shortened cervix

Curls919 · June 2016

Is anyone else dealing with this right now? My cervix was over 3 two weeks ago and as of yesterday (30w) it was 2.6. They said that 2.5 is when they worry so I'm going back next Thursday for a check (initially I was going back at 32w for my next check). The doc didn't put me on bedrest at all, but said to "take it easy" which is totally doable as a SAHM mom of a 2.5yo who happens to be off school all week. Thankfully he can do enough by himself that I don't have to lift him quite as much (the doc said to "limit my lifting") but I'm still starting to freak out a bit.

Is anyone else dealing with this? (FTR I did a search and there was only one post from someone in April who hasn't posted since that thread)

Shaunbawamba · June 2016

Yes, my cervix was 2.3 last weekend. My doctor made me take two rounds of steroid shots just in case I delivered early. I also took some type of test to tell if I had a high chance of delivering in the next two weeks. It was negative so I was told to just take it easy. I am still working and have two very active little girls (4 and 1) who I am chasing around. I have slowed down a little but have had no contractions or any other early signs. I guess they are just cautious if your cervix starts shortening before 36 weeks. Try not to worry. I was told that your cervix can shorten even at 27-28 weeks and many people still make it full term.

Curls919 · June 2016

thanks @Shaunbawamba ! I go on Thursday to see if I need the steroid shots or not.

jacmkelley · June 2016

Yep, had the same thing and nearly he same numbers three almost four weeks ago. I was also dilated. Since I've been on bed rest and taking medication for the dilating issue and my cervix has lengthened. Dr things the bed rest helped immensely. Just rest and wait for next appt, sending good vibes!

dobiegirl85 · June 2016

This sounds like what happened to me with my last pregnancy. Somewhere between 28/29 weeks and 31 weeks I went from 3.1 to 2.6 and finally 1.7 (at which point they stopped checking). At first I was told to just take it easy but then when I went back the next time I had severe funneling and it shortened to a 1.7. The doctor was pretty concerned so she immediately put me on bedrest, warned me that I could likely be having my son that weekend, gave me the steroid shots for his lungs, and started me on progesterone. I can’t remember if it was then that she ordered me the Ffn test (to see if you will go into labor soon) or if it was over the next couple weeks, but it came back negative. I ended up staying on bedrest and the progesterone until 37 weeks and then at 38.3 weeks I went into labor (which was all very quick and relatively easy) and delivered a perfectly healthy little man.

So far with this pregnancy, I have been on pins and needles every time I go for a cervical check. My doc did not recommend a cerclage since I went full term last time, she just let me have ultrasounds more frequently. I tried to hold out for every 4 weeks but there were a few months that I only went a week or 2 before requesting another one to ease my worries. I did have a 2.9 at one point but I went back the next week and it was a 3.6 so the doc wasn’t concerned. My last ultrasound (30 weeks) I was a 3.5 with no funneling. She told me to come in for one more at 32 weeks because she knows how anxious I am but at that point I should stop worrying if all looks fine. She has also mentioned that bed rest is no longer the recommendation (apparently research says it does more harm than good) and that she would only put me on progesterone if things went downhill again. I am hoping my numbers will stay up and baby girl will arrive sometime after 36 weeks. I will say that with this pregnancy I have taken it much easier and haven’t lifted more than 5lbs since the first trimester (this includes my 2.5 year old).

Apparently cervixes are very dynamic and as long as your cervix is over a 2.5 at 24 weeks, research says you have much higher chances of going to full term. I say stay positive and take it easy whenever you can. If your numbers go down more, know that you could still go full term. If your doc prescribes progesterone, take it. I think that was probably the most help in my situation. Good luck and feel free to private message me if you have any other questions.

Sorry for writing a novel lol

Curls919 · June 2016

@dobiegirl85 - I've actually been on progesterone since 17w due to having DS at 36w3d (my water broke, my cervix was still long and closed when I got to L&D).

I hope your little one stays put until it's term this time!!

DDRRT1982 · June 2016

I am not having cervix issues now, because I have a cerclage. My doctors intervene when it 2.5. Your cervix is dynamic and can changes. It can actually get longer. Hopefully, everything looks good at your next scan. Mine has been anywhere between 6 (I didn't know it could be that long until I measured that) to 4.1. The difference can be drastic between measurements. Praying all remains stable.

ccfc1984 · June 2016

How do they check this? I haven't had any cervical checks at appointment, 30w appointment today though. Is it standard to check?

