23 wks 1d shortening of cervix

Kenpow23 · August 2015

Went to my 22wk ultrasound and my cervix went from 3.5cm to 2.8 in 2wks. Im currently on makena shots and checked every 2wks.

I had my 1st daughter at 23wks 3d spontaneously after finding out at 21wks that i was pregnant.

Anyone else have cervical shortening? What treatments or things were done?

Thanks. Terrified i will have another micropreemie.

azimum · August 2015

I had a shortened cervix at last appointment too. Dr didn't share numbers, but I would also be curious to hear about others' experiences.

Kelley421 · August 2015

I would think cerclage and perhaps some form of bedrest?
I do not have personal experience but have done research as I am concerned for this due to multiples.
I imagine after the experience with your DD being so early, it's really scary thinking this could happen again. Wishing the best for you!

PlainJane8350 · August 2015

Mine started at 2.9 at 11 weeks because I had a LEEP in '05. Your cervix is dynamic, so mine actually got as high as 3.4. When it started shortening again, they gave me (vaginal) progesterone and put me on "couch potato" rest. At my last visit I was 30 weeks and my cervix was 2.6. I'm 32 weeks now, have another appointment this week, but they seem happy with the results. It'd definitely take it easy as long as you can, but at least until whatever your doctor considers viability. My basic rules were no unnecessary standing, as little walking as possible and reclining when I sit (as to keep direct pressure off of my cervix). They also didn't want me squatting or bending.

happywifemomofone · August 2015

I was found to have a short cervix at 20w u/s, I was 60% effaced, 1cm dilated and cervix measured 7mm. They they my cervix was injured when my son was delivered. Without intervention, they expected me to go into labor within 48 hrs. I had an emergency cerclage, was put on pelvic rest, modified bed rest and progesterone suppositories. We toured NICU and were prepared for an early delivery. My MFM Dr said cervix would funnel past sutures (at 1.5cm) as baby got bigger. I was allowed to return to work on light duty at 22w, returned to modified BR at 32w when membranes bulging. Pleased to now be 36w4d and get to ditch the stitch on Friday!!! Couldn't be happier with how things have played out. Shortened cervix has def. made for a difficult pregnancy, but I'll take that for a healthy baby that can leave the hospital with me!!!

kidcapri100 · August 2015

Hi there!

2.8cm at your gestational age is actually pretty good. You're just barely under the "safe zone" but well above the danger zone. Did they mention anything about signs of funneling? That's usually an indicator of preterm labor. No funneling can just mean that your cervix is short. And it will continue to shorten and lengthen like @PlainJane8350 mentioned

I was 2.6cm at 15 weeks and am now 23 weeks and at 1.9cm. Some weeks I'm longer, others I'm shorter. I've been on vaginal progesterone and modified bed rest as well as pelvic rest. As long as my cervix does not dip below 1.5cm and show signs of funneling before 24 weeks my doctor is not too concerned. At this point cerclage is out as its too late in the pregnancy.

I'm a FTM but understand preterm labor is a risk of a short cervix - I'm also dealing with a 12cm SCH that won't go away (another contributor to preterm labor) but my doctor is still very optimistic that I will be able to carry to at least 30 weeks if not full term.

What did your doctor suggest? Perhaps weekly checks vs bi-weekly to put your mind at ease?? Mine has been checked weekly for changes and will continue until I reach 24 weeks. After 24 weeks I was basically told there was nothing they could do, the baby (although small) would be viable and I will just have to wait and see what my body would do. Nothing like keeping you in suspense..!

sunshine0526 · August 2015

Hi!!

