Intro- short cervix, experience with level of bedrest and cerclage?

bcnoelle · January 2014

Hi ladies. I'm due end of May (about 18.5 weeks now). I had a 12 week ultrasound that showed a short cervix (2.8 cm), a 15 week ultrasound that showed it at a 'normal level', and today's ultrasound showed it at only 1.7 cm with funneling. They have scheduled me for a cerclage in 2 days. (due to me eating prior to the appointment and tomorrow being a holiday, they decided on Thurs). I was also put on daily progesterone suppositories. Doctor said to do modified bedrest and that I should be good to go back to work next week but to takeit easy. Unfortunately my work keeps me on my feet. Doc said just to try and shorten my days. From what I've read online, I'm concerned that my cervix level at this early in pregnancy might warrant complete bed rest. I'm also concerned that a cerclage placed with funneling is risky. Any advice/thoughts are greatly appreciated!

ThereBeDragons · January 2014

My cerclage was placed with funneling down to around 1cm. There's always risk associated with messing with the cervix when its already weak- but if your doc is recommending a cerclage the risk of letting the funneling continuing into dilation is probably far greater. My funneling continued to shorten my cervix in the 2 days between the measurement and the procedure. The only time a cerclage is placed without funneling is when you have a history of loss and you get an early preventative cerclage. Once you've already got funneling- well you can't wait around and hope it goes away- you treat it.

Regarding rest levels- I'm on restricted activity for the remainder of my pregnancy. 1hr walking, 6hr standing, unlimited sitting but rest in bed when feeling tired. I could not continue a job that had me exceeding those restrictions- but luckily that's not an issue for me. My doctor was quick to remind me that at any time if I started showing signs of PTL or further shortening- I may end up on full bed rest or hospital bed rest. But the procedure without dilation is considered preventative and preventative cerclages come with restrictions rather than complete bed rest.

I'd talk with your doc about your job requirements but be ready to accept that there may not be a good solution. If your job cannot be scaled back- you may have to decide if the job is worth the ongoing risk.

bcnoelle · January 2014

Thanks for your response. I'm trying to take it easy, but cutting back now just means more work for me later:( Unfortunately I am self-employed and it's very difficult to delegate roles out in my job because it requires a specific degree and several insurances/licenses, where a temporary replacement is not easily found nor an easy transition.I'm looking into re-arranging the schedule to lighten it or finding the right candidate to associate with me. Best wishes for a healthy pregnancy and baby to you!

sexyntexy · January 2014

I got a preventative cerclage at 14 weeks because my cervix was 2.7cm and I had shortening w/ my 2nd pregnancy that resulted in BR from 29-37 weeks. So we went ahead with the cerclage since the shortening was already happening at 13 weeks.

I'm on pelvic rest and can't lift anything heavy (which with 2 young kids is hard). I'm suppose to limit my activity but I have a desk job so work has been fine. I never had funneling w/ either pregnancy.

I would definitely try and do what you can to limit your activity. I know it will be hard but it's just a few months. Hang in there and good luck!

bcnoelle · January 2014

Thanks for the responses and positive vibes. I also have a 2.5 year old son who is a very active 40 lb toddler. Between work and home it's hard to cut a break, but I will just have to find or hire help as needed.

esheats · June 2014

I know this post is a little dated but I'm really curious to hear of an update. I also had a cerclage placed at 22 weeks after finding funneling at 20 weeks (I was monitored for a couple week, then decided to go with the cerclage to be safe). At 26 weeks I was started on progesterone suppositories as well. Luckily I haven't been on bed rest besides the week after the cerclage, but am on restricted activity. Bcnoelle - how did the remainder of your pregnancy go? I am not due until the first of September.

Manada · June 2014

I had a cerclage placed last week at 19 weeks. I was put on bedrest at 17w3d when my cervix showed funnelling and opened a bit. I have been on home bedrest since then.

I am still on home bedrest, and have stepped it up so far that we rented a wheelchair for any visits we need to make outside of home. I basically lie down all day except for going to the bathroom, to change locations, or to grab a quick snack. For us we are focused on making it to viability now, so I am working to limit my activity strictly for the next 4 weeks.

After that I think I will still be on home bed rest, but may have more leeway to go out in my wheelchair or move around the house more. We will see how it goes.

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Intro- short cervix, experience with level of bedrest and cerclage?

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