Irrational cervix fears. Don't judge.

MissyNWill · November 2013

I'm PgAL and have generalized anxiety. I'm 21w4d and early on I was dx with a sch. One thing my ob said was that if I had a bleed, my cervix could open and the baby could slip out. While I don't really think a baby the size of a pomegranate would just slip out (ob said that really early on), I can't shake that fear. I've read some about incompetent cervix only because its in WTEWE but I guess I'm just really terrified.

How would I even know if I had cervix issues? I've only had one internal exam early on and I'm a FTM so I don't know if I will get another one. And I don't want to call the doctor just because I have a fear based on nothing physical I'm experiencing.

Mcsweets · November 2013

You honestly don't know if you have cervix issues, there aren't any signs. I was worried about mine and my Dr. entertained me and checked me at 15w - turned out mine is really short!! If you're worried, they should check.

Many times (and ladies on here can definitely attest to this), your first pregnancy is a "test run" and they just see how you do ... which is ludicrous to me!

angelsnight · November 2013

My opinion could be biased, but I really don't think it would hurt to ask for a pelvic exam or an u/s to measure your cervix. Since you have no red flags to lead anyone to think you could have IC they likely won't do an u/s, but a pelvic exam could at least tell you that you cervix is long, hard, and closed.

It's my personal opinion that they should do cervix checks for everyone, regardless of history and risk factors. I never had any reason to believe I had IC, never had a leep procedure, but I had to pay the price of losing my daughter to find out. I get that the medical world deals with statistics and the stats aren't high enough to warrant this, but my thoughts are, if even one family can be spared the pain of losing a child by a simple cervix check then it should be done. I am sure 30 years ago women were only tested for GD if they had risk factors but now everyone is....my MIL was never tested (until after birth, but for most women it goes away after they deliver) and MH was 11 pounds when he was born and has ADD. Was it because she had uncontrolled GD? Who knows, but high birth weight and ADD can be complications of uncontrolled GD.

Sorry, I went off on a bit of a rant there. My point being, don't feel like a crazy woman for wanting a cervix check. Most women don't have warning signs until it's too late, and there is nothing wrong with advocating for you and your baby's health. Good luck!

MissyNWill · November 2013

Thanks ladies. My cervix was checked by u/s around 14 weeks and maybe again at 18 at my A/S. It was long. Is that the only "symptom"--a short cervix?

Mcsweets · November 2013

I COMPLETELY agree with @angelsnight - I think it should be routine at visits.

Mcsweets · November 2013

Yes, your cervix stays long until you get further along in your pregnancy, then it is my understanding it shortens prior to dilation stating... the problem is when your cervix shortens too early (like mine was short at 15w, and then even shorter at 17w ...) and can cause PTL

angelsnight · November 2013

Mcsweets said:

You honestly don't know if you have cervix issues, there aren't any signs. I was worried about mine and my Dr. entertained me and checked me at 15w - turned out mine is really short!! If you're worried, they should check.

Many times (and ladies on here can definitely attest to this), your first pregnancy is a "test run" and they just see how you do ... which is ludicrous to me!

I can't believe your doctor hadn't already planned on doing cervix checks. From what I understand, even when IC wouldn't normally be an issue, it's much more common with multiples. I'm glad they humored you and checked, and that you asked!

ceh789 · November 2013

I'd just like to suggest that you put down burn your copy of "What to Freak Out About when you're Expecting". That book is the most alarming thing I've read and if you already have anxiety it is going to be absolute poison, IMO.

Mayo and ACOG both have good pregnancy books that I didn't find nearly as alarmist as WTE.

Mcsweets · November 2013

angelsnight said:

Mcsweets said:

You honestly don't know if you have cervix issues, there aren't any signs. I was worried about mine and my Dr. entertained me and checked me at 15w - turned out mine is really short!! If you're worried, they should check.

Many times (and ladies on here can definitely attest to this), your first pregnancy is a "test run" and they just see how you do ... which is ludicrous to me!

I can't believe your doctor hadn't already planned on doing cervix checks. From what I understand, even when IC wouldn't normally be an issue, it's much more common with multiples. I'm glad they humored you and checked, and that you asked!

