Short cervix at 21 weeks

[brambram]

Hi lch and welcome!

Sevilla's right, this has been a very supportive thread.
Curri's story is what first brought me to this thread - it is very inspirational and gives me hope everyday. My story is similar to hers and hopefully will give you some hope. I have found bedrest and prayers have worked miracles for me.

In summary: at my 20 week scan they saw funnelling and my cervix was only 12mm (1.2cm). They offered to stitch me up but said there were no guarantees. I didn't do the stitch, but instead am taking part in a trial research where they inserted a silicone ring to see if it could replace the surgical stitch procedure in future. Again, no guarantees.
I was sent home as they sAid there was nothing more they could do if baby came before 24 weeks, as baby would not be considered 'viable'.

I was terrified and in tears. I had an early miscarriage last year and also feared losing another pregnancy, especially since DH and I have been trying for 3 years and I am over the blessed 35 years of age.

At my 24 week scan my cervix had shortened to only 3mm (.3cm!) - now that baby was considered 'viable' I was immediately admitted to hospital and placed on strict bedrest. The fear was that I could go into labour anytime, and baby would have to be taken to intensive care. I was given steriod shots to help mature baby's lungs. I had no time to think and had not prepared to be admitted to hospital. The doctors said that we should try to get to 26 weeks and hopefully if we're lucky maybe 28 weeks.

Well, we got to 28 weeks and the doctor considered discharging me, however, when they examined me they could now see that my cervix had started to dilate to about 2cm wide and I had bulging membranes (the sac was falling through the opening). Again, I was told that I could go into labour any time.

The doctors said that it would be a miracle if I got to 32 weeks. Well, here I am 32 weeks And 2 days!

By the way, Did you do the stitch?

 

[brambram]

Curri that's amazing! Thanks for sharing your story. I cried when I read it, as I feel like ive been on this journey with you and we finally made it!

I still hAve no idea what to expect so always love to hear what others go through. I guess since you were already dilating and with a short cervix it didn't take long for things to progress huh? I fear that I might be in the same situation, and I definitely want an epidural as I have zero tolerance for pain. It must have been pretty scary. well he is absolutely gorgeous and I'm sure worth the journey.

Will you still be posting on baby and bump? I don't suppose you'll be in this thread any more, but if you still post I'd like to continue to follow your stories. Do you have a blog?

By the way Curri, when did your waters break? I always fear that I won't know when mine break...and I could be leaking and not know.

 

[lch28]

brambram - wow hun this must all have been such a shock to you. I am so happy to hear that you have made it this far! its just amazing what bed rest can do. I have heard of the the silicone ring. I dont think they are researching that here in the US. My friend had her daughter at 31 weeks and she is how a happy and healthy 8 year old! It must have been so emotional , i wish we could just enjoy your pregnancies instead of worrying every day. major to you, soon you will have LO in your arms!

I did get the stitch, I got an elective one done at 12 weeks because I lost my daughter at 23 weeks in February. I had no idea i had an incompetent cervix and one day was bleeding, then i was in labor 8 hours later and she was born. She was beautiful, and tiny with a full head of hair! I think of her every day and know that she watches over me.

So i was expecting at some point to have my cervix shorten I guess. at 16 weeks it was 4cm so i was soo happy with that! At 20 weeks, we found out it was a baby boy! Then i found out that my cervix is 2.5 cm and funneling at the top of my stitch. I also found out the baby has pyelectesis. His kidneys are not functioning well. I am told its normal and will resolve itself most likely during pregnancy. I was extremely overwhelmed with all the bad news at once. One of the fetal medicine dr's came in to talk to me about everything and she told me to go on immediate modified bed rest and my dr would call me today. This was on thursday. Now here I am on bed rest. Its hard, I am alone in this pregnancy right now (my fiancee and I broke up around when i was 15 weeks) so financially it's almost impossible for me. I have the most wonderful family who are supporting my every need. I am so so happy to be pregnant with my rainbow. At the same time I dont know what i would even do with myself if something devastating happens again. I try not to think that way. I am also on progesterone injections once a week. I am hoping this and my stitch will help me carry hopefully to term.. Ill know more at my next cervical scan which is on Friday. Then i see my OB Monday so i can bombard him with my list of questions i have created in bed!

