1st cervical length check-not hopeful

owenst

Hi all.  I have posted on here a couple times in response to bicornuate uterus posts.  I'm 16w2d today, and I had a Dr.'s appt, a full scan, and my first of a series of 10 weeks of cervical length checks.  Well, first off at my appointment my bp was up.  I know they are starting to look for pre-e - I had to do a 24 hour urine last week.  Dr. said it was fine and they really only start treating if the bottom number goes over 100.  At our u/s (down the hall at the regular hospital) the tech did everything, finished and went to make sure the Dr. was ok with everything.  Well, in comes the Dr. with her - freaked me out!  Apparently she couldn't tell exactly where my cervix was or my placenta (my septum must make it very hard to see things!)  The placenta was fine, but my cervix was only 2.5 cm.  He had said anything over 3 was fine, then he said at this point that 2.5 is fine, but just barely.  If it gets any shorter I'll have to have a cerclage put in.  I'm pretty sure at my MRI 8 weeks ago my cervix was 4cm. 

So, does anyone know what causes the cervix to get shorter?  And, can anyone who has or had a cerclage tell me what it's like?  Are there restrictions, etc?  I just feel sure that I'm going to end up needing one.  I wish I knew for sure they were seeing my whole cervix and not guessing b/c of the uterus deformity.  TIA!!!

bamababy3

hi!  i had my cerclage put in at 13 weeks. my cervix has been hanging out between 2.5 and 3 (gradually shortening every two weeks). i'm now 28 weeks. i teach and have been told to stay in my chair w/ my feet up as much as possible.  also, to take it easy away from school - no housework, shopping, etc.(thank goodness i have a wonderful hubby who does EVERYTHING around the house while i sit in his recliner!)  so far, so good!  GL

wingedbride

I had a cerclage at 14 weeks. My cervix was also borderline just like yours and we made the call with the doc to do the preventative cerclage for piece of mind. I am now 24 weeks and not shortening at all and no problems.

The cerclage was an easy procedure with no side effects.

I am on restricted activity like the PP, but I was going to be placed on that regardless of the cerclage. I am also on pelvic rest and cannot go in water.

Lomaxee

I've been monitored for cervical length the whole pregnancy - I'm now full term! I didn't opt for a cerclage because it didn't get really low until it was around 20 weeks at which point I just "took it easy". I did a few weeks of bedrest but the help is to do off your feet as much as possible. Be lazy pregnant lady :-).  

Tigerlillies

I found out at my 20 week apt. that my cervix is less than .5 cm.  I am on bedrest until the baby comes.  And there are alot of women on bed rest who have lengthier cervixes than I do. 

I've heard stories of preventative cerclages being done right around 14-16 weeks and you better believe I'm going to get one next time to hopefully avoid being on bedrest for my next pregnancy.

Do you have history of preterm labor?  Just wondering why they plan to do weekly cervical checks on you.

GL!

owenst

Thanks for the responses, ladies.  I will not have a cerclage unless it gets shorter, but it can't get any shorter than it is now!!  To answer Tigerlillies, they are checking me from weeks 16-26 because of my bicornuate uterus - I guess there is a risk of incompetent cervix that becomes apparent during those weeks.  After that I will be monitored for preterm labor.  I am seeing a peri full time, so I know I'm getting the best possible care, but it's still really scary!  I have been on modified rest since 5 weeks, but he lifted it today.  I'll still probably take it easy, though.  Thanks again....it helps just to hear of others with the same problem!