Shortening cervix!??worried

eiza · June 2015

Has this happened to any one else?? It's my second pregnancy and I'm only 19 wks.. I'm really scared.. I have a second ultrasound done this week to check it out but I could really use some words of advice now?!?

beccaannn94 · June 2015

I had a shortening cervix at 19 weeks as well they performed a emergency cervical cerclage and gave me strict orders to be on bedrest and also was given progesterone to take vaginally. I made it to 35 weeks when it had to be removed because i was going to labor. Dont give up hope ☺

remingtonchaise · June 2015

My cervix was measuring short at 19 weeks at 2.6 it was "in the gray area." I had a follow up a week later, no changes then another follow up two weeks after that and now I'm at 1.9. Now it's my choice on a pessary or cerclage this week. Hang in there, it's so stressful and scary. Like you this is my second and I never had these issues with my first.

eiza · June 2015

Thank you soo much to the both of you ☺️

happywifemomofone · June 2015

We found out at 20w u/s that cervix was measuring 7mm. After consult with MFM, we had an emergency cerclage placed on the same day. My MFM told me that they were "just trying to get me to 28w" and we choose a hospital with a level 3 NICU and have been waiting ever since. My cervix was sewn to 1.5cm. MFM said that as baby gets bigger, they water bag will funnel past sutures and break early. I will be 30w on Wed, and will be pleased to deliver in July or Aug. there's a big difference in outcomes based in when cerclage is placed and how short cervix was when placed. I hope to be able to ditch the stitch at 36w, but only time will tell. My MFM told me to come back in 6 weeks almost 5 weeks ago. So, I think after the sutures are in-there's not too much else they can do. We had to cancel summer travel plans, because we were afraid to travel too far from our Drs and NICU. Good luck!

justyh · June 2015

I was measured at 1.5 at almost 21 weeks as well as 1cm dilated and got an emergency cerclage and get weekly progesterone shots then put on modified bed rest for the rest of my pregnancy. I will be 24 weeks on Wednesday and will get two steroid shots to help develop baby's lungs. I am now about 1.9 cm, hoping to make it to full term and ditch the stitch at 37 weeks.

eburttr · June 2015

I was admitted with shortened cervix and funneling at 23+4, I've been on hospital bed rest for 6 days now 24+2. Every day is a blessing and we are just keeping our hopes high that we can keep our little one cooking for as long as possible! I was put on mag and given steroids when admitted, I am now talking procardia every 6 hours and nightly progesterone suppositories. Today they measured my cervix at 1.3cm and it was too late for a cerclage. I am contacting throughout the day but that has been normal for me since I was admitted. I would love to hear I'd anyone else is in a similar situation. My doc doesn't plan on me going home at all and I have not gotten cleared to do anything but use the bed side commode.

kidcapri100 · June 2015

Hi All - could really use some advice!

I went to my OB on Monday at 15w 5d with heavy bleeding. They found a small subchorionic hematoma and also decided to measure my cervix since I had an aggressive leep about 7 years ago. My cervix measured about 2.6 and my doctor asked me to come back in 1 week to take another measurement. He said if it gets shorter we will have to proceed with a cerclage.

Here is my question - since I am barely 16 weeks and measuring so short, shouldn't we do the cerclage sooner than later rather than waiting a week? Everything I've read seems to indicate the sooner a cerclage is in place the better the result. I'm considering calling my doctor today because I am extremely worried and have heard nightmare stories.

The only thing my doctor told me was to "get some rest". My husband is very worried as this is our first and has pretty much just asked me to stay in bed.

Am I overreacting??

PlainJane8350 · June 2015

Of course you're not overreacting, it's scary! I had an aggressive LEEP, too and my perinatologist didn't want to give me a cerclage. Apparently, you can have a short cervix and it still be strong. Especially when it's short due to a LEEP, which is probably why you're doctor wants to check it again in a week. Was it just short or did he mention funneling/dialating, too? Since mine wouldn't do the cerclage I asked for progesterone and insert one vaginal suppository morning and night. I'm also on "couch potato rest," but it's pretty much bed rest. If you can afford to stay in bed, then it can't hurt. My cervix has been stable, knock on wood, and every visit they tell me to "keep doing what you're doing." I move to the couch during the day or I get achy from laying in bed all day. If you sit it, they just recommend reclining/not sitting up straight. Also, no bending/squatting. My husband works out of town so I'm home alone a lot so I have to do some things, but just take it easy when you do. It's good that your doctor wants to check it again so soon. Once you know what it's going to do, you'll be able to gauge what's "too much" for you as everyone's body is different. 2.6 isn't horrible, though, it's still at the low end of normal. Do you know what it was post LEEP? I never knew that, I was just told that it was short.

kidcapri100 · June 2015

@PlainJane8350 Whew you just really helped to put my mind at ease!