I am currently 22 weeks, I found out that I have a short cervix at my 20 weeks ultra sound. It measured 1.5 cm. My doctor immediately put me on progesterone. Within the past 2 weeks I've been in and out of the hospital. I am terrified at the thought of losing my child. I had a miscarriage last year at 8 weeks and had no prior history that would lead to a short cervix. At my appointment last week my cervix measured 1.0cm which more was concerning. I was placed on a machine to see if I was having contractions. Which I wasn't and I am not dilated so performing a cerclage was not in the picture. I went in again yesterday and my cervix measured between 1.5 and 2.0. which better than what we were expecting. My next appointment is at 23w6d to get another measurement, my doctor said if it measures under 1.0cm they will perform the cerclage.

Right now, I am beyond scared. I personally do not know anyone who has gone through this. I've been doing my own research tho. My doctor doesn't want to put me on bed rest, he said there are more risk to being on bed rest. But I have been reading so many other testimonies about this issue and others were placed on bed rest. So my husband and I decided that I would take a few days off work each week to rest and also on weekends. So hopefully this will help me.

Kenpow23, each journey is different, I wish you the best of luck. Also stay hydrated, I read that it helps a lot.

MilaRoseLeblanc · August 2015

Hi!

I'm currently 19 weeks and 2 days. I had a cerclage placed at 15 weeks. At 17 weeks my cervix was 22mm and yesterday when they check me I was 17mm and cervix is open from the inside:( right now baby in sitting on the cerclage! I'm now at home on progesterone and resting until 26 weeks and then will see how it goes.

I had 2 previous pregnancy before this one and I miscarriage at 20 and 23 weeks do to my incompetent cervix but I didn't have a cerclage. I hope this time I make it to at least 30 weeks. It's nice to see that I'm not alone in that situation. Many people around me doesn't understand what's going on!!!

azimum · August 2015

@kidcapri100 i have a somewhat similar story. just found out my numbers today, but was 2.9 cm @ 21 weeks, and 2.2 cm @ 23 weeks. dr said it was too late for a cerclage, and didn't mention anything about progesterone or bed rest, but did say she wants me to come in next week to get steroid shots for baby's lung developments. scary! am curious though if you think the progesterone is helping? i've read some promising things about it and wondering if i should push dr for it.

thanks in advance!

kidcapri100 · August 2015

Hi @azimum - As for the progesterone, i do believe it worked for me. Before I started the progesterone my cervical length was definitely declining. Since being on it however we have seen less of a decline week over week. It's not the most pleasant thing in the world but hey, my cervix is hanging in there!

Why is she giving you steroid shots? From what I've heard those are generally given when you are actually going into preterm labor or rupture your membranes. Are you showing signs of funneling or labor?

azimum · August 2015

thanks for the info @kidcaprii100 ! i am definitely going to ask for it this week at my appointment.

my MFM was concerned by the amount of contractions i'm having this early on and that my cervix is already over 30% gone, so because of that she thinks i'm at very high risk for pre-term labor. i actually ended up going to the hospital yesterday because of more contractions, and while there i took a fetal fibronectin test which came back negative. based on that, the on call dr and nurses don't believe i'll be going into real labor for at least another 2 weeks, so i'm going to ask that we consider delaying the shots a little while longer.

have you experienced any contractions? or do you know what was causing your cervix to shorten? fyi, just thought i'd share i also had 2 SCH, once that caused bleeding every single day up until i was 14 weeks, and the other resolved itself by 20 weeks. fun times

kidcapri100 · August 2015

Oh wow @azimum I didn't know you were also having contractions! That can be so scary..

Good luck with the progesterone and hopefully your doc is a supporter! I had an aggressive LEEP procedure 8 years ago due to cancer cells they found in my cervix. Thankfully I've been totally normal since, but they did have to remove a large portion of my cervix. Because of this we knew it would be short but completely unsure of how it would fare when pregnant. So far I've been lucky - it's staying strong with just marginal shortening, even though I'm down to 1.9cm.

As for contractions I've only been having Braxton Hicks and they are completely sporadic so my doctor isn't too concerned.