Curls919 · June 2016

ccfc1984 said:

How do they check this? I haven't had any cervical checks at appointment, 30w appointment today though. Is it standard to check?

For me, because I had a LEEP procedure several years ago I'm at risk for cervical shortening. My first pregnancy my OB checked it every other week, this time this practice checks every 3 weeks in the second and third trimester until 32w. It's done by ultrasound (the wand one). I don't know if it's something that OBs check just because.

tmk0325 · June 2016

@ccfc1984 Since I get ultrasounds frequently, they check via the ultrasound wand like @curls919 said. They can do it via the stomach ultrasound too, but it's not as accurate.

Since I'm having twins and considered high risk, they just seem to always check mine!

satto_takai · June 2016

I, too, am curious about the cervix checks. My care so far, I have only had 2 ultrasounds - the first one was only because he had a scare really early on in pregnancy, the second was my anatomy scan. Other than that, my previous primary and my midwife both haven't suggested checking cervical length.

Is that weird? It was normal at my a/s, per my midwife.

How often is it usually checked?

jacmkelley · June 2016

@satto_takai with DD I never had anyone check my cervix. This pregnancy they have checked only because I was experiencing back pain, abdominal aching and a throb inside my vagina - they thought I may be dilating/having a cervical length change. And I was. Since then they monitored every appt. I don't think it's something that is done typically unless you warrant a reason to check.

kwilliams3402 · June 2016

jacmkelley said:

@satto_takai with DD I never had anyone check my cervix. This pregnancy they have checked only because I was experiencing back pain, abdominal aching and a throb inside my vagina - they thought I may be dilating/having a cervical length change. And I was. Since then they monitored every appt. I don't think it's something that is done typically unless you warrant a reason to check.

I've had consistent back pain most of the pregnancy, and definitely feel more painful/swollen "down there" in recent weeks(not really an ache, but just not comfortable and definitely swollen, but I'm 32 weeks and I've never had a cervix check. I'm glad they are on top of your cervix, but now I'm wondering a little if they're missing something with me!

No more Miss! · June 2016

I believe they check it with most/all ladies at 20w with an anatomy scan. That time period is a good indication of preterm labor when they check.

I've had a few because my DD was born at 35w.

jacmkelley · June 2016

kwilliams3402 said:

jacmkelley said:

@satto_takai with DD I never had anyone check my cervix. This pregnancy they have checked only because I was experiencing back pain, abdominal aching and a throb inside my vagina - they thought I may be dilating/having a cervical length change. And I was. Since then they monitored every appt. I don't think it's something that is done typically unless you warrant a reason to check.

I've had consistent back pain most of the pregnancy, and definitely feel more painful/swollen "down there" in recent weeks(not really an ache, but just not comfortable and definitely swollen, but I'm 32 weeks and I've never had a cervix check. I'm glad they are on top of your cervix, but now I'm wondering a little if they're missing something with me!

At your next appt I would just mention your symptoms and ask if that's concerning to them or if they can check if you've had any change. Before the sono she did a check and I was dilated to 1.5 cm. So she said sono to check cervix. The aches and pains were new and I had not had them through my entire pregnancy. It was new and I just had a gut feeling something was off. Listen to your body, if you want to make sure things are ok just as at your next appt or call if it gets worse.

ccfc1984 · June 2016

Thanks ladies. Was wondering because it wasn't mentioned at any point. I have ultrasounds monthly (no real reason other than it's private healthcare and to see baby) but don't think there's been any sort of cervical measurement/check using that. A friend had issues with this last year and was on hospital bed rest for a couple of months so I was wondering if checking is standard.

kcolly32 · June 2016

For the ladies that have or had a shortened cervix did it feel like there was a lot of pressure? I'm now 30 weeks, had a scan at 27w and was told my cervix was good but I've started having a lot of pressure especially when I have to go to the bathroom. It feels like everything is going to fall out! Wasn't sure if this is normal, I'm a FTM and it's not necessarily painful just uncomfortable.

kiwico14 · June 2016

@kcolly32 Pressure is totally normal and will get pretty uncomfortable as you near the end of pregnancy. However, it's always worth mentioning to your doctor, just to be safe.

