Shortened Cervix anyone?

TabbyBran3 · May 2016

I'm wondering if anyone is dealing with a shortened cervix and has been put on bed rest?

nlane0723 · May 2016

I haven't, but a two close friends have. Have they discussed a cerclage?

aesthyerin · May 2016

Not yet. Currently going to my second appointment with mfm to check cervical length. Hoping to not need any extra help

Schell2013 · May 2016

I had a short cervix, didn't find it until 29 weeks and it was 2cm. It was too late for a cerclage, and they watched me carefully and if it got shorter they would use a gel cream to make it stronger. I wasn't allowed to have sex, and had to take it very easy. But I carried full term with no issues! Good luck!

TabbyBran3 · May 2016

I'm seeing a new OB on Monday because I don't feel that my doctor is being aggressive enough. She wouldn't even discuss a cerclage or other measures because I haven't had a previous second trimester loss due to cervix issues. But I do have a uterine anomaly (double uterus) and issues with a short/incompetent cervix are common with women who have uterine anomalies. I also have had a previous miscarriage. I'm just not okay with the wait and see approach. I go for weekly cervical length measurements and my cervix shortened an entire cm in one week. I'm just concerned because I'm only 18 weeks and it's so early to be concerned about preterm labor.

ignoscemihi · May 2016

I had a shortened cervix my last pregnancy, but, like @Schell2013, it was later in the pregnancy (perfectly normal at my anatomy scan, but shortened at 26 weeks). My doctor told me bed rest was not effective at preventing premature labor (here's a short article about the studies that have shown this: https://www.scienceandsensibility.org/p/bl/et/blogid=2&blogaid=601), so he just monitored me fairly closely. He didn't really discuss cerclage, either because it was later in the pregnancy or because there wasn't evidence that I had an incompetent cervix. I ended up carrying to term and giving birth at almost 39 weeks.

That said, @TabbyBran3, it sounds like you made the right call switching OBs. You want to know your doctor is on your side and is doing what's right for you. She should at least be willing to talk to you about decisions you aren't comfortable with to either try to make you more comfortable or to take a different approach you would be more comfortable with. I hope your new doctor is a better fit!

lmno304 · May 2016

My sister had a short cervix and had a cerclage. Bed rest for 5 months. Don't stress about it, but don't push it before you're ready. Send someone to do your grocery shopping, even. Avoid repetitive motions like the way your body mives while you vaccuum.

bosslady925 · May 2016

Those who have been diagnosed - did you/do you have any symptoms? I've been having some pressure in my pelvis, really my cervix, and wondering how seriously I should push getting it checked.

Schell2013 · May 2016

I just had constant pressure, it felt like if I jumped too much she would fall out.

bosslady925 · May 2016

That makes me nervous. I wouldn't say I constantly feel it. It's mostly when I'm sitting on the toilet and have just finished peeing, I feel a lot of pressure. I called and the nurse totally wrote me off, didn't once mention the possibility and just said the baby was getting better, but I haven't read anywhere where that's normal/to be expected. My appointment with the doctor is next week so I'm going to talk to her and let her know I'm concerned and want her to check.

TheMillerHighLife · May 2016

Hi ladies, I have a shortened cervix, currently 2.67. I had a cerclage place on 4/21/16. I am currently almost 18 weeks along. I too feel a lot of pressure when I use the bathroom. I am currently taking progesterone suppositories to help prevent pre-term labor as well. My doctor has mentioned bed rest as an option if my cervix shortens below 2.5. However, he feels that the cerclage and progesterone could increase my cervical length. I am currently on a walking restriction and lifting restriction of less than 20 lbs. I am not supposed to walk more than a block within a 40-45 minute time frame. I really do not want to be on bed rest. I like to be at work, and I like to have the ability to come and go as I please. I had a loss at 20w5d with my daughter, Claire, two years ago. I am anxious and nervous about every little twinge in my body. I'm praying for my son to be full term.

Sally1990 · May 2016

I think it depends on how short it is. Mine with my 2nd started to shorten around 24 weeks. It was 2.4 then, my doctor didn't put me on bed rest but I had to get weekly ultrasounds. By the time I was 30 weeks it was down to 1.2. With this baby I'm 19 weeks and yesterday it was 3.2. I know that most doctors don't get worried or do much until it's 2.5 or below. I stopped worrying about mine when I talked to another mom from my November13 bump group who was having twins and hers was down to . something.

Jilly2016 · May 2016

I had a cerclage yesterday after measuring at 2.0 last week. It wasn't the most pleasant experience of my life my I'm so glad to have had it done and hopeful it will make a difference in carrying my son to term. I'm now on bed rest until my next u/s appointment to remeasure.

Knottie1453924567 · May 2016

I went to my scan yesterday. I am 19 + 3. The baby is perfectly healthy but my cervix is 1 (they want it to be 2.5 or higher) on the sonogram. My doctor said it didn't feel short. She wasn't too worried yet because I have had 2 full term pregnancies. I go back to rescan on Friday a week later to make any decisions. She talked about possible cerclage and hospital bed rest. She is also going to do an FFN test. She told me not to worry but I can't stop worrying.

She also wants me to get a maternity support belt. I am so nervous.

Schell2013 · May 2016

@Knottie1453924567I had a positive FFN and I still carried to term. Just in case that's what you get it's not always the case. It's best if it is negative but positive just means it could happen or is more favourable but isn't a one way ticket to having a preemie. Good luck! I know it's scary but just try to relax and not stress, that makes it worse!

Knottie1453924567 · May 2016

Thank you! I am trying to stay relaxed.

PabloAndChristine · June 2016

You will see a lot of variation out there. Im a doctor myself AND someone who has cervical incompetence it was confusing enough for me to sift through everything. For some, cerclage is not appropriate (first pregnancy, short but not too short cervix), for some it is (previous loss, or very short cervix). For most, progesterone is appropriate. And the appropriateness of bedrest varies a lot too. Definitely feel comfortable your doctor is on your team and doing everything possible for you, but please don't assume that they don't know what they're doing or don't care if someone else is getting more aggressive treatment-everyone's situation is different. For me, I started this off with one plan and wound up with a very different situation, but I'm now 22 1/2 weeks along and still pregnant! (Diagnosed at 18 1/2 weeks, got an emergent cerclage and bedrest after being <1cm and dilated 2 cm)

And yes, a +FFN doesn't mean much, but a negative one is very reassuring. But they should never do one before 22 weeks.

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