Ah yes, the dreaded SCH's... And you had two?! Happy to hear they both resolved by 20 weeks! I had a massive bleed from mine at about 15.5wks. I haven't had new bleeding since, but it's still there and doesn't show signs of re-absorption so the doc is a little concerned with how it will affect the amniotic sac as the baby and the sac/uterus grows. He said generally it isn't a problem prior to 28/30 weeks but does have a risk of prematurely rupturing the sac after that. So we are just waiting patiently and back on travel restrictions/"wait and see" mode in the next few weeks.

Keep us posted!! Hopefully your LO will stay cooking for awhile!

Kenpow23 · August 2015

UPDATE...
i had my appt today. With just normal interal measuring i was 3.0cm but when she pushed on my belly to create pressure i had major funneling and my cervix went to .8cm.

They took me to L&D to hook me up and make sure i wasn't contracting which i wasnt. I received my 1st steriod shot for babies lungs and go back tomorrow for the 2nd.

They want me to come back Thursday to have a remeasure and then decide on suppostories or continue the shots. They said with being 24wks a cerclage is risky in that they could puncture my water and cause labor so they dont want to do that right now.

Im on i guess the "couch potato" rest with no exercise and no sex. Baby was measuring to be 1lb 8oz so right on track for her gestation now at 24w 1d.

PlainJane8350 · August 2015

Just wanted to let you know that I have a similar story with no cerclage, but progesterone suppositories and I'm 33 weeks. In my opinion, what you're doing does work and I was so skeptical that I kept asking for a cerclage even after my doctor who's a specialist told me why she didn't want to give me up. I know it gets hard sometimes, but keep up the couch potato rest because it's worth it!

Kenpow23 · August 2015

Well today im getting a pessary ring placed and i was switched to progesterone suppositories. Hopefully these and couch potato rest will help...dr. doesnt want me on strict bedrest becuz he said it can do more harm then good sometimes. Hopefully we will make it to the 30's. Fingers crossed!

azimum · August 2015

@Kenpow23 hoping you and I both get into our 30's! I'm 24 weeks and next milestone is 28 weeks and it just feels so far away! I also have gotten one of two steroid shots, receive the other one today and it makes me feel a little better, though I really would prefer to stay pregnant as long as possible!

@kipcapri100 I started my progesterone suppositories, praying they will stabilize my cervix! @PlainJane8350 wow I feel so comforted reading your post, I hope I can also make it to 33 weeks and beyond on the progesterone suppositories! I have a TMI question for both of you, please ignore if it makes you uncomfortable...do you use an applicator or just your hands? When I received the big pills, I was shocked the pharmacy didn't provide applicators with them, as I used those earlier in the pregnancy. I had a few applicators left over so I used one a few days ago but then got worried that I might be getting to close to and irritating my cervix. But when I tried with my hands, I couldn't tell if I went far enough haha. Any tips? Just want to make sure I'm getting the most out of these suppositories!

kidcapri100 · August 2015

@azimum I use Crinone and they have an applicator - similar to a tampon. Don't worry about it getting too close to your cervix. It's pretty far "up" in there! My applicators are hard plastic and about 4 or so inches in length and I've never had an issue with irritating the cervix.

PlainJane8350 · August 2015

@azimum Sorry, I just saw this! I use my hands, but each pack of my 60 only comes with one applicator and I insert them twice a day. Basically, I'm just lazy. I wouldn't worry about going "too far," though. At the risk of giving you TMI, I always make sure it's up there really well when I stand up, wash my hands and lay down as quickly as I can afterwards. I also always splash water afterwards because the excess has irritated my skin before. I insert one suppisitory at bedtime and one in the morning (then lay back down for at least 20 minutes). Here's my e-mail if you have any more questions, this app sucks half of the time on my phone:

Plainjane19792001@gmail.com

34 weeks as of yesterday and counting!

vjones121592 · August 2015

At 24w5d I went to l&d with a bad side pain, ended up finding out baby had flipped but that I had a very short cervix and very weak. It was less than 2cm in length. I ended up hosp. Bedrest for 2 weeks and had the steroid shots, and thankfully I am now 35 weeks today! Just been continuing moderate bedrest at home with no intercourse or driving. But things definitely can get better, just pray♡

breezypip · August 2015

Can I join you guys? I'm a FTM and I have just been diagnosed with a shortening cervix. At 19w everything looked great, and by 21w it was down to 2.5cm. I went back today at 22w3d and it measured 1.5cm and 2 cm at two separate ultrasounds (at doctors office and hospital respectively). They mentioned some funneling as well, but said my cervix is closed tight in the outside which is good.