Curls919 · June 2016

kcolly32 said:

For the ladies that have or had a shortened cervix did it feel like there was a lot of pressure? I'm now 30 weeks, had a scan at 27w and was told my cervix was good but I've started having a lot of pressure especially when I have to go to the bathroom. It feels like everything is going to fall out! Wasn't sure if this is normal, I'm a FTM and it's not necessarily painful just uncomfortable.

Not at all! For me it was just a routine ultrasound that caught it. I haven't felt any changes so I'm just hoping my recheck tomorrow will give me good news!

any pressure I've found to be vein issues more than the baby itself.

kcolly32 · June 2016

Curls919 said:

kcolly32 said:

For the ladies that have or had a shortened cervix did it feel like there was a lot of pressure? I'm now 30 weeks, had a scan at 27w and was told my cervix was good but I've started having a lot of pressure especially when I have to go to the bathroom. It feels like everything is going to fall out! Wasn't sure if this is normal, I'm a FTM and it's not necessarily painful just uncomfortable.

Not at all! For me it was just a routine ultrasound that caught it. I haven't felt any changes so I'm just hoping my recheck tomorrow will give me good news!

any pressure I've found to be vein issues more than the baby itself.

@Curls919 and @skelly70 Just wanted to post an update, I had my doctors appointment today and my cervix has shortened. I was also found to be having contractions that I'm not feeling. They did an US and it showed my cervix to be between 1.9-2.1. I'm starting progesterone tn then go back in a week and if there's no change then bedrest, steroid shot and possibly procardia. LO is doing good however, 4lbs 5oz and her head is sitting right on my cervix which is where all the pressure is coming from. The dr was surprised I could tell a change in my cervix but not the contractions. Since they aren't that strong he wasn't too worried about those unless they become painful. Anyways, I'm glad I spoke up and had them check everything, LO needs to stay in there for a few more weeks!!

DDRRT1982 · June 2016

kcolly32 said:

Curls919 said:

kcolly32 said:

For the ladies that have or had a shortened cervix did it feel like there was a lot of pressure? I'm now 30 weeks, had a scan at 27w and was told my cervix was good but I've started having a lot of pressure especially when I have to go to the bathroom. It feels like everything is going to fall out! Wasn't sure if this is normal, I'm a FTM and it's not necessarily painful just uncomfortable.

Not at all! For me it was just a routine ultrasound that caught it. I haven't felt any changes so I'm just hoping my recheck tomorrow will give me good news!

any pressure I've found to be vein issues more than the baby itself.

@Curls919 and @skelly70 Just wanted to post an update, I had my doctors appointment today and my cervix has shortened. I was also found to be having contractions that I'm not feeling. They did an US and it showed my cervix to be between 1.9-2.1. I'm starting progesterone tn then go back in a week and if there's no change then bedrest, steroid shot and possibly procardia. LO is doing good however, 4lbs 5oz and her head is sitting right on my cervix which is where all the pressure is coming from. The dr was surprised I could tell a change in my cervix but not the contractions. Since they aren't that strong he wasn't too worried about those unless they become painful. Anyways, I'm glad I spoke up and had them check everything, LO needs to stay in there for a few more weeks!!

Oh goodness, praying LO stays put. I am glad you went in.

Curls919 · June 2016

kcolly32 said:

Curls919 said:

kcolly32 said:

For the ladies that have or had a shortened cervix did it feel like there was a lot of pressure? I'm now 30 weeks, had a scan at 27w and was told my cervix was good but I've started having a lot of pressure especially when I have to go to the bathroom. It feels like everything is going to fall out! Wasn't sure if this is normal, I'm a FTM and it's not necessarily painful just uncomfortable.

Not at all! For me it was just a routine ultrasound that caught it. I haven't felt any changes so I'm just hoping my recheck tomorrow will give me good news!

any pressure I've found to be vein issues more than the baby itself.

@Curls919 and @skelly70 Just wanted to post an update, I had my doctors appointment today and my cervix has shortened. I was also found to be having contractions that I'm not feeling. They did an US and it showed my cervix to be between 1.9-2.1. I'm starting progesterone tn then go back in a week and if there's no change then bedrest, steroid shot and possibly procardia. LO is doing good however, 4lbs 5oz and her head is sitting right on my cervix which is where all the pressure is coming from. The dr was surprised I could tell a change in my cervix but not the contractions. Since they aren't that strong he wasn't too worried about those unless they become painful. Anyways, I'm glad I spoke up and had them check everything, LO needs to stay in there for a few more weeks!!