Me too!!! Sometimes it pays to be paranoid

aaaand sometimes you come off looking insane - but hey NBD right?

PerkyErky · November 2013

I agree with PP, ask for a cervix check. I had no risk factors or any indications I would have IC, however I do have IC and only learned of it after we lost our daughter. Your cervix more likely than not is fine, but on the off chance it isn't it's better to be checked.

Have you had you anatomy scan? I thought they did a check then, at least that is what my dr said is normal protocol for them.

Often there are no signs of a shortening cervix, but some definite red flags are cramping (contraction type cramping), bleeding, and significant increase in discharge.

ETA: I just saw your comment that it was checked at your a/s and they told you it was long. IC is a shortening cervix that eventually leads to dilation due to the increasing pressure of the growing baby and uterus. If they said your cervix was long and didn't mention any other concerns about it such as funneling, then you most likely do not have IC. I am sorry it has you worried. Hugs.

saisongbird · November 2013

Ask for them. I get a cervix check at every appointment. It's nice to know that it's long, and if it shortens then you can find out and DO something about it! I will say, though, that it hurts when they check you, at least in my experience.

YankeePeach08 · November 2013

Mcsweets said:

angelsnight said:

Mcsweets said:

You honestly don't know if you have cervix issues, there aren't any signs. I was worried about mine and my Dr. entertained me and checked me at 15w - turned out mine is really short!! If you're worried, they should check.

Many times (and ladies on here can definitely attest to this), your first pregnancy is a "test run" and they just see how you do ... which is ludicrous to me!

I can't believe your doctor hadn't already planned on doing cervix checks. From what I understand, even when IC wouldn't normally be an issue, it's much more common with multiples. I'm glad they humored you and checked, and that you asked!

Me too!!! Sometimes it pays to be paranoid aaaand sometimes you come off looking insane - but hey NBD right?

they may have just been planning on starting later. Mine started at 22 weeks with the internal US cervical check. If I wasn't having twins they wouldn't be doing it.

clo1982 · November 2013

If your only thing is an SCH please put down that god awful book (actually put it down regardless...as pp said its a completely alarmist piece of trash)! I had two SCH's, one of which was pretty darn big and bled daily for over a month, numerous times it was heavy enough that I made a trip to the ER per my dr's instructions. Did they measure the SCH at your A/S? If so your dr can tell you if it has shrunk or grown and I'm guessing they are doing more frequent u/s to monitor it? I definitely know it's scary to bleed and cramping unfortunately comes with those stupid SCH's and that is scary too. But if they didn't mention any effect on your cervix, then just try not to worry about it. Also you can ask your dr where the SCH is located as that makes a difference in the risk. What I can tell you is my new dr said that while an SCH is a pain (sometimes literally) to deal with, it is relatively insignificant as far as things that cause real risk. Also if you haven't bled for a while that could be a sign that it is naturally resolving on its own. Don't let that diagnosis lead you to believe you will have a host of other problems! eTA: my dr never mentioned anything about the baby slipping out!! That sounds absolutely ridiculous for a dr to say so please don't worry that you will be walking through a store and oops!!out slips a foot long baby!

angelsnight · November 2013

YankeePeach08 said:

Mcsweets said:

angelsnight said:

Mcsweets said:

You honestly don't know if you have cervix issues, there aren't any signs. I was worried about mine and my Dr. entertained me and checked me at 15w - turned out mine is really short!! If you're worried, they should check.

Many times (and ladies on here can definitely attest to this), your first pregnancy is a "test run" and they just see how you do ... which is ludicrous to me!

I can't believe your doctor hadn't already planned on doing cervix checks. From what I understand, even when IC wouldn't normally be an issue, it's much more common with multiples. I'm glad they humored you and checked, and that you asked!
Me too!!! Sometimes it pays to be paranoid aaaand sometimes you come off looking insane - but hey NBD right?
they may have just been planning on starting later. Mine started at 22 weeks with the internal US cervical check. If I wasn't having twins they wouldn't be doing it.

That sounds crazy late, considering most women that lose a pregnancy due to IC are between 19 and 23 weeks.

eslifer6 · November 2013

If you are worried, you can request a cervix check at your anatomy scan- this is done with and internal ultrasound and measure the length of the cervix to determine chances of preterm delivery. I didn't know they could do that but I was very happy to have it done when they offered the option, just for piece of mine!