 

[sevilla24]

Just to add another success story...

I wanted to let you know that with DD my cervix was less than 2 cm and funneling - with no stitch I was put on bed rest around 28 weeks. I made it to 37 weeks and 5 days with her when my water broke on the way to the toilet in the middle of the night All just because of bed rest!!!

 

[Currituckgirl]

Bram ~ I have no idea if that is why I went in to labor that quick. I think that may have been from being checked three times earlier that day at the hospital. Going into labor and delivering with out an epidural was a huge worry for me also. I have no pain tolerance, myself! I could never have imagined giving birth with out medicine. Just know that if that were to happen to you, you will be able to manage. It sucks, but the pain does go away right after he is born. My waters never broke!! They had to break my waters when I hit 10 cm!!! Crazy, huh? I thought I was leaking since I was about 28 weeks. I kept getting the fluid checked around my baby. I cannot wait to hear your labor story!! I will still be following this thread, that way I can keep up with you ladies and if there are anymore woman that join that need some positive stories I can help. I am going to start a parenting journal on here very soon!! I will let you know when I get it going.

Ich ~ Thank you so much!! That little boy was hard work. I was on bed rest for 3 1/2 months! I am so sorry to hear about your loss. 2.5 cm is scary, but totally doable hun! Just be sure to take the bed rest seriously. It is awesome that you have family that are able to help you out!! I am not sure if you know my story from earlier posts, if not I am more that happy to share with you!

 

[lch28]

sevilla thats amazing. and this time your cervix has stayed nice and long!! i was hoping maybe mine would do that this time . lol. apparently not... my doctor said i have severe cervical incompetence after looking at the scan..

curri id love to hear your story.


sometimes im scared im not beign careful enough. I live with my mom and shes gone from 7 am to 7 pm.. so i have to get up to heat up a quick meal.. i go to the bathroom like once a hour.. and i also have been sitting in my recliner sometimes instead of the bed. is all of this okay?

 

[brambram]

brambram - wow hun this must all have been such a shock to you. I am so happy to hear that you have made it this far! its just amazing what bed rest can do. I have heard of the the silicone ring. I dont think they are researching that here in the US. My friend had her daughter at 31 weeks and she is how a happy and healthy 8 year old! It must have been so emotional , i wish we could just enjoy your pregnancies instead of worrying every day. major to you, soon you will have LO in your arms!

I did get the stitch, I got an elective one done at 12 weeks because I lost my daughter at 23 weeks in February. I had no idea i had an incompetent cervix and one day was bleeding, then i was in labor 8 hours later and she was born. She was beautiful, and tiny with a full head of hair! I think of her every day and know that she watches over me.

So i was expecting at some point to have my cervix shorten I guess. at 16 weeks it was 4cm so i was soo happy with that! At 20 weeks, we found out it was a baby boy! Then i found out that my cervix is 2.5 cm and funneling at the top of my stitch. I also found out the baby has pyelectesis. His kidneys are not functioning well. I am told its normal and will resolve itself most likely during pregnancy. I was extremely overwhelmed with all the bad news at once. One of the fetal medicine dr's came in to talk to me about everything and she told me to go on immediate modified bed rest and my dr would call me today. This was on thursday. Now here I am on bed rest. Its hard, I am alone in this pregnancy right now (my fiancee and I broke up around when i was 15 weeks) so financially it's almost impossible for me. I have the most wonderful family who are supporting my every need. I am so so happy to be pregnant with my rainbow. At the same time I dont know what i would even do with myself if something devastating happens again. I try not to think that way. I am also on progesterone injections once a week. I am hoping this and my stitch will help me carry hopefully to term.. Ill know more at my next cervical scan which is on Friday. Then i see my OB Monday so i can bombard him with my list of questions i have created in bed!

@Lch, your story is heartbreaking. I am so sorry about your loss and the breakup with your fiancé. Thank God you have a supportive family. I think with the stitch in place this time around you are in a much better position, and as Curri says, though it's scary, 2.5cm isn't that bad and you can totally get there. Try to remain positive (easier said than done, I know). I found it helped me to have short goals in mind...don't think about the 40 week due date...right now just try to get to 24 weeks, which is just a couple of weeks away.

