Cervical length and 2nd opinion on Cerclage -- long

steponalego11

I have been having my cervix monitored since the start of my pregnancy due to a cone biopsy and my mother, grandmother, and great grandmother all having premature babies due to cervical incompetence. My first measurement was 2.4, then with modified bed rest I went to 2.7, and then two measurements of 3.6. On friday I was sent to L&D due to a headache where I lost vision and contractions. While I was there they did a measurement of 4.4 and I was pretty excited about that. (they think the headache was from severe dehydration brought on by a virus). Yesterday I had my regular peri appointment for a measurement and it was 3.1. I had my obgyn appointment after that and my obgyn is a bit concerned as we're getting close to not being able to get the cerclage. He is sending me to another peri to get a second opinion as my current peri wasn't even in the office yesterday to talk to me about options and just had his tech do the measurement. At my first appointment with this peri he said if i want the cerclage he'd do it or we could wait and see how it goes and that was the last conversation we had about it. My obgyn thinks that is unacceptable - esp with such a drastic change in measurements in a few days time - the peri should've been talking to me yesterday in the obgyn's opinion. My DH and I are at a loss - we're 22w2d and the clock is ticking on this choice - we feel like we weren't well informed when it was first offered to us and now worry we'll run out of time before the obgyn, the old peri and the new peri get it all figured out.

have any of you gone through anything similar? Anyone had a cerc placed this late? sorry this is long I just feel like my head is spinning and we're at a point now where the doctors are putting this choice in my hand and I worry I will make the wrong one...  

FIRST311

While I feel like your measurements are really pretty long. ( I was 24 weeks and 1.3 sent me to the hospital for bedrest for a month)

If I knew then what I know now I wish I had had the option to get a cerclage. I know its not a miracle cure. But anything would help I think. 

Did you ask the Dr what risks there are associated with a later cerclage? Maybe thats the best place to start and then go from there with your decision 

ninasc

Has your Dr mentioned the possibility of getting a pessary? I wasn't diagnosed with a shortened cervix until 24 weeks 4 days which was too late for a cerclage but I had a pessary put in instead. The risks are very minimal and I think it is better than nothing. My cervix has been holding steady since I had it put in although I am sure being on bedrest has something to do with that too.

Cercamom2011

Like the PPs said, there are definitely risks and options to consider.  Are you still having contractions, or were they from the dehydration?  If you're still having them, I would talk to my dr about that too. 

Unfortunately, there are risks with any of your choices.  I hope you find the answers you need and that the LO stays safe and sound for a few more months.

Laxbugg1410

First, your measurements are long. I have a preventive cerclage (placed at 14 weeks), but I was initially 2.8cm and they didn't put me on any type of activity limitation. The last time I went, my cervix was over 3cm and the Dr doesn't even think I need another u/s at 24 weeks.

We're talking a difference of millimeters here and potential measurement error/inconsistency with different techs. Maybe you can hold off and see what happens? Obviously it would not be ideal, but would you be okay with further activity limitations?

Good luck!