1.7 at first.  I was initially just on instructions to take it easy and my cervix was measuring between 2.5 and 3.  Then at week 26 I went in after having some contractions and the cervix had shortened back to the 1.7 again.  At this point, the dr put me on bed rest (up for bathroom, shower, making lunch, but no real walking or standing).  I also am doing the progesterone suppositories.  My doctor said there isn't any research on the progesterone plus cerclage, but said it wouldn't hurt anything and if it helped some it would be worth it.  At 36 weeks, it is my understanding the cerclage will come out, progesterone will stop and bed rest will end.h. 

All of this has been difficult and bed rest is a pain as is the progesterone, but since I just hit 31 weeks, something must be working so I try not to complain too much.

Hopefully everything you are doing will work too and you will have a nice long stay on bed rest (as opposed to delivering early).  Just keep telling yourself that every day the babies stay put is a good thing.

amwenz

I can't give you advice either but I can join both of you. Was just put on br last week at 21 weeks for a short cervix as well. I only have a singleton And also started crinone. I hope we can help support each other. I like the other bed rest check in to but feel a little farther behind at only 22 weeks now! Alicia

TRS48

Thanks ladies! I wish I could have a cerclage- it would make me feel better at the very least, I guess they recently found out it doesn't help & can actually hurt twin pregnancies even worse. I'm sooo glad to hear I'm not alone in this and we can support eachother during this, I'd love to stay in touch and keep track of eachother here with such early bedrest. @twodaisies‌ I'm so inspired to hear you've made it to 31 weeks so far, that gives me hope. I'm praying to make it to at least 32 and then I'll feel less anxious. Thank you both for your replies and please KIT!

Tweeks23

I was not pg with multiples but was on bed rest with DS#1 (at 24 weeks) and DS#2 (at 19 weeks) until I got to 37 weeks. My cervix measured 1.0cm and never got below that. I had FFN tests done every 2 weeks and they were alway neg. They never offered me progesterone and I never need the steroid shot for the babys lungs. I was taken off of bed rest at 37 weeks with DS#1 thinking he would literally fall out and I didn't go into labor until 2 days before my due date and ended up with a c-sec anyways. DS#2 was a repeat csec at 39 weeks. I was positive outcomes. This time around with DS#3 I'm 24 weeks and so far so good on the bed rest front.

ajsweeton

I'm pregnant with twins as well. Due to a previous loss at 22w with IC and PROM I got a preventative cerclage placed at 14w. My MFM said that there wasn't much research to show that a cerclage helped in twin gestations, but he felt that most of the time the reason it did more harm than good was due to the inexperience of the doctor performing the cerclage. I feel like the cerclage worked for me. I'm 32w now and I've had no shortening other than what is to be expected at this point and no BR. Good luck to you! I hope that you're able to keep those babies cooking for weeks to come.

alohamel

Hi ladies, I am no longer on bed rest but hope I can bring some inspiration to all of you. 

 I was put on bedrest at 27 weeks due to preterm labor. The contractions I had shortened my cervix from a 4 to a 1.7 in 4 hours! The doctor prepared me for delivery and said if I make it another few days before baby comes out it would be a miracle. Well, baby didn't come out and I was sent home!  I was put on bed rest where I could only use the shower and the bathroom. I was so terrified that this all happened. But look now...I am over 38 weeks pregnant! If I can do it, you ladies can too! 

Please just make sure you do little leg lifts in your bed. I unfortunately developed a blood clot from not being mobile. It doesn't mean that will happen to you. Just a little advice Best of luck. I know it is very scary. 

TRS48

@alohamel‌ that is so inspiring!! Thank you so much for sharing your success story! It gives me (& others I'm sure too) hope!

TRS48

@HarleyP11‌ thank you soooo much for sharing that! It makes me feel so much more hopeful!!

TRS48

Also... Did your cervix lengthen at all from the BR &/or progesterone?

TRS48

Thank you sooo much. It is incredibly scary and I appreciate so much you sharing your story and being honest, I've been reading about others lengthening too but my OB said it probably won't with twins so it's good to hear someone else's first hand experience. You really made me feel a lot better! Thank you!!!

TRS48

You are SO sweet! Thank you!!!