In terms of bedrest, I got so much conflicting information, even by the doctors themselves. They didn't prescribe bedrest for me until I was 24 weeks and down to 3mm. And even then some doctors were telling me there is no medical evidence that bedrest helps, as baby will come when baby is ready and they were concerned I would get blood clots and circulation issues. While other doctors were saying that they believed bedrest helped to reduce gravity and pressure on the cervix. I was totally confused. But from reading other experiences on here, I believe in bedrest! Even if it is all in my mind, it works. It is hard...I do sit up and walk around minimally, just to keep my circulation going...but for the most part, I'm lying down.

 

[brambram]

Bram ~ I have no idea if that is why I went in to labor that quick. I think that may have been from being checked three times earlier that day at the hospital. Going into labor and delivering with out an epidural was a huge worry for me also. I have no pain tolerance, myself! I could never have imagined giving birth with out medicine. Just know that if that were to happen to you, you will be able to manage. It sucks, but the pain does go away right after he is born. My waters never broke!! They had to break my waters when I hit 10 cm!!! Crazy, huh? I thought I was leaking since I was about 28 weeks. I kept getting the fluid checked around my baby. I cannot wait to hear your labor story!! I will still be following this thread, that way I can keep up with you ladies and if there are anymore woman that join that need some positive stories I can help. I am going to start a parenting journal on here very soon!! I will let you know when I get it going.

Ich ~ Thank you so much!! That little boy was hard work. I was on bed rest for 3 1/2 months! I am so sorry to hear about your loss. 2.5 cm is scary, but totally doable hun! Just be sure to take the bed rest seriously. It is awesome that you have family that are able to help you out!! I am not sure if you know my story from earlier posts, if not I am more that happy to share with you!

Curri, I was wondering if you'd have time to post with new baby in tow . Do keep in touch. I am amazed about your waters - well, about your entire story really. Because of this bulging membranes thing, I keep thinking my waters are gonna give any minute.

Oh yes, I forgot thatSevilla had short cervix and no stitch....and did so well. So @lch, which a stitch in place the outlook is even better.

 

[lch28]

Thanks hun.. seeing everyone so close to term makes me feel a lot better and very hopeful. I guess hearing that it shortened I kind of felt doomed but I am feeling better. I just hope it doesn't get shorter. I have another scan Friday. Is it possible for the cervix to grow? That'd be awesome. I just keep praying everynight that I will carry to term. I can't go through another loss

 

[sevilla24]

I have heard of cervixes getting longer.... you never know!!!

 

[Meaggers]

Hi Ladies!! I'm sorry I haven't been able to write in so long. I've been reading from my cell, but trying to post from there is a nightmare!

Curri- Congratulaitons!!! I'm so beyond thrilled and excited for you! Your little one is absolutely beautiful!

Servilla- I'm so glad things are still going so well for you! A Hike!!- Wow! That is amazing.

Bram- 32 weeks is such a wonderful milestone! Keep on proving those doctors wrong honey. I'm so happy that you're still hanging in there

Lch- Welcome to the thread hun. I'm so sorry about the loss of your little one as well as the news about your fiance. Hang in there and be strong. The ladies on this thread are just wonderful and so sweet. Progesterone and bedrest really do work wonders. You're in my thoughts and prayers- I'll be following to see how you continue to progress with your little rainbow!

As for me- We scheduled an induction date today. Who knew?!?! I thought for sure this little one was coming early and so did everyone else. I can't believe I'm so close to meeting my little boy. Infact, My cervix has been so slow to progress since I was using progesterone suppositories that I've been working to try and get him out at home. Pineapple, walking, ball bouncing, stairs, even evening primrose oil. Nothing works! Anyhow, baby Hunter should be (if everything goes according to plan) born on 10/11/12. You are all in my thoughts and I look forward to reading more updates.

 

[lch28]

thanks hun. again i just love to see 38 weeks on your ticker. i will just feel so overjoyed to make it that far. I decided to look forward to V day first! i wanted to do suppositories, but my doc insisted on the shots. oh well. i am praying for good news at my scan on friday. last time, it was 2.5 cm and funneling (not all the way to the stitch though) then i have an OB appt on monday. I have so many questions for him! i love him lol. i got a new doctor after I lost Sophia because (and i am never one to point fingers) they just refused to listen to any of my concerns. my new ob is high risk and i just love him

 

[Currituckgirl]

Ich ~ My story, sorry that it is a bit long...