I think the biggest issue is that I really didn't get much of an explanation other than "your cervix is measuring shorter than we would like for where you are in your pregnancy. We want to see you in a week and if it's measuring any shorter we will have to do a cerclage". So then you go home, start doing some research and really scare yourself with some of the stories that are out there!

I really am unsure of my cervical measurement after my LEEP. Since then I've had 1 minor colposcopy but nothing out of the ordinary.

How far along are you? How often do you need to go in and see your doc for check ups? Is this your first?

Best of luck to you, your LO and your bed rest! I'd appreciate any tips on how to survive it (I usually can't sit still for the life of me)!

kidcapri100 · June 2015

@PlainJane8350 Also was told by my OB that they won't even refer me to a perinatologist until I hit the 2.5cm mark. I think that's so crazy if I'm currently only .1cm off...?

PlainJane8350 · June 2015

I'm 25 weeks this week. I was about a month away from when they typically stop doing cerclages when my cervix started shortening (again? I never knew my post LEEP measurement either). It was actually 2.9 at 12 weeks, then had gotten as high at 3.4 over the next month or so, and dropped back to 2.9. Do they measure vaginally? What I've learned is that ultrasounds aren't exact. The best way to measure you're cervix is vaginally, and your doctor should take one measurement while applying pressure. These measurements aren't exact, though, so give or take a few mm. I still hate that mine is considered short and it scares me nonetheless.

You may not need a referral to a perinatologist. My regular OBGYN is a perinatologist. I'd call one and see if you can get in. I used to embarrass my husband sometimes, but this is your baby, not your doctor's. If you want to see a perinatologist ad 2.6, then you should. It doesn't hurt to see them exclusively if you like them, they'll probably love you because we're easy cases for them!

I go every two weeks, but when my cervix dropped back down to 2.9 I was going every week (with vaginal ultrasounds with and without pressure). Once I stayed at 2.9 for a while, she put me back on every two weeks. If I were you, then I'd ask for vaginal progesterone now. It can't hurt. I, too, have the luxury of being able to "take it easy" so I get up, put one in, law down for at least 20 minutes and put the second one in at bedtime. Its no big deal.

This is the first pregnancy that I've gotten this far with. I was pregnant last year, but lost the baby early on due to what we went on to find out was trisomy 13. I wanted to add that, while I liked the OBGYN I saw with my first pregnancy, perinatologists are more proactive. The things that I worry about, my perinatologist is already on it. I feel like I'm in better hands and can relax more, because I feel like she's doing the worrying for me. I am a worrier, though. If you're not, then a perinatologist may be too intense for someone who's more relaxed. I could give you another examples of how proactive she's been with things other than my cervix if you like.

I email back and forth with a friend from college, and that really helps! So if you get bored, worried or just want to chat I'd love a new pen pal!

Plainjane19792001@gmail.com

Moving from the bed to the couch helps a surprising amount.

My friend sent me sweepstakes, which I can pass on to you. It gives you something to do, but I've also won some baby stuff!

I record shows and watch them when my husband's at work, he just left today! If I'm worried, then I watch stuff that sucks you in. For me, it's those "true crime" shows on Investigation Discovery or a really good Hallmark movie. If I'm worried, then Sudoku puzzles or starting a registry/researching items for my registry since I'm a first time mom also helps. Anything that requires full concentration, sitcoms don't distract me enough if I'm actively worrying.

When my husband's home, he'll do laundry and bring me clothes to fold from the couch.

But, ya, I'd trust your gut and call a perinatologist if that's what you want to do. Worst case scenario you'll be their easiest patient. I'd definitely take it as easy as you can, but try not to freak out until you get a second measurement. It's highly possible, and likely since you had a LEEP, that your cervix is short due to that LEEP, but just as strong as before/anyone else's.

PlainJane8350 · June 2015

P.S. Don't be scared of the cerclage. I begged for one! My doctor just couldn't justify it yet.

PlainJane8350 · June 2015

I also had a subchronic hematoma!

kidcapri100 · June 2015

@PlainJane8350 Wow sounds like we really have had similar pregnancies! I will definitely reach out via email - thank you SO much!

