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!
Re: Short cervix (0.72 cm) at 23+4
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!
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.
DH: 32
Married 7/18/15
1st born at 35+4 on 6/6/16
Team green turned BLUE!
2nd born at 38+6 on 8/30/18
Team green turned PINK!
Due with #3 on 6/6/20 Team Green
TTC since 2017
3/18-9/18- IUI's
11/18- IVF #1
1/19- IVF #2
8/19- DE Cycle #1- 5 PGS tested normal
9/19- FET #1- SUCCESS! May 2020
10/21- FET #2- SUCCESS! July 2022
- BFP: 3/10/16 — Baby Girl born 11/20/16
TTC#2 April 2019My 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!
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
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...
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.
DH: 32
Married 7/18/15
1st born at 35+4 on 6/6/16
Team green turned BLUE!
2nd born at 38+6 on 8/30/18
Team green turned PINK!
Due with #3 on 6/6/20 Team Green
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".
Married Sept. 2013
DS1: Nov 11, 2016
MMC: 11/16/18 (9w6d)
CP: 2/3/19 (5w3d)
BFP! 8/24/19
DS2: May 10, 2020
@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.
- BFP: 3/10/16 — Baby Girl born 11/20/16
TTC#2 April 2019Thank 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?
DH: 32
Married 7/18/15
1st born at 35+4 on 6/6/16
Team green turned BLUE!
2nd born at 38+6 on 8/30/18
Team green turned PINK!
Due with #3 on 6/6/20 Team Green
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...
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
Of course, this will not happen!
But no, seriously, he loves it, and also knew my aunt well and liked her a lot.
I'm sorry your stay was lengthened, but fingers crossed that things keep going so well.
I love the name Anita.
DH: 32
Married 7/18/15
1st born at 35+4 on 6/6/16
Team green turned BLUE!
2nd born at 38+6 on 8/30/18
Team green turned PINK!
Due with #3 on 6/6/20 Team Green
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!
- BFP: 3/10/16 — Baby Girl born 11/20/16
TTC#2 April 2019I 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
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