cervical length

Mommy2Boys09

So in March 2013, I had to have a LEEP done, due to severe dysplasia. Before the surgery, I had to sign a paper about how a pregnancy after the LEEP could result in premature labor and that I would need cervical checks by ultrasound done if I decided to get pregnant. Well, I practically had to beg the doctor to do the check. They kept saying, they weren't concerned. So they done it, and it was 2.6 cm at 21.5 weeks. She told me they weren't concerned unless it was 2.5 or below. She didn't mention checking it again. I'm glad they checked but it's so close that I'm still a little worried. Should I ask to have another one done? I have a fetal echo scheduled for July 23rd so I'm thinking of asking the u/s tech to check but I'm not sure if she will since the doctor didn't order it. I went to google (I know, I shouldn't have) and found several different websites saying the average for that point in pregnancy is 4-4.5 cm. It also said that if your cervix was 2.5 cm at that point in pregnancy, you would likely give birth at 36.5 weeks. I'm not sure I trust that, I mean, your cervical length could change so fast. Input? 

golfingdarwinfish

I would call your ob/mfm and request a separate scan to check cervical length.  I had a fetal echo weeks ago and it was performed by a tech that specializes in fetal and pediatric cardiology; despite being an u/s tech my MFM would not consider any of the other measurements she took (she took a few random ones just to share the info) to be "official".  This could be because I am at a highly specialized academic hospital, but even the other u/s techs were not pleased when I told them some of the comments made by the cardiac tech regarding general fetal anatomy. 

Also, checking cervical length should be a standard part of the a/s!! I'm sorry you were harassed about that!

Maggie6424

I also had one done last year in Feb. They had to remove a lot of cells but they were spread out. They checked mine at 16 weeks and it was 4cm. They told me as long as it's over 3 they aren't worried. She measured it again at 20 weeks, still 4. If I were you I'd be adamant about having it checked regularly. It can change quickly. But don't be "set" on going into labor early, you never know what your body has planned

persephonerose

Every time we have gone for our fetal echo appointments they have checked my cervix. They consider it a standard part of the exam at our MFM. They even press down on my stomach to make sure it doesn't give under pressure.  Maybe call the office doing the fetal echo and ask what their standard procedure is?

I would absolutely continue to ask for it to be checked.

Taramocd

I have a bicornuate uterus and cervical length has been a concern from the beginning for me. I have had mine checked every other week since I found out. I'm 26 weeks now and they are starting protein testing this week also.

Aurora1181

I have also had a LEEP and I'm having twins. I have my cervix checked transvaginally every two weeks. Abdominal ultrasounds just aren't as accurate. For example, at my ob last week they said my cervix was 4, but today at the MFM, transvaginally, my cervix measured right at 3. They also press to see if it stays closed or funnels.

The normal measurements according to my MFM are 3-5. 2.5 and under is concerning. I had one scan where mine funneled to 2.5 and I've been on progesterone suppositories (200mg) nightly ever since.

I would definitely ask to be checked by transvaginal ultrasound frequently. My MFM says they stop checking at 32 weeks.

HappyCianci

Yes, I'd press for more monitoring. I actually pushed for a transvaginal measurement after my trans-abdominal screening showed a 3.1 cm cervix. At 2.6cm, I would be very persistent.

Something that doctors might not mention to you about cervical length is that the risk of preterm delivery is a sliding scale. Even if you stay a hair above the 2.5cm cutoff, your risk is still greater than that of someone with a 3cm cervix, and her risk is greater than that of someone with a 4cm cervix. Short cervix is definitely not a guarantee you'll deliver early, but it's not something to take lightly, either. You can treat a short cervix with vaginal progesterone and it's very effective. Good luck mama and try not to worry too much! xx