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Multiples
cervical shortening
Trying to remember what I've read here before about MOMs with cervical shortening. I'm currently 27 wks with B/B twins and had a routine cervical length check today by US which showed my cervix at 1.7cm (no funneling at least). Last check was "long" at my level II at 20 weeks (not a transvaginal scan). I've had some BH type contractions, but nothing regular or concerning enough for L&D.
My ob sent me for steroid shots today "just in case" and I spoke to an MFM attending. So far they're both saying to take it easy but don't go on real bed rest, and wait and see what happens.
What has been your experience with length of pregnancy after dx of cervical shortening?
Also, any MOMs here who are also MD's? I have some specific questions about how you have reduced your work time while pregnant...
Thanks!
(sorry no sig/ticker, but this is our first pregnancy, we did IUI/Clomid/trigger, and I'm due at the end of April)
This discussion has been closed.
Re: cervical shortening
I was on modified bedrest at 24 weeks due to contractions, but my cervix was still long and closed. At 28 weeks (only a week since my last check) it had shortened to 2.0 and was funneled and I was a fingertip dilated. I was on STRICT bedrest from that point forward, and carried the boys until my water broke at 34 weeks.
I am not an MD, but am an audiologist so have a schedule of patients similar to that of an MD. I just had them all rescheduled, and my colleagues saw my pt's while I was on bedrest and maternity leave.
Good luck.
Haven't had cervical shortening, but I can tell you what I've done as an MD during my pg:
Starting at around 22-23 weeks I was getting uncomfortable in the operating room (getting hot flashes, dizzy spells, etc), so I had a junior partner scrub with me for any major case. Also, my OB recommended that I cut my office hours in half, which I tried to do, but wasn't so successful (you know, "I'm leaving at 2 today, so don't put any more patients on." Never works.) I basically went to work each day with the plan to work 4 hours (which usually turned into 5 or 6), As I went along, I got stricter about keeping to the 4 hour rule and worked like gang busters so I could get home and lie down. I tried to sit whenever possible while seeing patients, and when I had any break in between patients, I'd put my feet up on my desk or lie on one of the examining tables. I had my partners see my in-house patients and consults. I kept up like that until around 30 weeks, when I just physically couldn't do it anymore and was getting more and more BH contractions. I finished up whatever cases and procedures needed to get done, and just told my chairman that I was done with my clinical responsibilities until I return from maternity leave. My junior partners are now seeing my patients (they are hungry for work), and the patients who want surgery that didn't get it in on time have the option of getting their surgery with my partner or waiting until I return from maternity leave. (Most of what I do is elective) I now show up 3 times per week to do paperwork, and am still getting paid my salary (I'm in a faculty practice at an academic institution and my chairman thank goodness hasn't given me any cr*p yet). I'm hoping that I can keep going like this until I go into labor or have my scheduled induction/C-section March 10.
My advice to you would be to take it easy as best you can. In our profession, it's so hard to stay off your feet and even harder to stick to a schedule. But try to do the best you can, and if you have to take some time off, your patients will be there for you when you return.
Good luck!
Deb
Thanks for the responses everyone.
Deb -- I appreciate your insight to how you're making it work. I am a young attending in academic peds and am struggling with balancing the need for cutting back with my obligations to ongoing research projects, patient care, and not overloading my colleagues. My division is very supportive, but.... For now I've cut my clinical load some and am focusing on sitting as much as possible.
Jen.
My cervix measured 4.0 at 20 week and 3 weeks later it went down to 1.8. I went on strict bedrest at 23w 6d and made it to 32w6d. My cervix started to dilate & funnel some at 28 weeks (I had steriod shots at 26w) and I went into labor due to a UTI.
God luck to you!