Back at 20 weeks I went in for my routine scan to find out the sex of my baby. At the end of the appt I was told that I have a short cervix and that I needed to go immediately to L&D. The whole way there I remember crying my eyes out and thinking I was going to have my baby way, way to early. I was throughly checked at the hospital and I found out that my cervix was only 1 mm, yes, only 1 mm and my water bags were bulging!! I cannot explain how I felt at that time. Crushed would be putting it lightly. My doctor told me my options and a cerclage was one of them; however with how short my cervix was and the fact that my bags were bulging there was a greater chance that he could pop the bag. My husband and I decided to just do bed rest and progesterone suppositories. I scoured the internet hoping to find a case like mine to see if there was hope. The forums were few and far between since my cervix was so little. I did find a couple stories that truly helped me.

At my 23 week appt I found out that my cervix had elongated. Yes it is possible, but if yours doesn't get elongated at your next appt don't get discouraged, you are still at a decent length!! I believe that it was from being on bed rest that my cervix had done that. I went from 1 mm to 7-8 mm!!! I was so happy! It's crazy that I was so happy about 7 mm. I ended up going into L&D when I was 23 weeks 6 days for cramping. They did a ffn test on me to see if I have a chance of delivering in the next 2 weeks!! (I am not sure if you know much about those tests, but they can be preformed after 24 weeks. It checks for a protein that is secreted when a woman is about to go into labor.) It is not very accurate. I had a positive so they admitted me into L&D. They gave me steroid shots to help mature the lungs. I was so scared that I was going to go into labor within those two weeks. It was the longest two weeks ever. After 8 days they checked my cervix, which was still holding at 7 mm, and since there was no change they sent me home to continue bed rest.

The days slowly went by and it was a relief every day to make it through. I was steadily hitting my milestones, 24 28, 32 and so on. I had bumps along the way, a lot of stressing about cramping, wondering if it was preterm labor and if my fluid levels were okay around the baby and also if I was leaking fluid. I made probably about 7-8 trips to L&D. My doctor told me if I feel anything different that what I normally feel to just go in to the hospital. So they got to know me pretty good around there actually!! lol.

The last check I had was at, I believe, 29-30 weeks and my cervix was still holding strong at 7 mm!! At 34 weeks I was released from bed rest (3 1/2 months later!!!) and I was expected to go into labor at anytime from my doctor. I kept surprising him every week when I would show up for my appointment. Finally at 39 weeks exactly I went into labor.

With my next pregnancy I will hopefully be getting the cerclage early. Since you got it early that is great! They have a greater chance to help when placed early. I hope this eases your mind a little. I look forward to seeing you hit those same milestones

 

[Currituckgirl]

Ich ~ Also, with my bed rest, I drank a gallon of water a day. I would get up to use the restroom at least once an hour. I would make myself breakfast (just cereal) and a very quick lunch. I would have to wait for dinner until my husband got home from work. I would lay in bed and lay horizontal as possible. I would sit up for maybe a couple hours a day. I took a shower ever other day. I was very pre cautious with doing anything.

Please let me know how your check goes on Friday, I look forward to hearing some good news from you!!!

 

[Currituckgirl]

Bram ~ I kept thinking the same thing!! I would always wonder, if I bend down to get this will it be the time my waters break?

Meaggers ~ That is so fantastic!! I am so glad that you have been doing well! It is so crazy to think that we were so worried that we would deliver early and here we are getting inductions scheduled! Awesome induction day, by the way! I was working on getting my little one out also. I bounced on that dang on ball for about 2 hours a day. I don't know if it helped or not. Good luck, and I hope you can get your little one to come before the induction! Please let us know your birth story

 

[lch28]

thanks so much for sharing your story hun . it is truly inspirational. I know how horrible it must have been to hear that your cervix was so short and your bags were bulging. When I was told I was 4cm dilated and too far into labor to stop anything i was just devastated. I think that the entire building heard me sobbing. I constantly wonder what could have been if my doctors listened to me. I knew something was wrong and called every day for 2 weeks. They wouldn't see me and said L&D wouldnt either because I was not 24 weeks yet. To just relax, and I am doing more damage to my baby by stressing. Well, low and behold 5 days later i was bleeding and told there was nothing they could or would do for me. I remember after Sophia was born I blamed myself, i thought i should have been more persistant to be seen, i should have switched doctors, went to the ER.. i just needed to be mad at someone so i chose myself..

