Advice needed- short cervix, UTI, preterm labour

[angiepie]

Hi gals, anyone have advice? Drs found my cervix is too short and they're worried I could go into PTL! It is 1.5-1.9cm when it should be at least 2.5. They're testing it again on Monday to see any changes and if I need a cerclage. But now they've also told me I have a uti and I'm wondering if that could have caused the shortening?

Some hospital doctor mentioned an infection could cause the cervix to shorten but she didn't say what infections do this. And my googling reveals uti might do that. But the dr who rang me just now said it's unrelated to the uti.

I guess I'm just wondering if the uti could be causing my cervix to wither away and I'm hoping if that's treated it will lengthen or stop shortening? trying to be optimistic and all that.

 

[EmzyJA]

I don't know if the uti could have caused it but sending hugs and hopefully there's something the can do. Have they told you to rest up? Good luck for Monday, fingers crossed it's all ok

 

[angiepie]

Thank you. They didn't tell me to be on bed rest but I'm not working anymore and I have gallstones so I'm pretty sedentary anyway. I think I have been resting a lot.

I had to go to the hospital tonight and they gave me the antibiotics. I've been cramping today and yesterday but we're hoping that is caused by the uti, but dunno what's causing the short cervix still. They checked my cervix again and it's still closed. Just waiting until Monday, now.

 

[EmzyJA]

Ah good. I'd keep resting as much as you can as that hopefully may help. Hopefully that antibiotics will kick in soon, let's hope the cramping is because of the uti.

 

[Rickles]

If you go to Gestational Complications there are a few threads on this over there - the ladies might be able to help - give you some advice etc. ??

I've never heard of UTIs causing a shortened cervix... All I can say it is better you know now, so they can take action, than find out in PTL - which is what happens to a lot of ladies. xx

 

[angiepie]

Indeed. Thanks rickles, I forgot about gestational complications, I'll have a look now.

 

[Jaycrew]

I havent heard of that but its excellent that your cervix is not open. Uti could of course be causing the cramping. In the meantime keep doing what you are doing staying rested and drinking plenty of fluids - but please keep your bladder empty. I do know that a full bladder can cause some irritation to the uterus and cause it to contract. (usually not to the point of causing the cervix to open though)
Also - thank God your dr's office is being proactive and has a potential game plan! All my best to you!!!

 

[angiepie]

Thanks jaycrew! I have been really noticing bladder pressure last few days (don't know if it's uti or pregnancy related) and so I've been trying to pee as soon as I need to for that exact reason.

 

[Jaycrew]

yes - just keep doing what your doing. if it is a uti and between the water and peeing it will flush your bladder. I can see how it can be difficult to distinguish between what is causing the pressure. I would keep an eye to for any period pain like cramping. As well.

 

[capricorn1]

Hi hun,
Just wanted to wish you good luck for Monday - hope that the scan shows a good measurement. I haven't heard of UTIs causing shortening, but my Dr did say that the cervix can vary in its length. I have been monitored closely this pregnancy for cervix length and at 16 weeks it had shown significant shortening from 14 weeks. I was put on progesterone pessaries and scanned every week for a while. From the moment we found out about the weakening I tried to rest up as much as possible. I think the combination seemed to work as my latest measurement was 35mm so it can get longer again.

In addition to drinking lots of water for your UTI, cranberry juice is also excellent - it's like Teflon for your bladder stopping the bugs from attaching to the bladder wall.

I also had lots of cramping and back pain and was kept in hospital for observation as the Drs thought I could be in PTL. All was ok in the end but it was a long night and day I literally watched the clock ticking every minute was an extra minute with our baby. This was at 16weeks when I'd had a couple of internal scans to check cervical measurement and internals exams to check whether cervix was closed and to take swabs. I think all that messing around down there had upset things a bit.

GL again for Monday, will be thinking of you
xxx