Short cervix at 21 weeks

[lizziedripping]

Cirrituck girl brilliant news honey! This is sooo typical for IC ladies, it gradually begins to dawn on you that despite all the terrifying symptoms, constant panics and utter belief that you'll never make it, slowly but surely you stagger towards the 30's and nothing significant happens to your cervix. It's amazing, and you realise that your dream of a full term baby really can be realised.

I didn't really get to that point until 36wks with the twins, so convinced was I that full term was impossible considering how grim I felt xxx

 

[sevilla24]

Currituck girl - that's great!!! I am so so so happy things are working out so well for you. Each week, you must just be so thrilled to make it another week

I had another appointment and they told me since my cervix is STILL unchanged and nice and long, I can take a break from coming in every week!!! So, my last check was at 20 weeks and all looked good. My next check will be at 26 weeks.

I am THRILLED that they think things are looking so good ----- HOWEVER... I am still so nervous that during those 6 weeks something could happen and my cervix could shorten over night

I tried to ask in the other IC thread - but no one responded (awhile ago) how quickly an IC can go from full-length down to nothing. I am wondering how many people have had theirs checked, then a few days/weeks later everything changed. I guess I don't really want to know, cuz then I will just worry more

My other question is.... is it really possible that I had IC with one pregnancy, and then with the next pregnancy my cervix is magically normal??? Have you heard of that happening with anyone else?? I am skeptical... hence why I worry that I have to make it to 26 weeks to get it checked again.

Thanks for listening ladies I never know where else to get answers. Most places I check online, people have such unique stories, I can't seem to figure out the answers to my specific questions.

Glad everyone is doing well!!!

 

[Currituckgirl]

Thank you ladies!! I still cannot get over what a great hospital visit that was. I am sure my doctor will be just as pleased also. I never thought I would see 29 weeks, but it is tomorrow... onto the 30's!!!!

Sevilla ~ That is such amazing news!!! Congratulations on it being nice and long! As far as your questions either Lizzie or Calypso would be best to answer. I am still pretty new at IC but I am trying to soak up as much information as possible. Gosh, that is such great news!!

 

[calypso]

Currituckgirl - almost 29 weeks!!!

Sevilla - almost 23 weeks, that's awesome, especially with a nice unchanged cervix!
To try and answer your questions, I don't think that IC gets better with subsequent pregnancies, though at least you are forewarned and can take precautions. So you are going 3 weeks til your next visit? That isn't too bad, especially considering you haven't had changes, just keep up the resting. I think things can either progress quickly or drag on and there is no way to know. Just keep taking care of yourself, resting, and if any scary changes happen (pain/bleeding/contractions/etc) call your dr ASAP!

 

[sevilla24]

Thanks I didn't think IC could change with subsequent pregnancies either... but that just means I am a ticking time bomb. Because this pregnancy I haven't had IC yet!! My cervix is 4 cm (yes CM not MM)!!!!!!! They haven't done a stitch, put me on bed rest or ANYTHING. So, either I have a miracle cervix since pregnancy #1, or I am playing a very dangerous waiting game.

Either way, thanks for answering and trying to help

 

[lizziedripping]

Sevilla Hun, sorry your post got missed in the other thread, it is so busy and fast in there that it's easily done.

Remind me a little of your pregnancy history, did you have confirmed IC last time around? It would be unusual for a previously incompetent cervix to suddenly hold up this time around except to say that any residual scar tissue left from your last labour and delivery might serve to 'sure up' your cervix this time - possible but unusual, especially if you didn't have a stitch last time which can leave a cervix scarred.

It may well be that rest alone is supporting your cervix enough this time to prevent early changes, especially if it was only mildly incompetent before. Cervix length can change rapidly so you're are right to be mindful of this, BUT to have got to 22/23wks and still have 4cms of remaining length suggests that yours is unlikely now to rapidly change over a short period of time.

Your baby is relatively heavy and your uterus expanding rapidly at this stage - an incompetent cervix would typically be feeling the strain, and if not yet abnormally short, would certainly have shortened a little over the past month or so. There seems to be a 'critical window' with IC where the risk of shortening and dilation are high - it is within this window that the most catastrophic changes are seen. Beyond that the risks decline, and generally speaking you can relax.