MissyNWill · November 2013

Thanks ladies. In really trying to not be that girl who runs in every time I have "a feeling". I haven't had my ob mention any reason I should be worried, I'm just an overall anxious person

MissyNWill · November 2013

Laura8388 said:
Last time I was at the hospital, my doc told me there is no such thing as a stupid question or overly cautious mom. That's what they are there for. Stress isn't good in pregnancy and they will do what they can to put your mind at ease.

I also have an IC, but have no signs or anything. I did have a leep procedure but was told it may not even be from that. At my clinic they routinely check the cervix length at the anatomy scan and are not concerned if it is above 3-4

Did they check your cervix via the external ultrasound or do an additional vaginal ultrasound? I did not have a vaginal at my a/s. I did have placenta previa at 14 weeks that resolved by 18 when I had my a/s so I'm not sure if because of that they looked at cervix length. It was "nice and long" at 14 weeks and I did have a vaginal then.

Excitedmum35 · November 2013

It is worrying. I had a cone biopsy years ago and I had no idea that it could affect my cervix during pregnancy (of course it makes sense- but i just didn't think about it) and noone checked anything to do with my cervix last pregnancy- which went fine. My dr this time (different dr) tells me oh that can cause a miscarriage but since you were ok last time you'll be fine this time!
Scary.

babylimas · November 2013

I have had cervical polyps and had pelvic exams at every appointment. My doctors are extremely cautious. At my appt last week they said it was gone, but I know have to get very frequent u/s because of the heart defect and my excessive fluid. They have noted cervical length at every u/s. I have a vice like cervix that never let up last pregnancy, so it's kind of funny they check so much.

jennybean80 · November 2013

LEEP and cone biopsies can also effect how your cervix dilates due to scar tissue. If you've had either let your L&D nurse (or MW, etc) know about it so they can anticipate those differences!

JKS21 · November 2013

I think cervix should always be checked also. The first time, I had it checked (I think I must have had some sort of pains or something), and it was 'borderline' at right under 3. I was worried, because I had a LEEP procedure earlier on, where they take a small amount of your cervix. I ended up going full term (3 days early) and yes, NOW they use that as history...but I was checked again this time anyways, and it was like almost 5cm. It is obvioulsy different for each tech that is doing the exam, but DAMN I didnt think it could vary that much. Made me feel better though.

clo1982 · November 2013

My question for the op that doesn't look like it's been answered (although maybe I missed a prior post or something) is why, other than what you read in wtewye, do you think something is wrong with your cervix? Did a cervix issue cause your previous loss? It just seems like if the answer is no, then everyone is jumping the gun a little and probably scaring the hell out of you! If you had no previous cervix troubles and you only have the SCH I don't think there is any harm in requesting a check at your next appt for peace of mind but to just assume you have cervix problems is probably worrying and stressing for no reason.

MissyNWill · November 2013

clo1982 said:
My question for the op that doesn't look like it's been answered (although maybe I missed a prior post or something) is why, other than what you read in wtewye, do you think something is wrong with your cervix? Did a cervix issue cause your previous loss? It just seems like if the answer is no, then everyone is jumping the gun a little and probably scaring the hell out of you! If you had no previous cervix troubles and you only have the SCH I don't think there is any harm in requesting a check at your next appt for peace of mind but to just assume you have cervix problems is probably worrying and stressing for no reason.

I'm just worrying about everything. It's a problem. I get a worry and then I obsess about it until the next worry that comes along

clo1982 · November 2013

@missynwill I know it's tough not to worry. You are solely responsible for a life which is huge. Honestly though there is a lot with this that you can't control...but what my dr said over and over is that stressing or worrying excessively can do more harm than just about any SCH! And given that your baby is still in there growing try to trust your body to keep things going in the right direction. I'm shocked at what your dr said in the beginning but at 20+ weeks you can be fairly sure that nothing is going to 'slip out' without some warning! Ask for a check next time for peace of mind...and for now worry about thanksgiving, or dinner or cake or something else!

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