that is amazing your cervix elongated! I would be thrilled, Ill also be happy if it stays the same length. I have to admit if it shortens i am going to be totally freaked..

i am so so so glad that you carried to term and have your LO. I have so much hope for me and my future with my son and I pray to god everyday to look over me and my baby. I hope that my cerclage does the trick, combined with bed rest and progesterone. I am soo thankful for my doctor. He has been so amazing, even gave me his private email that goes directly to his cell in case I have an emergency and prefer to speak to him over the on call doc (he did this cause i called the on call doc when i was 18 weeks cause i thought i was losing plug, doctor proceeded to tell me there is no plug to lose at 18 weeks and laughed at me) ... OF COURSE THERE IS! my doctor was not happy with that. thanks again hun for sharing your story and im so happy i have found support here

 

[lch28]

i get up to make breakfast, i get up to pee every hour also! i also have to get up and feed my kitty. i shower every other day and bring a stool in! lol .

is it good for your cervix to drink a lot of water? i drink 80 oz a day and even that is hard for me lol

 

[sevilla24]

Meaggers!!!!! I was so excited to read a post from you Was hoping everything was okay since we hadn't heard from you. I totally understand the posting from your phone thing.

THIS IS WHAT I MEAN about it being a lucky thread. Look at all of us incompetent cervix ladies finding ourselves at FULL TERM trying to find ways to induce labor. It's just crazy. And wonderful

 

[sevilla24]

Curri - even though I knew your story, it's still inspirational to read it again

lch - looking forward to your update on Friday. Sounds like you are in GREAT hands with this new doctor. Keep doing what you are doing and drinking that water

brambram how are you doing?

AFM - Not much. Went to the doctors yesterday and everything is going just fine Can't believe I am just about 34 weeks.

 

[Currituckgirl]

thanks so much for sharing your story hun . it is truly inspirational. I know how horrible it must have been to hear that your cervix was so short and your bags were bulging. When I was told I was 4cm dilated and too far into labor to stop anything i was just devastated. I think that the entire building heard me sobbing. I constantly wonder what could have been if my doctors listened to me. I knew something was wrong and called every day for 2 weeks. They wouldn't see me and said L&D wouldnt either because I was not 24 weeks yet. To just relax, and I am doing more damage to my baby by stressing. Well, low and behold 5 days later i was bleeding and told there was nothing they could or would do for me. I remember after Sophia was born I blamed myself, i thought i should have been more persistant to be seen, i should have switched doctors, went to the ER.. i just needed to be mad at someone so i chose myself..

that is amazing your cervix elongated! I would be thrilled, Ill also be happy if it stays the same length. I have to admit if it shortens i am going to be totally freaked..

i am so so so glad that you carried to term and have your LO. I have so much hope for me and my future with my son and I pray to god everyday to look over me and my baby. I hope that my cerclage does the trick, combined with bed rest and progesterone. I am soo thankful for my doctor. He has been so amazing, even gave me his private email that goes directly to his cell in case I have an emergency and prefer to speak to him over the on call doc (he did this cause i called the on call doc when i was 18 weeks cause i thought i was losing plug, doctor proceeded to tell me there is no plug to lose at 18 weeks and laughed at me) ... OF COURSE THERE IS! my doctor was not happy with that. thanks again hun for sharing your story and im so happy i have found support here

Oh Ich, you should never blame yourself, love! You were listening to your doctor, which we tend to do since they "know best". I am so incredibly sorry to hear that.

That is so fabulous that your doctor is so attentive. If only they were all like that! I have confidence that you will go to term and probably even past it. Your cerclage had been placed at the best time!!!

The reason for drinking a lot of water is to keep your uterus from contracting. If you get dehydrated it can cause it to contract. I was told to drink lots of water, so I went with a gallon a day. It was easy to keep track of, I had a milk gallon that my husband would fill up so that I wouldn't have to keep getting up to get more water.