Glad you spoke up!! I'd probably ask for the steroid shot anyway at your next appt (I got mine after I went down to 2.2). Definitely take it easy and I hope it doesn't shorten any more anytime soon!!

kiwico14 · June 2016

@kcolly32. Good thing you talked to your doctor! I hope the meds/change make all the difference so you don't have to do bedrest. Keep us posted.

kcolly32 · June 2016

skelly70 said:

@kcolly32. Good thing you talked to your doctor! I hope the meds/change make all the difference so you don't have to do bedrest. Keep us posted.

Thanks ladies! I'm scheduled for another US Tuesday and see the dr again on Wednesday. I'm hoping the progesterone does its job, I don't want to be on bedrest. I think it's crazy I'm having contractions that I'm not even feeling, has anyone else had this?

DDRRT1982 · June 2016

kcolly32 said:

skelly70 said:

@kcolly32. Good thing you talked to your doctor! I hope the meds/change make all the difference so you don't have to do bedrest. Keep us posted.

Thanks ladies! I'm scheduled for another US Tuesday and see the dr again on Wednesday. I'm hoping the progesterone does its job, I don't want to be on bedrest. I think it's crazy I'm having contractions that I'm not even feeling, has anyone else had this?

My contractions until I hit about five cm and there is no going back are painless, but a lot of pressure. Think of intense Braxton hicks. This is why I didn't know anything was happening to my cervix with my first son. This is a pretty classic symptom of IC.

kcolly32 · June 2016

DDRRT1982 said:

kcolly32 said:

skelly70 said:

@kcolly32. Good thing you talked to your doctor! I hope the meds/change make all the difference so you don't have to do bedrest. Keep us posted.

Thanks ladies! I'm scheduled for another US Tuesday and see the dr again on Wednesday. I'm hoping the progesterone does its job, I don't want to be on bedrest. I think it's crazy I'm having contractions that I'm not even feeling, has anyone else had this?

My contractions until I hit about five cm and there is no going back are painless, but a lot of pressure. Think of intense Braxton hicks. This is why I didn't know anything was happening to my cervix with my first son. This is a pretty classic symptom of IC.

Well I ended up in the hospital last night, the pressure increased a lot yesterday and my cervix felt even more uncomfortable. The dr had me come in to get checked and I was having pretty regular contractions that caused me to dilate to 2cm and become 60% effaced. So needless to say I was started on steroid shots and my contractions have died down a lot. I have to stay to complete my course of steroid shots and then see if activity is causing my contractions which will then get started on procardia. I definitely had no idea that what I was feeling where actual contractions, glad it was caught in time!

DDRRT1982 · June 2016

kcolly32 said:

DDRRT1982 said:

kcolly32 said:

skelly70 said:

@kcolly32. Good thing you talked to your doctor! I hope the meds/change make all the difference so you don't have to do bedrest. Keep us posted.

Thanks ladies! I'm scheduled for another US Tuesday and see the dr again on Wednesday. I'm hoping the progesterone does its job, I don't want to be on bedrest. I think it's crazy I'm having contractions that I'm not even feeling, has anyone else had this?

My contractions until I hit about five cm and there is no going back are painless, but a lot of pressure. Think of intense Braxton hicks. This is why I didn't know anything was happening to my cervix with my first son. This is a pretty classic symptom of IC.

Well I ended up in the hospital last night, the pressure increased a lot yesterday and my cervix felt even more uncomfortable. The dr had me come in to get checked and I was having pretty regular contractions that caused me to dilate to 2cm and become 60% effaced. So needless to say I was started on steroid shots and my contractions have died down a lot. I have to stay to complete my course of steroid shots and then see if activity is causing my contractions which will then get started on procardia. I definitely had no idea that what I was feeling where actual contractions, glad it was caught in time!

Oh goodness, I am so sorry. You are doing the right thing by communicating concerns with your doctor. The steroids will help tremendously if baby makes an early entrance. Hopefully, you can keep him/her baking a bit longer.

kiwico14 · June 2016

I'm sorry to hear about the contractions. It sounds like you and you doctors are on it, though. On the plus side, every day that baby stays put is another day of growth and good health.

I don't feel most of my contractions, either. The procardia seems to help me quite a bit based on the monitoring I've had. I hope it helps you too!

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