Cervix Length

rinascita · August 2012

I have read quite a few posts and researched a little on Google that anything < 3cm is something to be concerned about.

Based on your experience/knowledge, at what point should I be concerned? My length was 3.1cm at my 13w,2d u/s. I am going in on this coming Thursday to see my MFM for an u/s but I was hoping to be my own advocate to a certain extent.

Did you length ever increase once decreased?

At what length would you be concerned to push your doctor?

If my length is < 3cm on Thursday, how soon should I have a follow up u/s?

I just want to make sure if I am dealing with PTL or an incompetent cervix we catch and deal with it earlier rather than later. Up to and including getting a second opinion from/switching to a different MFM.

SPerry0376 · August 2012

I would ask him about it. If you need a cerclage it is better to do it preventatively than when it becomes an emergency.

MelleTX · August 2012

My Dr told me anything over 25mm is fine. I was a 39 at 14 weeks and a 38 at 18 weeks so she feels good. And I have a prior history of LEEP surgery.

I know one thing they are really looking for are changes in the cervix and how it respond to pressure.

I thought I had read somewhere that cerclages are usually placed before 17 weeks. Not sure what they do after that.

HayGirl5 · August 2012

I am further along than you, but I have been dealing with cervical issues as well. One of my MFMs told me that anything over 2.5 is considered "short." I have been on modified bedrest since 23 weeks because they noticed funneling, which means that it is opening on the top side. Last week, I was diagnosed with a dynamic cervix. This means it can get longer and shorter. I have been going for weekly cervical checks and you should probably be going weekly too, especially if yours shortens below 3.0 this early. To answer your questions about whether it can increase and decrease, I believe if you have an incompetent cervix, it can only decrease and continue to shorten, but with a dynamic cervix, the length can go up and down. GL!

karebearmccroar · August 2012

I think your own baseline cervical length matters somewhat. I had a 4.8, 4.9, 4.7cm, etc pretty stable cervix up until it went to 2.8 cm in a week, and I was put on strict bedrest at home at 21 weeks. I was having 5-10 contractions per hour that I didn't know about, went on Nifedipine 10 mg every 6 hours. Since then, I have been to triage a few times for increased contractions (ones I could feel) and some cramping, and my Nifedipine was increased to every 4 hours. But I was diagnosed with hyperdynamic cervix, too, which means it shortens and lengthens. So it has been anywhere from 3 cm to 5 cm at my ultrasounds in the last month, which is good. They think the meds plus bedrest keeping pressure off my cervix is helping. It can change, but you may have to change activity level to have it do that. Or you could be having contractions you aren't feeling, like I was, which are doing something to your cervix. You also need to make sure that it isn't funneling, because it could still have length but funneling would be bad. I would be concerned in your position as well and ask very detailed questions of your doctor, have them explain their view. If I didn't feel they were conservative enough/aggressive enough as far as what they would do if I did experience PTL, then I would definitely get a second opinion. You may be ok with that length, though, as long as they keep an eye on it. GL!

rinascita · August 2012

Thanks for the advice ladies, I appreciate it.

I've been somewhat worried ever since my first MFM visit where I was measuring 3.1cm b/c the MFM never said anything about it. I feel much better hearing some of your personal experiences and didn't know about having a dynamic cervix - I'll be sure to ask him about that.

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