repost from 3rd tri shortened cervix

Soon 2 be Lockhart

To start with I do have a call in to my doctor, I just thought I would ask you guys while I wait, since I don't think I will here back from them today. I went in today to have the FNn test on my cervix and an ultrasound to check my baby's growth and my cervix. My cervix has been shortening, 2 weeks ago I was a 1.5cm at 28 weeks and was put on modified bedrest. Today after the ultrasound I was to see the doctor, but the ultrasound tech came back in the room and said, he want's me off work (which I am) and that my cervix is now a .7cm and to come back in a week for another ultrasound and that baby is is measuring a week behind (this doctor is not my reg doctor). If I am a .7 cm how long am I going to hold her in? What should I expect or watch for. If my cervix continues to shorten ( I think it will since I have been laying on the couch for the last 2 weeks), can she stay in if I don't start to have reg contractions or will I automatically begin labor? I ask here because I know some of you are going through something similar and would like to have some idea of what to expect. I just feel lost right now, I don't know if I should start reading up on having a preemie or if there is a chance I can make it to 37 weeks. I am 30 weeks right now. Thank you.

Cleo29

Shortening is only one part of it, if you are not dilating too, she should be ok. It is definitely good that you are not having regular contractions. 

Right now I am 50% effaced, but still closed, which is good. IN your case, I think it would not hurt to read up on early labor and I am sure that if you were to start to go into preterm labor, they would be giving you shots to attempt to stop it.

I know it is scary.  Just stay really hydrated and and off your feet.  

lisac1017

I certainly know where you're coming from as far as wanting reassurance, and I agree with PP regarding multiple factors in effect and that its good you are not having contractions in conjunction with a shortening cervix. I'm the opposite - I have contractions all day long but it is not shortening my cervix to where I have to worry about going into labor (for now).  I'm pretty sure you can have close to 0 cervix and still not go into labor (again, would recommend doing some research on that) What was the result of your FFN?  I'm sure they've told you to take a positive result with a grain of salt, but that would be great if you got a negative result.  Also, you should be encouraged that you're at 30 weeks already which is a major milestone as far as your LO's development is concerned.  Reading the preemie boards helped me alot when I thought our LO was coming at 25 weeks.  I would take the bed rest very seriously - and drink lots of water.  Hopefully your doctor gets back to you early tomorrow and puts your mind at ease.  Try to take it easy and stay calm in the meantime.  Good luck.

Jen0204

I'm in a very similar boat - at 26 weeks my cervix was down to 2cm and on Friday it was down to 1cm. They did an FFN and it came back negative, but they were concerned because some fluid came out with the swab. The MFM who I saw on Friday wasn't concerned, but I am for the same reason you are - if it shortened even more after 2 weeks of bed rest and taking prometrium, won't it just continue to do so? I saw my OB today and she said that I'm 50% effaced. I asked at what point would they hospitalize me due to PTL concerns and/or start me on medication to help the girls lungs develop and she said that th won't do either unless an FFN comes back positive or I have contractions. I've been on bed rest since the 26 week appointment and she said to continue that and call them if anything seems wrong and especially if I have contractions or cramping. 

They wouldn't give me any indication of when the girls could come. They're hoping that with bed rest I'll be able to keep them in until my scheduled c-section at 37 weeks. It's really, really hard not to worry, but I just keep focusing on the fact that every day I keep them inside is another day they spend growing. Good luck! 

lydiarose2001

I have been on hospital bedrest for almost 4 weeks and here is how much my measurements have progressed over that time: 2.1 at 30w1d, 1.7 at 30w6d, 0.8 at 32w5d, 0.4 today at 33w6d. However, I have been dilated 1 cm the entire time and that hasn't really changed, and I think I am going to be able to go home tomorrow and stay on modified bedrest for another couple of weeks.

I have read up on preemies and had a NICU tour while I was here, but that's mostly just because I haven't had much else to do. FWIW, the resident who is working under my MFM said that lots of women who make it to 34 weeks have no trouble getting to 37 even if they are highly effaced. It definitely is scary, but I'm hopeful that if I'm vigilant with home bedrest over the next couple of weeks, it will all turn out. GL to you!