Short cervix (0.72 cm) at 23+4

pustiulari · February 2020

Dear moms,

This seems like a rather urgent situation and I'd be very glad if you shared some of your experiences. I'm 23+4 today. For my own peace of mind I went for an ultrasound today, outside the normal protocol, and the dr. found my cervix had shortened to 0.72 cm. She told me to contact my dr. asap which I did and I'll be going in for a check in a few hours.

Please let me know if any of you have had such a short cervix this early and what the outcome was. This is so scary...

Thanks a lot!

allie456 · February 2020

@pustiulari this hasn't happened to me, but I agree it seems scary! I think there are fairly well established protocols for delaying labor (cerclage, bed rest, progesterone suppositories, etc.) -- best wishes for keeping your baby where he or she belongs for a while longer.

pourmeanothermocktail · February 2020

@pustiulari Hugs. Just FTR this isn't a one-off post, no worries. This is a regular contributing member who suddenly has a big deal concern, which merits your own AW post (personally).

I have not had this happen. My first was a preemie, but a relatively late term preemie (35 weeker). That being said, I've known many earlier babies who had an easier time than he did.

As hard and as scary as this is, packing a bag for possibly a few day stay, notifying any friends or family who would be helpful for emotional support (or helping in person) and doing your best to keep calm, slow breaths, etc can only help.

I did some brainstorming on possible interventions which might be suggested by your doctor, I'm going to try to put in spoiler, because I know that wouldn't help some people to talk about, but I know for some it is helpful. If you think it would be more nerve wracking to think of, then don't click!

But either way, hugs, I'm sorry you're going through this difficult time, we're here for any written support we can offer!

I would anticipate bed rest, magnesium drip (if you're already having even non-painful contractions) and discussions of steroids to help baby's lung mature faster.

Many people CAN have some dilation for weeks before birth, but this early is unusual. You may want to discuss with your doctor whether this fFN test https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/fetal-fibronectin/about/pac-20384676 would be helpful information for you.

I don't know whether cerclage is something they would consider this close to 24 weeks either, but it may be a possibility.

cmhme · February 2020

Thinking of you and praying everything turns out alright.

m6agua · February 2020

I hope you got some more information after meeting with your doctor. I don't have experience, but I have heard of people getting a cerclage and being put on bedrest.

mamaqdubu · February 2020

@pustiulari I'm so sorry that is such scary news. I have not had this happen myself, but have seen bedrest for a few acquaintances due to similar concerns. I don't know what their measurements were, but through my mom groups i've seen a lot of success with medical interventions. Let us know what you're dr. said. I don't think i've interacted with you much here, but I absolutely wish you the best.

pustiulari · February 2020

Thank you all for your encouragement and support!
My dr. confirmed the short cervix with funneling and will be admitting me tomorrow morning for cerclage but seemed confident regarding the outcome. When I have more worthy news to share, I'll surely let you know!

mamaqdubu · February 2020

@pustiulari how are things going??

pustiulari · February 2020

It's so hard!

I had the stitch yesterday and was hoping to be out of the hospital by tomorrow.
My dr. came in today and said he'd keep me in for 2 weeks and then left (btw. I am from Romania and, because we had fertility issues, we went to him because he was one of the very few who specialised in this area in our city, but he is very disengaged emotionally and very unwilling to deal with questions and concerns from his patients).
I have to stay in bed all the time except for peeing so I stink

, have been on IV since they admitted me, have regular shots that prevent contractions, that hurt like crazy and I can't get visitors because we have a bad flu epidemic. The hospital is in quarantine so for the next 2 weeks I can't see anyone.
I've cried my eyes out today until I got a headache and feel guilty for stressing my baby girl out and not being glad that it's in her best interest, which in my mind now means I'll be a bad mom...
So there we have it...

randic22 · February 2020

@pustiulari that sounds like such a nightmare and so hard. I'm so sorry you have to go through that. I dont think not being glad about a clearly stressful situation means you will be a bad mom.

louessbee · February 2020

@pustiulari That sounds stressful, none of it makes you a bad mom. I hope he tells you why you have to stay in so long, or something else eases up a little.

peachnectarine · February 2020

Ugh, that is so awful that he didn’t explain why. I would definitely be freaking out and crying if I was in your shoes. I hope he or someone else comes to talk to you soon!

afranzen85 · February 2020

@pustiulari I'm so sorry you are going through this. Hopefully the nurses can answer some questions for you soon.

pourmeanothermocktail · February 2020

@pustiulari Ick. I'm sorry, that sounds really really hard, and kinda unnecessary.

