will I have a short cervix in 2nd pregnancy?

palma44

I'm not sure where to post this but I am going to try starting. I  have a 14 week old and during my pregnancy with her I was diagnosed with a short cervix and went into pre-term labor at 29 weeks. My husband and I so badly want to have another baby in a few years, my question is if anyone has had experience with a short cervix, will I absolutley have this problem again with future pregnancies?

kross605

Im pretty sure the length of your cervix is your permanent anatomy...it doesnt change, so you will always have a short cervix. That being said, I have several friends with a short cervix and they had perfectly "normal" birth experiences with babies born right around their due date so while youre risk of preterm will always be there, you may certainly have a typical pregnancy in the future.

But Im not a medical professional so take my comment as you will!  

nat6102006

No, not necessarily.  I had my DD at 32 weeks due to a shortened cervix & unexplained preterm labor.  They will probably send you to a high risk group next time with cervical length checks between 14-24 weeks, as well as put you on weekly progesterone (17p) shots. Apparently the progesterone is supposed to help keep your cervix nice and long/closed.

I did all of the above, and although I did have another preterm scare at 33 weeks this time (started dilating/contracting early again), here I am at 38+ weeks and still pregnant.   Good luck! 

af2004rn

No. Not necessarily. I had an incompetent cervix with my first pregnancy that was not a problem (as you can see from my ticker) this time.

byrne15

you will probably just be monitored via transvaginal u/s and have a cerclage placed if needed

kknapik

My MFM told me that every pregnancy is different but your cervix stays the same. Your baseline cervical length is what it is. The one "good" thing is that there are interventions that your doctor can do to help your cervix (now that you know there is a problem) such as bed rest, 17P, vaginal progesterone, a pessary, cerclage... So while having a short cervix in one pregnancy means that it will be that way for each subsequent pregnancy, it doesn't have to mean that you will go into preterm labor or have other complications. This is what me MFM is telling me.

Since my cervix was altered from previous surgery I was unable to get a vaginal cerclage as my cervix is flush with the vaginal wall. I had PTL at 22+5 due to a short cervix (8mm). A pessary, bed rest, and vaginal progesterone has kept this baby in. I have been 100% effaced for a while but he is still hanging on. IF we ever decide to have another baby it is suggested that I go see a specialist in Chicago who specializes in transabdominal cerclages as my MFM said that risk is too high. GL!!

IncogNeato

Iwas told yes, but p17 and / or cerclage can help baby stay put much longer. I didn't qualify for either since DD was close to term but I will hopefully be monitored more closely in 3rd tri.