Until 26wks I would still operate caution hun. If by then all still looks the same, then you are home and dry IC-wise. In the meantime you can feel very reassured that your cervix has remained long and closed at a point where an IC definitely would not, but if you feel ANY changes no matter how minimal, then by all means ask for another check. I would be surprised now if your cl were to reduce dramatically, BUT that doesn't guarantee it won't so continue doing what you're doing, remain cautiously optimistic and don't hesitate to get checked if you feel any additional pressure and/or unusual aches and pains. Hope that helps

 

[sevilla24]

You women are just amazing. Lizzie, THANK YOU. Also, no need to apologize that my questions got lost in the shuffle in the other thread... I knew it was fast moving and it was hard for me to keep up with - which is why I joined this smaller one

You ladies are just so knowledgeable and it helps to hear your perspective.

I will make my story short - as I don't want to make this thread all about me!! haha I know we are all here to support one another.

With DD I had my gender scan at about 19 weeks and they didn't mention anything about my cervix (if it had shortened, it wasn't enough to to tell me) but I was asked to come back for another scan at 28 weeks because of another issue (placenta being too close to cervix, which ended up being fine). It was at 28 weeks that they noticed a shortened cervix (forgive me, I don't remember the length... under 2 cm) and funneling. The doctor was most concerned about the funneling. They put me on "modified" bed rest and told me to come back in a week. The cervix shortened some more, but not much, and the funneling continued to worry them. At this point they took "modified" out of it and put me on strict bed rest, except to come in and be monitored every week. At 37 weeks I delivered my daughter. (thanks to my waters breaking which I am sure is because of the funneling).

They were more concerned about the funneling the entire time and only a little concerned about the shortening. The term IC was thrown around, but I got the impression they weren't 100% sure what was going on.

This pregnancy I explained up above in this thread.... they monitored me up to about 20 weeks and everything looked good. But, it sounds eerily familiar to my last pregnancy. I don't know if it is "officially" IC if it has happened later in pregnancy for me than for most women???? Maybe the funneling/short cervix WAS a random thing for me? Wishful thinking, I guess.

So, I have not been resting this time around, they told me I didn't have to. And with a toddler, bed rest hasn't been an option yet. I will probably live to regret this... but my doctor seemed convinced that everything was fine and I could live my normal life.

SORRY FOR SUCH A LONG POST!!!!! This might be the first time I have written my entire story down!!

 

[sevilla24]

Lizzie - I was just looking at your tickers - It looks like you only had one of your babies prematurely??? You had IC with all three? WOW!!

 

[lizziedripping]

Hi Sevilla I didn't have IC in all 3 pregnancies Hun, my first child delivered at just under 40wks weighing over 9Ibs and didn't give me any problems in the pregnancy. I did have lots of milky discharge and pressure with him in the 20s tho, and do now wonder if my cervix had shortened and funneled with him but lasted until term. His labour was traumatic and tore my cervix which is what we think caused weakness.

It was in my 2nd pregnancy that problems emerged when at 23wks I went in due to low back ache and lots of milky discharge. I was already dilated with bulging membranes. Lasted another week with an emergency stitch, and daughter was born at 24+1. She's ok thank goodness.

With twins I was stitched at 12wks but no one really thought it would work. It did and I made it to my planned section at 38+2, and they were big (8 and 9Ibs). My story

As for you, presenting with funneling at 28wks probably means your cervix might have begun to shorten at around 24wks - so you could have a mild case of IC in the sense that it withstands baby weight for a long time before opening.(Imagine funneling like a letter 'Y' btw, with the top bit opening and the lower part remaining closed.) If yours hadn't been spotted it is highly likely that you'd have gone to 37wks unawares anyway. The other possibility is infection - was there any trace of any at any time? Often tho, infection actually triggers ptl and contractions. Finally, it could just have been one of those things in the last pregnancy and there is no real identifiable reason why - less likely, but possible. Fertility and pregnancy are an odd thing, sometimes there are no explanations and every pregnancy is different. Your low lying placenta might have affected your cervix in some way, again difficult to prove but possible. Did you have any contractions last time, even mild ones which might have felt like low back ache or menstrual cramps?

I still find it hard to believe that your cervix can look this good at this stage, but could suddenly shorten and funnel. Last time it probably shortened significantly from 24wks, but would have shown initial changes even earlier than that (a cervix begins to shorten and efface weeks before it funnels/dilates. Being 4cms is not just good or average, it is excellent and currently shows no cause for concern. I would be tempted however to argue that it might be worth checking it again sooner rather than later just in case, considering what happened last time.