I'm quite scared, but it's good to see I'm not alone and that there are some encouraging stories.

My doctors are starting me in progesterone suppositories, and light activity. They have advised against bed rest saying it can do more harm than good (this seems to be a divisive point of view so it's confusing). They also will not do a clerclage since I'm not dialated.

azimum · August 2015

Hi ladies! Thought I would share my update: went to the specialist a few days ago for a growth scan and to check my cervix. At last appointment two weeks ago I was measuring 2.2 cm, and this appointment I was at almost 3.5 cm! Now, this was the first time I had my cervix checked with a transvaginal ultrasound, so it is possible that it was never 2.2 to begin with? It could also be the progesterone, who knows?! I'll take it either way! So grateful and now hopeful that I might make it to term!

breezypip · August 2015

@azimum that's awesome news! I just started progesterone last week and I'm hoping to see results like yours.

kidcapri100 · August 2015

@azimum That's awesome! Transvaginal u/s measurements are way more accurate than transabdominal so that should help ease any worry you previously had.
Are they measuring you again? I had weekly measurements done with the progesterone for 8 weeks: some weeks I definitely measured longer than other weeks. The cervix can shorten and lengthen..super common.
Once I hit 24 weeks and was still over 1.5cm in length I was cleared to go back to my regular OB. Still on progesterone for the remainder of the ride though!
Best of luck and glad to hear things are working out!

azimum · August 2015

thanks @breezypip and @kidcapri100! i won't get measured again for another three weeks, hoping that my cervix can stay long and strong through term! 14 more weeks to go!

PlainJane8350 · August 2015

Just wanted to second @kidcapri100's comment. If you're cervix is a concern, then they should always be measuring vaginally!

kyliesha95 · August 2015

Hi ladies my cervix is at 13mm and I'm 28weeks it's been this size since 25weeks I'm on progesterone but Nerva was I told bed rest I'm concerned and my back really hurts, I have another appointment this weeks just hope all goes good !

PlainJane8350 · August 2015

Could you put yourself on bed rest? Good luck at your appointment this week! But it sounds like your cervix is short, but holding strong. They just recommend bed/couch potato rest to keep pressure off of the cervix. Even sitting straight up applies pressure, so I even recline on our way to doctor's appointments in the car.

kyliesha95 · August 2015

Well Iv tried to put myself on bed rest but I also have a 10month old daughter I'm just surprised it's hasn't opened by now, but I feel baby moving and booting strong all the time.

breezypip · September 2015

I just wanted to follow up on my last post. Since they noticed my cervix shortening two weeks ago, down to 2.1cm, I have been taking progesterone suppositories and keeping my activity light - no exercise, sex, or any extensive walking or lifting besides normal daily routine. I'm happy to report that for the last couple of weeks my cervix is holding steady at 2.1 cm with no additional shortening.

I was a little nervous since my doctors did not recommend bed rest or clerclage for me, but so far so good. It seems like the progesterone is doing its job. I will continue to get checked weekly, so FX it stays strong!

azimum · September 2015

That's great news @breezypip! It's so interesting to hear how so many doctors differ on the issue of bed rest, but as long as you are getting positive results that's all that matters!

azimum · September 2015

Hey ladies, just wanted to share my update. Had an appointment with the specialist this morning, and looks like baby's growth has dropped a little further (from 20th percentile to 15th), and my cervix has shortened down from 3.5cm to 2.2cm and showing a little bit of funneling. It is closed though! I have been having a lot of contractions this past week, I think from a cold which has caused some serious dehydration, which in turn I suspect is affecting my cervix. I'm hoping to recover and get these contractions under control so I can make it as far as possible! 29+1 today!