Around me they don't typically quarantine an entire hospital and not allow anyone any visitors for the flu by me. They just keep kids under 12 out. Wow.

You are not a bad mom, you are a great mom putting yourself through a very hard situation for the health and safety of your baby. Grieving total isolation is completely normal and fair. Even if it's your only or best option, it doesn't make it pleasant.

lisush · February 2020

@pustiulari I'm so sorry you're dealing with all this. Definitely doesn't mean you'll be a bad mom! That's a lot and I'd be stressed, frustrated, and crying too. I hope you get some more support/answers from the other medical staff and can get out of the hospital soon.

jrouge12 · February 2020

@pustiulari So sorry you're going through this! You're not a bad mom for feeling the way you do. Hopefully baby stays and cooks longer.

Also, if you can get your hands on some baby wipes you can at least feel a little less stinky with a baby wipe "bath".

sunshinesea22 · February 2020

@pustiulari So sorry that you’re stuck there all alone for 2 weeks!! That sounds terrible. You’re allowed to be sad and frustrated and it doesn’t make you a bad mom! I hope you have a good WiFi connection. You can use this board to help keep you sane!

shamrocandroll · February 2020

@pustiulari I'm so sorry this is turning out to be a lot longer than you expected/hoped. Crying does NOT make you a bad mom! I cry more now that I am a mom than in the rest of my adult life combined. Hormones and mom passion are no joke! I hope you're able to find a way to pass the time and calm your nerves.

pustiulari · February 2020

@all You are all so sweet! Thank you so much for your support! As far as I've read, the viability in Romania is at 26 weeks. It might be that my dr. wants to make sure I get there. I'm 24 now.
@jrouge12 - yes, I think baby wipes are the best option for now.
@sunshinesea22 - no WiFi, but our providers are in big competition, so I have about 22GB of fast data a month and it's very cheap if I go over the limit.

m6agua · February 2020

@pustiulari I'm sorry that you are stuck at the hospital for a bit. I hope the cerclage and rest helps prevent early labor and lets your little one cook longer!

pirateduck · February 2020

Hang in there mama. It sounds like you have already gone through a lot to have this baby and make it to this point in pregnancy. You are doing all you can do and that’s the best you can do. Many people would not have had that extra ultrasound or gone to a specialist. Pregnancy is difficult and I’m sorry you have to be alone right now. Today your baby is safe and strong in your womb and still growing. Remember that. Every day baby stays in there is a good day right now, no matter how difficult. You are getting the rest and nutrition and medication and care you need. Stay strong, update us. xoxo

pustiulari · February 2020

Hi all!
Thank you for being so supportive! You've been wonderful in your encouragements. Please forgive me for such a late feedback. As I am writing this, I am still in hospital. It's the first day without an IV that was preventing contractions, so it's the first day I can hold my phone somewhat better and type. If any of you are interested, I also posted a photo in HDBD from today because yes, we are still hanging on

I am 25+1 today. The stitch was placed last week at 23+5 and until now it all seems good. The dr. would like to keep me in for a few more days to make sure there will be no complications or contractions putting pressure on the cervix. I'll be on strict bed rest until I deliver.

Today I had the strength to wave at MH from the window as he brought in some supplies. Of course I started crying because I miss him so much, but as long as our little girl is still safe, it's worth it!

For now I'll just be counting each day and week. Thinking too much ahead is just too scary. I just regret not being able to go out and show my dressed up bump like most moms, not being able to test out strollers or attend the weekly choir rehearsals so my baby can hear live music. But this is probably a small price to pay compared to having her strong and healthy.

Anyway, I took a short video and made a gif - not sure if this is the right way to post it. MH sent this little elephant a few days ago (it's got blue eyes, just like him) and I placed it on my bump. You can see it twitching as the baby is kicking it. She seems so strong, moving a whole elephant, right?

lisush · February 2020

@pustiulari that's great news and a super strong kick!!

soprano19 · February 2020

@pustiulari cute video! Thanks for updating us... glad your little one is still cooking and that things are a little more stable!

pourmeanothermocktail · February 2020

Glad everything is going as well it can. Hooray for baby growing and staying inside

pirateduck · February 2020

Thank you for updating! I'm glad your little one is still safe inside and growing stronger. You are a strong mama going through this. I hope you will get to spend the rest of your bed rest at home where you can have your husband's company and you will not need to be so alone for much longer. Praying the contractions etc. stay away now that they have changed your medications. Keep us updated!

mamaj1220 · February 2020

Yay for good news! I hope you can return home soon, even though bed rest is boring (I was stuck from 28 weeks on last time) I find it much better at home where I was comfortable!

