Late-term preemie mom ready for #2, but... the usual worries.

IncogNeato · February 2012

I'm a little worried that my doctors, whom I generally love, won't really take my concerns about having another preemie seriously, since LO was "only" a 36 weeker, and because they were using more conservative dates based on a later U/S that put me at 37 weeks, so they considered me full term at delivery. However, my pedi, my FF chart, and the nurses in the special care nursery were unanimous that LO was a 36 weeker, if not closer to 35 weeks. I know in the world of preemies that's pretty darn good and I am very thankful for that, but I do worry about baby 2 being earlier and smaller.

My first PG story-

I had a short-ish cervix by 22 weeks (hovering around 3cm, on the cusp of normal.) It got slighter shorter over the next few weeks but not enough so to concern my docs, who were ready to stop monitoring. I stressed, broke down and cried and they ended up continuing to do cervical U/S until around 33 weeks (well, one for cervix length, then fluid was low, then growth seemed delayed, then cervix again, etc. Always "potential" problems that ended up looking ok the next time) Around 33 weeks I was at 2.7 and they decided I was far enough along that it didn't matter. I had some contrax around then and had a FFN test that was negative. The day before I delivered I was 75% effaced, which is something like 1cm. My water broke and I ended up being induced to no contrax, and in retrospect, I believe I had a slow leak starting a week or so earlier.

Any advice for how to approach this with my docs whenever I do get PG so I can have my mind at ease without coming across totally paranoid? Should I just get used to the fact that I may have to be a little paranoid/pushy to make sure I get enough monitoring to keep from stressing?

Sorry if this is rambly or dumb. LO is sick, I've been barfed on twice today, and I'm a little sleep deprived. :-P

GeauxTigers82 · February 2012

It is stressful, but you just can't predict what will happen. I was worried since my first was a 34 weeker (like you said, considered good in the world of preemies), but when I found out I was pregnant with twins the second time around, I was really worried about how long I would be able to carry them. I was able to get to 33 wks, and was thrilled with that. All and all, we've had some minor health scares/issues, but everyone is doing fine.

You will probably have to be a little pushy to get what you want. If it will make you feel better, they should have no problem doing it (within reason, of course). OBs deal with crazy pregnant ladies everyday, so I know they are used to it!! LOL!

sweetpea2003 · February 2012

Our stories are almost identical. With my DD they noticed a short-ish cervix (2.8 rings a bell) at 21 weeks. I was monitored into my third trimester where it was hovering just under 2 cm. At 35w3d my water broke out of the blue and I delivered my daughter the next day.

WIth my second pregnancy we did a few things:

1. They measured my cervix at the NT scan to get a "baseline". They wondered all along if I just had a short cervix anatomically or if I started at the typical 4-5 and had shortened to 2.8 at 21 weeks because of insufficiency or weakness.

2. The plan was to do a cerclage if my cervix dropped below 3cm before 15 weeks. It didn't so we didn't do a cerclage.

3. I started 17-P injections at 16 weeks and did them weekly until 36 weeks.

4. I started procardia at 30 weeks to stave of lots of Braxton Hicks which seemed to like to shorten my cervix.

5. I had monitoring bi weekly from 15-30 weeks. At 30 weeks my cervix was in the 3 range still so the released me.

6. I was on modified bed rest and pelvic rest the whole pregnancy. I worked and took care of my toddler but I didn't stand or exercise or go on long walks or do anything that wasn't necessary. Basically, I was a lazy bones (this was probably the hardest thing for me).

7. I took Vitamin C supplements daily becuase some research has shown it helps strengthen the amniotic sac and helps prevent pPROM.

My cervix did better with pregnancy #2 but when I was checked at 35 weeks I was already 3cm dilated and 80% effaced. At 37 weeks I was 5cm dilated and 90%.... When I went in to be induced (for a zillion reasons) at 39w4d I was already 6cm and 90% before they broke my water or started pit. So I am assuming i was sitting on razors edge for weeks (basically, my water was probably at high risk for breaking).... I was lucky that even with such a dilated cervix I stayed pregnant. Anyway, DS was born healthy and HUGE at 9 pounds 11 ounces. My cervix, while short, was definitely strong enough to hang in there with a big baby.

GOOD LUCK!

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Late-term preemie mom ready for #2, but... the usual worries.

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