Hope everyone else is hanging in there too!

jlr822 · September 2015

i was told that i have a incompetent cervix had a cerclage placed at 13 weeks and put on progesterone and it has worked wonders on me and i know that it can even be done later on in the pregnancy if caught in time. also bedrest works wonders even if it is boring

PlainJane8350 · September 2015

Are you coughing? If so, that's probably affecting your cervix. My nurse told me that even non-pregnant women, every time they cough it changes their cervix!

azimum · September 2015

WHOA @PlainJane8350 how weird lol! Yes, I was definitely coughing, in fact coughing so hard that I gagged a couple of times. I really hope that's what it was! I have my cold/infection under control now with antibiotics. Oh, I also am on a different set of antibiotics for my 3rd UTI during this pregnancy (never had them until this pregnancy!), and I read that can also cause contractions. I'm hoping that in my next check up in two weeks I'll show some improvement as I get these factors controlled!

PlainJane8350 · September 2015

Ya, my nurse was super serious about me not getting a cough. I know it's easier said than done...but try not to cough! Get some rx cough medicine, lemon drops, hot tea with honey, anything! Then see what your cervix does once you're feeling better. I'm sure it's only temporary because of your cold, though. Get well right now! :P

breezypip · September 2015

@PlainJane8350 That's interesting that your doctor said that coughing can effect the cervix. I had caught an annoying, but not horrible cough from my coworkers right after being diagnosed with short cervix. My hunch was that it wasn't good to be coughing and I was very annoyed at the horrible timing, but my doctors did not mention it could cause my cervix trouble and I couldn't find any info online about it. I made sure to keep it under control as much as possible. In those two weeks my cervix measurements had gone from 2.1 to 1.6 (where it currently stands). I'm hoping that now I've shaken the cough it will slow or stop the progress.

PlainJane8350 · September 2015

I think it will. Our cervixes are dynamic. I went from 2.6 to 3.4, then back down to 2.6. I'm sure once you've been better long enough it'll get longer. I had never heard of it either, but the nurse said that coughing even affects a non-pregnant woman's cervix. Other things affect it, too, of course. They also told me not to sit up straight, stand/walk for more than ten minutes, squat, etc.

kgcal · September 2015

Does anyone know if the cervix gets shorter with each pregnancy? With my last pregnancy my cervix was 4.8cm at 20 weeks and with my current pregnancy it measured 3cm at the same 20 week mark. My doctors appointment is this Friday so I will discuss with my OB but I was just wondering if anyone has had a similar story. Thanks!

MilaRoseLeblanc · September 2015

I'm 26/3 weeks and my cervix is now 1.4cm.
I had a cerclage placed at 15 weeks due to IC. Now I'm funneled pass the cerclage but still have 1.4cm left before it start to open! I'm on moderate bedrest and progesterone. I hope I can get to least 29+ weeks. I had my steroids shot yesterday for baby's lungs.

God this pregnancy is sooo stressful!!! Wish you all good luck with the pregnancy:)

peppercorn16 · September 2015

Hey gals, I am joining the short cervix club at 22 weeks 5 days! I went for my first measurements at 18 weeks and was at 4 cm, and today at 22 & 5 I was at 2.2 cm. No funneling and it was completely closed, but I have uterus didelphys/cervical didelphys so he said it may or may not be related. No contractions so far, hoping it stays that way! Starting my progesterone suppositories tonight and getting rechecked next week. Doc wants me on bed rest this week to see if it helps or not. Hoping baby stays cooking until the 30's!

azimum · September 2015

Good luck @MilaRoseLeblanc and @peppercorn16! Hopefully the bed rest and progesterone will help your cervix hold strong for several more weeks!

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