For now you're looking good honey, couldn't be better. Play things safe with reduced activities, minimal lifting and lots of horizontal rest as and when you can. Ask for an earlier tvu, and try to remain positive

 

[sevilla24]

You are just an amazing resource!!! THANK YOU for sharing all of your knowledge You have really made me feel better!!! I feel like I couldn't really find these types of answers any where else. I plan on taking it as easy as I can until August 9th, my next appointment. And even though I don't seem to have any negative symptoms, I am CONSTANTLY aware of my body (aren't we all when we are pregnant, ha!) and am ready to call or go to the doctors at even the smallest sign of something wrong. I also think that "taking it easy" is the best thing I can be doing for my body/baby... so I try!!!

Mumzie, Meaggers, Currituck Girl and the rest.... STILL HANGING IN THERE??

 

[Currituckgirl]

Hi Sevilla!! I am still hanging in here. Just waiting around for my doctors appointment on Thursday. I cannot wait to hear how my doctor is going to react to my wonderful hospital visit. Other than waiting around, I have been doing more online shopping I think we are close to having everything we need (well I am sure we will find out that we are missing somethings after he comes)! I am praying extra hard for you that your cervix stays just as beautifully long as it is now. I totally agree, I do not think we could find such helpful information and support anywhere else.

 

[Meaggers]

Hi! Sorry I've been MIA for a couple of weeks. Looks like that nasty round of infections is finally clearing up. Needless to say it zapped my energy.

Currituck- You're almost to 30 weeks!! I'm so glad you got such good news at L&D and that little Jacob is still growing strong!

Sevilla- That's wonderful that things are still unchanged! Just take it easy and hang in there

Calypso and Lizzie- Thank you girls for such wonderful support and information!

As for me: I'm 28 weeks today! woohoo! I wasn't sure if I'd ever make it this far and now I'm counting down to the 30 week mark. We have a 4d scan scheduled for Friday morning to see how Hunter is growing. I'm so excited to see him since It's been a couple of months.

I do have a question though- Lizzie you mentioned the milky discharge. I've noticed that since about 27 weeks I've had a lot more of it especially since through my pregnancy I haven't really noticed much of any. I'm not sure if this is due to getting further along or if it's due to my cervix? My Doc is out of town at the moment so I didn't ask him as of yet and my next appointment isn't for 2 1/2 weeks. I've also noticed that my talebone hurts a lot as well. It's not constant but at some point during everyday it gets pretty bad. Also I guess between my rear and lady bits (and mainly on the left) it feels like something is splitting apart down there. I'm assuming that's pelvic bone? Anyway I wasn't sure if these are normal pregnancy aches and pains or if it's something I need to be concerned about. Sometimes I feel silly for even asking, but as a FTM I have no clue on a lot of this!!

Sorry so long! Hope everyone is doing well

 

[Currituckgirl]

Woohoo!! Happy 28 weeks Meaggers!! I am so glad you are feeling better. Have fun at your 4d scan, I know it will be fabulous!!

 

[Meaggers]

Hi Ladies Hope everyone is doing well.
Here's a pic from the 4d scan!

 

[sugarplumx]

Hi girls. Can I join this thread? I have a short cervix at 2.5cm and I am 22 weeks pregnant. I found out at my anatomy scan at 19 weeks. I went back two weeks later for my regular prenatal, and she checked me internally. She said my cervix still feels to be about 2.5cm, & is completely closed. I've had some sharp pains on and off in my lower tummy, but I believe they are from baby kicking me. The past day or so I've started feeling sharp pains in my vagina and butt. I believe it is from baby being so low. I also have hemorrhoids so that could be why I have the pain in my butt (sorry TMI I know lol). Anyways. I don't think I've been having any contractions, not even BH.. but I am a FTM and don't really know what to expect. I do have quite a bit of CM, but that's not too abnormal for me. She told me to look out for contractions, blood, & loss of fluid. She never mentioned funneling at all, so I assume my cervix is not funneling.

