Help..cervix opening??

[Anna_due Dec]

I posted this in another section but not getting much advice...

I'm so confused. Don't want to sound stupid but am quite worried so need to know.

I was always under the impression that cervix opened at it's tip but i seem to have an opening about 2 or 3cm up from the tip instead. Is that right? Also it isn't just a slight opening, it's like a slit about 3cm across. Does that mean i'm dilating? I hear people say that are however many cm dilated but i don't know how that works. Does that mean like i'm saying as in cm across or does the cervix open more like a donut as in a whole circle not just a slit across?

I'm worries as i'm only 20 weeks and i already have had 2 prem babies. I have been having braxton hicks since 12 weeks. They are not regular but i get perhaps 5 a day and they are quite uncomfortable which makes me wonder if they are mildly productive which is what made me check my cervix to start with. Does anyone have any idea about any of this???? I'm so lost.

 

[KandyKinz]

First off, if you are concerned about preterm labour consult your doctor or midwife, especially since you've already had to prems... it's more likely to happen again.

Secondly in women who have had a baby before the cervical os does feel and look like a slit rather than a circle as it does in someone who has never had a baby before.

 

[scicraft]

I posted this in another section but not getting much advice...

I'm so confused. Don't want to sound stupid but am quite worried so need to know.

I was always under the impression that cervix opened at it's tip but i seem to have an opening about 2 or 3cm up from the tip instead. Is that right? Also it isn't just a slight opening, it's like a slit about 3cm across. Does that mean i'm dilating? I hear people say that are however many cm dilated but i don't know how that works. Does that mean like i'm saying as in cm across or does the cervix open more like a donut as in a whole circle not just a slit across?

I'm worries as i'm only 20 weeks and i already have had 2 prem babies. I have been having braxton hicks since 12 weeks. They are not regular but i get perhaps 5 a day and they are quite uncomfortable which makes me wonder if they are mildly productive which is what made me check my cervix to start with. Does anyone have any idea about any of this???? I'm so lost.

It does sound like you are dilating. Please contact your doctor right away. If you are dilating, they can stitch you up to try to keep you from going into labor if you are less than 4 cm.

 

[MikaylasMummy]

i have no idea i have never tried to check my cervix myself but i would be careful of infection especially if you are dialating?you need to get checked asap as if they catch your cervix thinning or shortening early there is measures they can take but if you leave it and actually start dialating then there is nothing they can do i beleive.i would go and get checked now tell them you are having contractions and ask for an internal ultrasound which will see if your cervix is shortened or membranes are funneling bulging ect.

 

[stardust599]

I would go and get checked hun. Explain to them about the previous premature babies and just be honest and say you're cervix feels open - I told my DR and they checked about 16weeks and an eye on it as it was very soft although it doesn't seem to be dilating.

I've not had a birth before but have had an ERPC operation which stretched my cervix, I've always checked my cervix and generally although it feels like a slit and can be quite soft you shouldn't be able to fit a finger in as you're cervix should pull up and close tightly (ish, mines never fully closes but "normal" is different for everyone.).

If you're cervix starts dilating they can put you on bed rest with a cervical stitch - both of which have good results hun.

Good luck xxx

 

[Anna_due Dec]

Thankyou for the replies. I don't make a habit of doing self inspections as really i have no idea what i'm looking for. I have an ultrasound booked for friday so i might ring my doc and see if they can add cervical length to the tests. I didn't think it was right but how do you know when you have nothing to compare with? It's not like you can ask your buddy to check their cervix for you

 

[LoveNTy]

All woman who have been in labor and dilate pass 1 cm usually do stay at 1 cm even after birth. I haven't had a baby (or been pregnant) since 03 and I'M 1 cm dilated.

But like another poster said, since you have a history of pre-tem labor, please check with your dr or midwive asap, especially since your having mild but uncomfortable Braxton Hicks.

Good luck