Guess I'm with you ladies now? Bed rest questions! Cervix issues.

Azrayla

Let me introduce myself quickly first! I am a first time mom to a soon be little girl and everything was smooth sailing! I live in florida and have one little Fur baby kitty

I was put on bedrest today..And I fought to try and work..Dr. said desk work only but SO is saying no work period..Sooo after arguing, crying, and calculating finances, I've accepted the whole thing for now..

My problem is my cervix is almost in the "danger" area..he said it was 2.6cm and anything under 2.5 is bad so .1 is enough to be concerned..I have no bleeding or cramping so I didnt see the problem with sitting at work (usually I have an active walking, lifting, standing etc) I do have to go back next monday for a preterm labor test..anyone know what that means or consists of? He didnt go into detail about it just said they couldnt do it this week due to having my u/s or something like that..

 Any of you on bed rest due to a short cervix? If so..What are your limitations? I drew a blank and went speechless after he told me no work..He also said no more sex, which comes with the territory but as for..sitting and walking? how much is too much?

I'm hoping my test next week goes well enough and maybe then I can actually go and work for a few hours a week at least..but SO says this will probably be a permanent thing till LO gets here..

(on a brighter note, I dont have GD..so it could be worse!)

Tigerlillies

I know how you feel- bedrest definitely threw me for a loop too.  It's scary to stop everything you're doing to just lay in bed- even if it's for such a good reason.

I think your numbers are a little low- but not overly alarming.  The cervix is a muscle so your measurements can go up and down.  At 20weeks my cervix measured .4cm.  I was put on bedrest immediately- and 3 weeks later needed an emergency cerclage because I was starting to dilate.  After the cerclage, the measurement went to 3.6cm and as of last week, it's 1.8cm.  I am on progesterone suppositories to help stave off PTL.  And I'm on bedrest until baby gets here. 

I don't know what test they're talking about- possibly an fFN test.  They take a swab (like a pap) and can check to see if you're at risk of delivering within the next 2 weeks.  It's an accurate test if it comes back negative- but there are a ton of false positives. 

GL!  I know it's scary- and probably frustrating for you, since you're borderline.  I hope things go well and you can work out a good plan with your doc.

GiGi1221

Hi there!

Welcome to bedrest and the world of cervix'

I believe the test they were talking about was the fFn - they cannot perform it when there has been any gel used, so that is why they would not do it after your ultrasound. The fFn detects a protein called fetal fibronectin (it's like the glue that holds the babies).  It become present as a woman nears labor.  Do NOT let it scare you if it comes back positive, as it has a very high false positive.  Even if it's a true positive it only means your chance is about 30% of delivering within 2 weeks.  Negative means your chance is less than 1%.

As far as limitations- this is something that you need to verify with your doctor.  At 23 weeks I was measuring at 2.4 and put on bedrest.  I am allowed to go to the bathroom, get food and shower daily, that's it.  I also don't have to lie perfectly flat but am supposed to stay as reclined as possible.  I don't know if they told you too but relaxing on your left side is best.  I also had a positive fFn at 23weeks and was given steroid shots to mature the babies lungs, which I assume they would do the same for you. Notice- I am 5 weeks PAST the positive fFn! At my 27wk appt my cervix went from 3.6 to 2.0 during the ultrasound (cervix' are very unpredictable!)

Don't worry about work- you're only job right now is to be an oven! I started a blog about my bedrest experiences- please check it out.  You can also e-mail me if you have any questions- tagsale1221@yahoo.com

Azrayla

Thank you both! And yep thats the test..I googled it and found it on babycenter and it said they couldnt do it due to lubricant and the little bulb went off in my head..I'll ask the dr next week what I can and cant do since I am unsure I'm more on the strict side just in case..

I will def check out the blog and save the e-mail.. Need to write down all my questions for dr..guess I should enjoy my vacation but I thought I wouldnt be getting one till LO got here..ah well  

I believe the site said my chances of going full term (or at least full-er?) are better since I have no other symptoms aside from the cervix itself.. Hoping for a negative then!