Short Cervix at 17 weeks and options.

Manada · May 2014

So things got super scary here on Friday. Woke up with heavy bleeding in the wee hours of the morning and spent the day in L&D triage waiting to find out if the worst was happening. Thank goodness our midwife was there and saved us from being diverted through the ER because in L&D we got a quick scan and both babies were doing just fine despite the bleed.

Long story short. We were sent home in the afternoon with a dx of a cervix that is 2cm or less (it was dynamic while there, but never longer than 20mm), and they had seen it open once to 0.5cm, but was mostly closed. Had some cramping, bowel issues and bladder spasms while there as well.

Suspicion is the bleeding was a result of the cervix shortening and opening, as there is no previa or sign of a major placental bleed. Am on home BR until Tuesday with the hope that everything else quiets down and they can remeasure and make a call about progesterone or a cerclage, both or neither.

Thankfully the bleeding has stopped (knock wood), and the bladder and bowel issues resolved, so am on my back in bed hoping nothing happens.

Trying to research and think through options: can anyone help? We are terrified and haven't told many people because we don't want to scare our families until we know. Am also trying to figure out If I should start thinking that I won't be back at work for the long-while, and if I should let go of the week-long course I am supposed to teach at the end of June.

From what I know a cerclage and progesterone suppositories were mentioned by the OB fellow we spoke with Friday. We are seeing the MFM Tuesday and will mention P17 to him as well.... But I have no idea what to expect. Everything went from a normal twin pregnancy to "you may lose your babies before anyone will try to do anything because it's too early" REALLY fast.... And mostly we are just scared and wanting to do everything we can to give it the best shot, but it feels like there are no clear answers.

Tips/advice/experience? Even good thoughts are welcome. Thanks.

absolutelymaybe · May 2014

I'm sorry I don't have any tips for you, but I just wanted to let you know I'm sorry you are going through this and my thoughts are with you. I hope everything gets back on track and you gym some good news from the MFM.

LilSip0611 · May 2014

I'm so sorry you are going through this! I am also pregnsnt with twin girls and was found to have a short cervix (0.9cm) at 24 weeks. They wouldn't do a cerclage at that point because the risk of breaking my water was too high and the babies were viable but they did determine that I was having contractions which were causing my cervix to shorten. They prescribed Procardia (10mg) four times a day with modified bed rest and so far everything is holding steady and we made it to 28 weeks. Next goal is 32 weeks! Rest, put your feet up and drink TONS of water. Sending you tons of good thoughts and prayers!

Aurora1181 · May 2014

Oh how scary!!! Rest and like PP said, drink lots of water. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and sending lots of positive energy. Do you meet with the MFM on Tuesday? Try posting this on the high risk board too.

xtina78 · May 2014

So sorry you are going through this. I don't have any experience with short cervix but I wanted to wish you good thoughts. I know the uncertainty must be really hard right now and I hope you get some answers on Tuesday.

DoublePortion · May 2014

No advice, but FX your cervix looks better on Tuesday!!

Manada · May 2014

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and well wishes. We will update as we know more too.

@Aurora1181‌ yes - we meet with the MFM Tuesday. It was a pre-scheduled appt to meet him for the first time, but the OB in triage said to wait and see him because they didn't want to do anything else until the bleeding and everything quieted down.

@LilSip0611‌ - did you keep working on modified bedrest? We are already short-staffed at my office, and I am in the middle of having a promotion made official (have already need doing the job on a short-term contract) - so am also balancing that with the priority of putting the babies first and keeping them in as long as possible... Your story is inspiring though, I sincerely hope we can also make it to at least 28 weeks and dream beyond that. It feels so far away right now.

Ylvelill · May 2014

I was put on hospital bed rest at 26w with 1.5cm cervix. I am lucky I am not working or I would have had to stop. I will be on bed rest until I deliver or so I am told. I got to go home at 28w since they are stable now.

Hang in there and listen to your MFM

it is scary but it seems to be quite common with twins.

LilSip0611 · May 2014

My OB gave me the option to keep working as he said there is no scientific literature proving or disproving that bed rest helps. It's more for my peace of mind that I did everything I could to keep these babies in as long as I can. I had asked him what he would advise a family member to do regarding working and he said he'd tell them to stop unless they really were not able. Were they able to determine why your cervix is shortening? The Procardia seems to have made a huge difference in the contractions I have (or at least that I can feel). I'm pretty sure that if you have a cerclage placed, you will be on bedrest either strict or modified, so I can't imagine you'd be able to teach a class at the end of June unless you can Skype from your couch. The MFMs at our hospital don't prescribe progesterone for twins for some reason but I thankful that what we are doing is working for now. Hang in there mama, you can do this!!

Rxmom04 · May 2014

Haven't been there but wanted to wish you and your little ones a good visit with the MFM Tuesday. Thinking good thoughts for you!

JessaPrimate · May 2014

Having just been put on br myself, I sympathize with how quickly things can change! My next appt is tomorrow as well. Fx we both get good news.

morrkim · May 2014

I am sorry you are going through this. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

4legsRbest · May 2014

Oh Manada! I bet you are both just sick with worry. I don't have any advice but hugs to you both and babies, stay put for your mommas!!!!

katekat8721 · May 2014

I'm sorry girl! I haven't experienced this but I am sending good thoughts to you and little ones. Definitey plan on taking it reeeally easy at home and drinking lots of water.

jocie2581 · May 2014

How stressful. I had bleeding from 11-15 weeks. And then again later in my pregnancy (can't remember when). My cervix was deemed "shortened" around 27 weeks and I made it six more before I delivered two healthy babies. Rest up. Eat protein. And drink water. Sending positive thoughts!

ceechie · May 2014

No advice just big hugs! Take care and keep us updated. >:D<

shanaynerz · May 2014

I don't have any advice, but just wanted you to my know my thoughts are with you all. I hope those babies stay put much longer!

xMissLissx · May 2014

If possible, I would absolutely go for the cerclage. I had one placed emergent at 19w3d with my ds and also electively this pregnancy at 13w with my twins (21 weeks now). I would also ask your mfm or ob about adding in procardia and Indomethacin. I was on both to prevent ptl and cervix shortening with ds.

Sending lots of prayers your way!

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