Is there anything I need to look out for? Does anybody have any advice for me? My doctor just put me on light duties, and can't exercise, have sex, and I need to avoid being on my feet for more than 20-30minutes at a time. She didn't mention a cerclage at all. I didn't even know about it until I got home and did some research. I believe I may be too far along for one though? I'm not really sure. I go back on the 31st for another ultrasound. Should I ask for the FFN test just to be sure? I don't think I would go into labor anytime soon, but would it be good to get one done just in case? Hope you girls have a safe and healthy delivery.. and y'all's babies stay cooking!

 

[sugarplumx]

Hi Ladies Hope everyone is doing well.
Here's a pic from the 4d scan!

He's gorgeous! Look at those lips!

 

[lizziedripping]

Hey sugarplum and welcome

At 22wks, it isn't too late to get a stitch, but At 2.5 your cervix isn't catastrophically short, and it could just be 'normal' for you. What matters is that it remains stable at that length from now and doesn't shorten significantly over the next few weeks. your doc is possibly taking a 'wait and see' approach because it hasn't funneled, nor is it short enoughto yet warrant a stitch. Do you know the starting length of your cervix early on in pregnancy? If your cervix had shrunk from 4 to 2.5 since 20wks then I'd be concerned, if however its starting length was 3.5 at 12wks and it has gradually changed naturally over time, then it'd be less worrying and probably the normal progression for your cervix.

From now I'd advise taking it really easy, be aware of any additional pressure down below, and don't hesitate to get checked if there is any bleeding and/or unusual tightenings/contractions. By the contraction stage things may have moved on significantly so the key is to catch any changes well before that point. I had nothing more than copious amounts of milky discharge, mild pressure and low back ache but had dilated 2cms by the time I got to hospital, so be aware of anything that is unusual for you.

I wouldn't be overly concerned if I had made 22wks with a closed cervix that was on the shorter side, but it pays to be aware. Funneling is when the top part of the cervix is open but the lower part is closed, so it's difficult to detect unless you have an internal ultrasound. Maybe it might be worth asking for a tvu just to be on the safe side? Good luck xxx

 

[lizziedripping]

Meaggers, your bub looks soooo cute xxx

 

[Currituckgirl]

Meaggers ~ Your lo is absolutely adorable. I have an ultrasound this Thursday and I am hoping he gives me a good shot of him.

Hi Sugarplum! As far as the ffn test, I had one done at 24 weeks and it was positive. I am still here. All it did was make me so nervous for 2 weeks. The negatives are the most reliable, if it is negative it is 95% accurate. If it is positive it is 50% accurate. When I went to the hospital this past Saturday I was offered one but I declined it. I just don't want to take the chance and have a positive again and then worry myself more. Some doctors use them to help them figure out when to administer steroid shots.

 

[sugarplumx]

Hey sugarplum and welcome

At 22wks, it isn't too late to get a stitch, but At 2.5 your cervix isn't catastrophically short, and it could just be 'normal' for you. What matters is that it remains stable at that length from now and doesn't shorten significantly over the next few weeks. your doc is possibly taking a 'wait and see' approach because it hasn't funneled, nor is it short enoughto yet warrant a stitch. Do you know the starting length of your cervix early on in pregnancy? If your cervix had shrunk from 4 to 2.5 since 20wks then I'd be concerned, if however its starting length was 3.5 at 12wks and it has gradually changed naturally over time, then it'd be less worrying and probably the normal progression for your cervix.

From now I'd advise taking it really easy, be aware of any additional pressure down below, and don't hesitate to get checked if there is any bleeding and/or unusual tightenings/contractions. By the contraction stage things may have moved on significantly so the key is to catch any changes well before that point. I had nothing more than copious amounts of milky discharge, mild pressure and low back ache but had dilated 2cms by the time I got to hospital, so be aware of anything that is unusual for you.

I wouldn't be overly concerned if I had made 22wks with a closed cervix that was on the shorter side, but it pays to be aware. Funneling is when the top part of the cervix is open but the lower part is closed, so it's difficult to detect unless you have an internal ultrasound. Maybe it might be worth asking for a tvu just to be on the safe side? Good luck xxx

Thank you SO much!! I'm not sure how it was measuring in the beginning of the pregnancy, I will have to ask her at my next appointment. What is a TVU? I don't think I've heard of it before. I really have no idea what to expect or watch out for being a first time mom. I've had more cramps than usual then past few weeks but it could be from baby kicking or RLP, I'm not sure. Just having the pain freaks me out. My OB didn't seem concerned about it, so I guess it's just normal? Once again, thank you so much! That makes me feel better xx