Bed rest at 18 weeks

Burberry0421 · January 2014

I just went into L&D with some pains I have been having. I thought it was constipation issues, so I've been drinking prune juice & taking colace to help remedy that. Even after all that, I was still having the pains, so my dr asked me to go in. Everything is fine, babies heartbeats are fine, but then they checked my cervix. On Christmas Eve, it was 4.6. Today, less than 2 weeks later, it was 3.46. This obviously isn't the danger, but my dr was not happy with how quickly it shortened, so he has me on bed rest completely. He said at 2.5cm then we will have a problem. Not looking forward to even more time laying in bed, but at least it's not at the hospital at this point.

Paradisemoon · January 2014

I hear you! On Christmas Eve I was measuring 1.2cm spent the night and Christmas getting steroid shots. It is scary but hang in there. And bed rest sucks big time but it is just one of those things you know you gotta do. Good luck and keep us updated.

pillowass · January 2014

Wow! That seems super conservative to me. Did your dr. suggest revisiting the bed rest decision in the future if things are still looking good? My cervix was around 2cm at 24 weeks and I was put on restricted activity - meaning I could still move around, work my desk job, etc. but nothing strenuous. My MFM said there was no evidence that bed rest prevented PTL. I'm not suggesting you ignore doctor's orders, but maybe seek a second opinion if you have concerns about being on complete bed rest for the duration of your pregnancy. As I am sure many of the women on this board can attest, bed rest can be really taxing on your body and your mental state. Good luck!

PurpleIris30 · January 2014

At about 16 weeks I was having stomach muscle tightness, and my cervix had shortened from over a 4 to around a 3.25 in a matter of less than a week. My OB and MFM were both completely unconcerned (and would only be concerned if it shortened to a 2.5 or lower). I was told to take it easy and given detailed instructions on monitoring my stomach muscle tightness (contractions). I was able to manage contractions by paying close attention to my body (sitting or laying down if I had several in an hour).

My cervix didn't majorly shorten for the rest of my pregnancy. Although I did have a PPROM at 31 weeks, my cervix was still over a 2 in length and not a factor in the rupture.

So I'm a bit surprised you were placed on complete bed rest with a cervical length over a 3. However, I do think taking it extremely easy is very important. If you had an active job, other kids, or just are the type that can't take it easy, maybe your doctors felt bed rest was the best option?

AmandaFaith · January 2014

Oh wow. That does sound like your doctor is being super cautious. The doctors in my practice said anything between 2-5cm is generally fine. Mine is measuring about 3-3.5cm right now (last checked on Friday at 21w2d) and the u/s tech's exact words were "people would pay good money for this cervix!" Haha

2blessingsin1 · January 2014

I started my pregnancy with shortened cervix due to leep surgeries I had 3 years ago... they had done what they called a "cowboy hat" leep. Left me with under 3cm of cervix out the gate.

Then to find out we were having twins on top of it.

Dec 19th it had shortened to 2.6cm with that happening the Perinatal OB wanted me to get scanned every week to keep an eye on it... I am 15 weeks 3 days.... I have a history with shortening cervix... still not been told bed rest tho I have been taken out of work.

Sounds like your doc is being super cautious.

cukimerrydoll · January 2014

I've been on bed rest since 16w (placental complications, my cervix is the only consistently good thing in this pregnancy), and it's been an interesting several weeks. I know I had a week with my cervix in the low 3cm range, and it wasn't a concern for me either - but I suppose caution isn't such a bad thing.

Let me know if you need help alleviating the boredom! I've come up with after few (following other posters notwithstanding).

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Bed rest at 18 weeks

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