Cervix Length Shortened - Can I still be OK?

Re: Cervix Length Shortened - Can I still be OK?

• urby87 member

  July 2015

  My cervix length hasn't been mentioned at any of my appointments, so I don't know...
  

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• collegebound08 member

  July 2015

  I normally have a very high cervix and it was 55 but I've been having contractions and it has now shortened to 37 which is a normal length but bc I'm having contractions and its shortened that much in a couple weeks I had to start medicine to stop contractions and take it easy. I would say definitely take it easy and if you feel contractions let your dr know just incase

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• scuffles member

  July 2015

  This happened to my pregnant friend who is 24 weeks. She was put on activity restriction. When she went back, the length was back to normal. Her doctor said maybe she had something called a "dynamic cervix" meaning that depending on your activity the length will change. I haven't researched it at all. I would trust your OB.

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• geekgirl613 member

  July 2015

  So, I think there are many factors involved with the cervix length.  My first cervix check, I was 7+ cm, but the next one I was around 4 cm.  I was freaking (carrying twins) and I thought this was a HUGE deal.  The ultrasound tech said if your bladder is really full it can make the cervix longer (my first measurement).  I think there are other factors that I am sure I not aware of, but my OB and my MFM both have said they aren't worried at all until it is under 3 cm.

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• gvgauthi member

  July 2015

  jaybee1111 said:

  At my 18 week anatomy scan, I was told that my cervix length was 4.6 cm and everything is normal with the baby.  I had another growth ultrasound today at 22 weeks, and the cervix length is now 3.5 cm.  Both the OB and technician mentioned that it is considered normal if cervix length is over 3 cm and told me not to worry.  But i wonder why the cervix is shortened by 1 cm in 4 weeks and I worry that this is a sign that it will continue to get shorter.  My OB does not seem too concern, but we scheduled another cervix scan in 2 weeks just to make sure.
  
  Has it happened to anyone? That your cervix length got shorter but you are still within the "normal" range.  Can this be normal?  Should I be worried?? Thanks.
  

  I wouldn't worry too much. A cervix length above 2.5cm is normal. Lower than that and you might have to have a cerclage. Even the slightest difference in holding the ultrasound probe can show differences in cervix length. Just curious... Was it a transvaginal Ultrasound? The transabdominal are not as accurate for detecting accurate cervical lengths. If you are very concerned have them to a transvaginal ultrasound next time (this is far better for getting the length). Also check out the high-risk pregnancy board for "short cervix" and there is a bunch of threads that will give you lots of info. Hope this helps!!!
  

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• jaybee1111 member

  July 2015

  Thanks for the responses. This is an abdominal ultraslund. I emailed my OB after reading all your posts. She assured me I am ok since my cervical length is over 3.5 cm. She said it's ok for me to continue swimming. Hopefully I will have good news at my next cervix scan in 1.5 week. Thanks all.

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• kidcapri100 member

  July 2015

  As PP's have said 3.5 is still very good! Normal range for someone at your gestational age is 3 or over.
  I'm 19wks and have been under 2.5 since 15 wks. I'm monitored every week because its in the "danger zone" and my perinatologist is hesitant to do a cerclage bc I have a large hematoma that still seems to be resolving itself and sits right above my cervix.
  With that being said, my Peri won't even consider cerclage on patients unless it dips down into the 1.5cm zone so you definitely have a ways to go!
  As long as you stay above 2.5cm with no signs of funneling that's completely normal. As others have said, if you're personally very worried about it then take it easy.

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• OSUJaydee member

  July 2015

  Your cervix will continue to shorten as your pregnancy progresses. 3.5 is excellent for how far along you are. Don't borrow trouble - if your OB is ok with the length, don't worry about it. Abdominal ultrasounds are also not very accurate for cervical measuremeets. There's not much you can do anyway. My high risk doctors don't even put women on bedrest anymore for a short cervix unless it gets short enough for hospital bedrest, which is under 1.0. Last pregnancy I went from 2.5 at 24 weeks to a low of 1.7 at 30ish weeks. They stopped measurements at that point. I gave birth at 36 weeks, no NICU time. If you're having signs of preterm labor, like contractions, then I'd start worrying, but your length is very good and I wouldn't think twice about it.

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