louessbee · February 2020

I'm sorry you're still isolated, but glad to hear the good news! Stay in there, little one!

pustiulari · February 2020

Hi mamas! Please help me out!
I was hoping to be out today (2 weeks, as my dr. told me), but he's on vacation and will be returning Monday, so I have to spend another weekend here, although my tests came back good.
I've been horribly constipated despite prescriptions, kiwi, prunes, apples, water. The food here almost always contains rice, pasta, white bread, so it's not helping at all. I'm having a terrible meltdown, barely had the will to drink water and avoided most of the lunch food. Have been in tears most of this day. I can't wait anymore. I just want to go home...

pirateduck · February 2020

Oh dear, hang in there. You are doing everything you can. Maybe the nurses have something else they can give you for constipation. Keep up with the water drinking and maybe ask if they have fiber you can add to your water 2-3 times a day. A few more days in the hospital is better than going home and having concerns while the doctor is out of town. Keep eating your fruits and veggies even if you don't feel like it since they have both fiber and water in them and will hopefully help things pass through your system. Are you allowed to have visitors yet or is everything still on lock down due to the flu? I hope you are able to see your husband. I know I can't say anything to fix this or make it better, but we are here for you and to help distract you and keep you from being too bored. Have you had any contractions since stopping your medication? Have you come up with the perfect name for baby yet?

lisush · February 2020

@pustiulari I'm so sorry you're still stuck there and struggling. Ditto to everything @pirateduck said. Anything you like that helps take your mind off things for a bit? This won't last forever and in the end you'll have the healthy baby. You can do it!

pustiulari · February 2020

@pirateduck @lisush
Thank you! Yes, there is no fixing this, but there surely is strength in friendly words.
The quarantine is still on, haven't seen MH or any other friend/family member since being admitted. MH will start bringing in food from home and leaving it with a nurse to bring it upstairs (more veggie based than all the rice they are serving here).
I've actually had less BH contractions since getting off the meds, which is weird! Maybe 2/day, usually when I change positions.
And about the name, we were thinking about Anita who was a very dear, godly, wonderful aunt of mine! Jokingly, MH is thinking about naming her Charlie

mainly due to this song (the intro is really funny and relevant):

https://youtu.be/gL8eBrhVTJ4?t=18m55s
Of course, this will not happen!

afranzen85 · February 2020

@pustiulari So sorry you are stuck there for 5 more days.

pirateduck · February 2020

Is your husband on board with Anita? Do we need his contact info to persuade him that after all you've been through whatever name you choose is THE name?

pustiulari · February 2020

Haha

He loves it, no worries! I'll say that because I'm quite sure you'd hurt him otherwise

But no, seriously, he loves it, and also knew my aunt well and liked her a lot.

emlettuce · February 2020

So sorry you're stuck there a little longer but glad you'll be getting some yummier food

pourmeanothermocktail · February 2020

I wonder if you might find a way to get a magnesium supplement when you're in there, or maybe they can offer a stool softener? Just thinking.

I'm sorry your stay was lengthened, but fingers crossed that things keep going so well.

I love the name Anita.

pustiulari · February 2020

@pourmeanothermocktail
They did recommend a sort of oily fiber and because it's severe, a glicerine suppository, yuck! But I hope it works...
And yes, they approved a Mg supplement and I hope that will also help with the restless legs, yay!

m6agua · February 2020

@pustiulari I hope the supplements help all your symptoms!

pustiulari · February 2020

Hi all!
I hope this will be the last update on this thread. Thank you all again for your encouragement!
Today I made it to 27 weeks! The issues started at 23.
The doctor checked cervix and baby on Monday 24th. The cervix was measuring 2.9cm!!! Yay! Just the baby was a bit behind. I was at 26+4 and she was measuring at around 24 but dr. said it was normal after all the trauma. She is still super active and doing well

He also said that since Monday 3rd when I was measuring 0.7cm to Wednesday 5th when he placed the stitch, the cervix had already opened with membranes bulging and he could see her foot! So glad it's all fine now.
This Tuesday he also placed a cervical pessary and sent me home so...
I am finally home since Tuesday, took my first real shower, ate amazing guacamole made by MH and watched Downton Abbey. The constipation is gone due to the good diet. I am still left with some back pain and reflux due to the constant bed rest with my pelvis propped up, some difficulty breathing and the restless leg (I'll be starting magnesium this week), but I am home and it's so much better!
If I could, I'd hug you all, so try to at least imagine that

pirateduck · February 2020

@pustiulari this is excellent news! You've kept that baby in there and growing and safe and you are finally home! I hope you get to stay home and hopefully do not have to be on bed rest for the remainder of your pregnancy.

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