And thanks too for the tips! Love the idea of the sweepstakes and I know I can always get sucked into a puzzle!

PlainJane8350 · June 2015

Can't wait!

baloloy · June 2015

Hi Ladies, i'm trying to educate myself with this "shortened cervix" too, my daughter 's cervix is gone, and 1.7 cm dilated, at 20wks and i' m freaking out! though doc said no contractions, she' not a candidate for cerclage coz they said its her first pregnancy, no need for hospitalization they said... we are just trying to be positive, last nite we had a scare, a gooey sticky liquid came out from her after she peed, but according to the doc who check her its not from the amniotic, whew! ....we're just praying that baby hangs on....and keep cooking till its time...really scary!

kidcapri100 · June 2015

@baloloy Wow that is scary! Did the doctor tell her to stay on bed rest?
Please keep us posted!

biancakoz · June 2015

My cervix was measuring 1.8cm at 13 weeks. My doctor did a cerclage immediately the next day. It was scary since it was my second pregnancy and I never had a problem with my first. I got several cervix checks and my cervix actually lengthened to 2.5cm and pretty much remained there. My OB is a high risk OB, so she was able to handle my care. I did see an MFM, but it was for other issues with the pregnancy. I got my cerclage removed at 37+2 and an currently 39+4, 4.5cm dilated and 90% effaced, just waiting on him now! I know it's scary, but just try to relax. Everything will work out!

eiza · June 2015

Hi ladies so I got my cerclage plassed this morning and also got put on bed rest but I'm still kind of worried of what could happen I love reading everyone's experience and to the ones going thru this with me.. We are not alone and always have faith!

Andretta1 · June 2015

I have a shortened cervix due to an aggressive cone biopsy. My fertility specialist recommend I have a cervical suture (abdominal) as a preventive measure 3 mths before we began trying to get pregnant. His reasoning was that as was older, my chances of falling pregnant were low and he didn't want to risk me having a miscarriage due to an incompetent cervix - any pregnancy would be too precious to take that risk. I have had a couple extra US scans during my pregnancy to check the cervical length, and even though it is short (2.3mm), it is stable. My Obgyn also had me on progesterone pessaries from 14-34wks as another preventative measure. Am 36 wks now, all good, breezing through the pregnancy and cervix holding up, caesarean booked for 38 1/2wks. Perhaps my shortened cervix would have been scarred and tight and not been a problem and perhaps all the preventative measures a little over the top, but I am glad we did it - it took over 17 full IVF cycles to fall pregnant so no way I was going to risk losing this precious one!

terrissa89 · June 2015

@baloloy how is your daughter doing? Sorry for what she's going through, I hope baby is able to stay in there!

It frustrates me that doctors seem to want to wait for women to lose a baby before they look into the possibility of incompetent cervix and intervene. It seems easy enough to check for at routine ultrasounds.

@eiza how are you doing with your cerclage? Are you on bed rest? When will you go back for a follow up? Hope all is well

wlbmom2013 · July 2015

I had PROM with no explanation with my son (he's 2 today and was born at 34 weeks ). I am currently pregnant. I started spotting and cramping at 8 weeks and have been on progesterone since. I just stopped spotting 2 weeks ago. I will be 15 weeks tomorrow and my obgyn just told me yesterday that we will be doing the cervical length test in 6 weeks. My question is, SHOULD I ASK HIM TO DO IT SOONER? I didn't know anything about it until he mentioned it yesterday and now I'm so freaked out!!!!!

gvgauthi · July 2015

wlbmom2013 said:
I had PROM with no explanation with my son (he's 2 today and was born at 34 weeks ). I am currently pregnant. I started spotting and cramping at 8 weeks and have been on progesterone since. I just stopped spotting 2 weeks ago. I will be 15 weeks tomorrow and my obgyn just told me yesterday that we will be doing the cervical length test in 6 weeks. My question is, SHOULD I ASK HIM TO DO IT SOONER? I didn't know anything about it until he mentioned it yesterday and now I'm so freaked out!!!!!

I would!!!! That seems too close to the cut off period (24 weeks and they won't do a cerclage). In one week my cervical length went from 4.5 to 2.5cm. You should at least have lengths done every two weeks (that would make me feel more comfortable!) hope this helps! Keep us posted

wlbmom2013 · July 2015

Thanks! He did say that once they start doing them, he does it every 2 weeks

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