Cervical length, nurse left message. WTH?

JuneRunner14 · March 2014

This is my 3rd pregnancy. Cervical Length was never an issue with my previous pregnancies. I've had 3 lengths checked and am at 2.5. That was Wed. Fri there was a message telling me that I should not have intercourse, shouldn't lift, need to " lighten my load". I called back but the office was closed. Since then I've looked it up and it appears that concern over this length goes from little concern to bed rest. Any experience with this?

liberty95 · March 2014

I don't have any experience with this, but as a nurse I would NEVER leave such important and vague information in a message.
My only advice would be rest and reach out to the doctor on call, or call the office first thing Monday.

crhein26 · March 2014

CDK211 said:

I would call the on call dr and talk to them about this.

This exactly! That's enough to freak me out. I'd want to talk to someone. That's not very impressive of your doctor's office. I would be PISSED at a message like that.

MrsCase1 · March 2014

I quadruple agree with everyone else that the nurse's message was inappropriate. I think you need to discuss this type of communication with your doctor.

Although, I guess better she left it in a message rather than risk you over-exerting yourself over the weekend till she could speak to you in person. I guess I am torn because I hate voicemails where I then have to wait.

kelseydianne · March 2014

That is such a crappy way to get any information. I agree with everyone else, take it as easy as you can and either call the one call nurse or first thing Monday morning.

I would also talk the the office and tell them it is unacceptable to leave messages like that. At my office I was given a check list of how I wanted information to be received. Whether in person only, phone call only, voice mail with little information, detailed, so on and so forth. Is that an option for you?

flerlgirl · March 2014

No experience but what a douchey thing to do. I ditto PP's suggestions of calling back for more info. Use your angry eyes.

ElTrain5 · March 2014

Doctor on call definitely.

RedMar · March 2014

Yes that's quite an insensitive/unprofessional way to relay such important information. Sorry this happened

. Keep us posted!!

xnbride · March 2014

I actually wouldnt mind especially if she would have instead left a vague message on my phone and then I would have worried all weekend.
So she was just trying to say, take it easy. Cervical length under 3cm can be a concern and should be watched closely for change.

Danischn · March 2014

I have had cervix checks for a while, my doctor said anything between 2-3 is modified bed rest. Meaning exactly what your nurse said. I was at 2.1 (17 weeks)when they first starting measuring, they started me on progesterone cream/shots and weekly cervix checks. 5 weeks later I'm in safe zone at 3.1 (safe zone being 3.0-5). Call your on call now if you feel really stressed or first thing in Monday, make sure they start cervix monitoring you as under 2 (or funneling) can be more concerning. Sorry you have to stress about this, hope it gets better!!!

sarahlynnc317 · March 2014

I have had two checks so far. First at 16 weeks and was 4.2 next at 20 weeks and was 3.1 they have me scheduled the 10th for another check at 24 weeks. Depending on results we will either be fine to continue normally it be put on modified bed rest.

xnbride · March 2014

I would also ask your doctor if you can do progesterone suppositories. There is evidence that it helps to prevent preterm labor for singleton pregnancies.

cspencer85 · March 2014

Now I'm worried, they've never checked my cervix at any of my OB appointments. Is that something they can see on the ultrasound? If that's the case, then I'm good because I've had lots of ultrasounds and no one has said anything.

JuneRunner14 · March 2014

Thanks, ladies. I will call tomorrow. I too am surprised a nurse left the message. They know I have 2 kids at home to lift and deal with too. I'm chalking this up to bad weekend service!

RedMar · March 2014

@cspencer85- yes they can see the length of the cervix usually through a vaginal ultrasound. I wouldn't stress too much as they would've said something to you by now.

xnbride · March 2014

Yeah they can see the cervix via ultrasound. At my MFM appt they do a vaginal ultrasound as it is more accurate but it is a first for me. They also push on my stomach to see if it changes my cervix.
With my singletons they just did it using abdominal ultrasound. Also remember that cervical length can change so just because it was on the shorter side, doesn't mean that it will only thin more. It can actually thicken back up too.

misscarter87 · March 2014

Ive been having cervical checks since i was 18 weeks due to a leep procedure i had before my pregnancy..i would give them a call on tomorrow to see what if any thing is going on far as i know the only time you have cervical measurements is due to a medical issue or procedures

cspencer85 · March 2014

Thanks ladies

CreEspree · March 2014

Definitely call your doc first thing in the morning and have him clarify for you. Sounds like bedrest or pelvic rest. And definitely make sure they start doing cervical checks regularly.

TheMrs820 · March 2014

I am sure if they were worried the message would have been more urgent. Is there an after hours nurse or on call # you can call?

I would rather have a vague msg on a Friday than wait until Monday.

BabyCurtiss2014 · March 2014

I would rather have the message then nothing at all or very vague message if they couldn't reach me. As PPs said I would call doc on duty to get further clarification. Good luck!!

Didideek · March 2014

My cervical length has fluctuated for the past 7weeks, it has been as low as 2.1 and as high as 2.7. I am on progesterone supositories daily since 16weeks and now I am 24 weeks. The message that the nurse left you was right, you need to lighten your load to limit the amount of stress and weight that is being put on your cervix. If it continues to shorten you will be at risk for preterm labor. Give yor doctor a call tomorrow for more info....

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