Short Cervix - What Can I Expect?

[ShelbyLC]

Yesterday at my 18 week ultrasound, it was discovered that my cervix is shortening. I don't know how much, but when I asked, the sonographer told me "it's not dangerously short, but it's something we're going to have to watch". I spoke with the doctor after the US and I was told to return in 2 days (that makes it tomorrow now) and they're going to check again to see if there has been any change.

A cervical stitch/cerclage was mentioned, as were progesterone pills. I don't know much about either and I know that if there's a problem tomorrow, a decision might have to be made at that point, and I don't want to be caught off guard and make a choice based on nervous pressure.

To make things worse, I won't be seeing my regular doctor as she's out of work the rest of the week, and I've never met the doctor that I will be seeing. That will make me more nervous because now I have to go off of their word, too. Plus, the doctor that discovered the problem yesterday is not my primary OB, it's my High Risk OB that I was only seeing for a follow up. Ideally, I would like it if the doctor/s tomorrow could consult with my primary OB about the treatment before it happens (if it's neccesary) but I don't know if that can happen.

Anyway, before this gets any longer. I'm hoping someone could explain to me the pros/cons of the stitch and the pills and maybe explain a little better what they do? I'm afraid to do my own research on Google as I know that just leads to more worry.

 

[DragonflyWing]

I'm sorry I don't have experience with either one, but just wanted to say I hope they find that it's not progressing and is nothing to worry about! I'm also pregnant with twins, and they're checking my cervical length every two weeks...I'm afraid every time that they'll tell me it's shortening.

 

[lizziedripping]

Hi Shelby

I would strongly urge you to push for the stitch lovely. Twins are notorious for causing cervical shortening in women who would otherwise have no trouble carrying one baby to term.

I had my first baby at term, then my second at 24wks due to an incompetent cervix so with my third, twin pregnancy I had an elective stitch placed early at 12wks. I carried them to term (38wks) as a result and they were big (8 and 9Ibs). The stitch, if placed before any significant cervical changes can work brilliantly, and 'firm up' a weakening cervix which is feeling the pressure of a rapidly expanding uterus.

At 18wks and with some shortening it is clear that your cervix is exhibiting changes at a point when it should be long and closed (until atleast 30wks). I wouldn't risk a 'wait and see' approach with twins because a cervix can change quickly in a short space of time, after which it is more difficult to get a good result with a stitch. If they're offering one the take it sweet - it is done under a spinal anaesthetic, and you should be home within 24hrs. After that it's best to rest as much as possible until you have reached the 28wk mark when an incompetent cervix is less of a problem.

As for progesterone, this too is good for firming up the cervix so if it's offered then take it - my preference would be to have both if you get the chance.

Good luck darlin, I have lots of IC/twin experience so don't hesitate to get in touch xx

 

[ShelbyLC]

Thank you very, very much!

I actually just got off the phone with my primary OB and feel a bit better now. Not only did the high risk OB call and tell my primary OB what was going on (instead of mailing a report like usual!), but apparently she told my OB more than she told me yesterday, and my OB actually said to relax and don't even worry unless they find some changes tomorrow. She said my cervix was "only shortened a little" so that's a good thing.

But either way, I didn't want to go unprepared tomorrow, so thank you so much for your reply.

 

[ShelbyLC]

I saw both of my doctors today (regular and high risk OBs) and my results are much better than they were on Tuesday. I found out today that my cervix was measuring 2.2cm on Tuesday and today it is measuring 3.2cm. So, a much better length! I've been told to take it easy for a while and I have an appointment next Friday for another TV US to check the length again, to see what (if any) changes are happening.

 

[JustinsMama]

I saw both of my doctors today (regular and high risk OBs) and my results are much better than they were on Tuesday. I found out today that my cervix was measuring 2.2cm on Tuesday and today it is measuring 3.2cm. So, a much better length! I've been told to take it easy for a while and I have an appointment next Friday for another TV US to check the length again, to see what (if any) changes are happening.

Shelby, I just saw this thread. How are you doing? How far along are you now? What did you decide to do as a course of action?

Hope its all going well!

 

[ShelbyLC]

I'm doing pretty well, considering all that has been going on! I'm 25 weeks tomorrow and trying to keep the girls cooking as long as possible. At my last appointment, which was on Thursday, my cervix was measuring 1.0cm, up from 0.7 the previous week. I have another check tomorrow and I'm hoping things have remained stable.

I never got a cerclage as I was having contractions (so it was too risky to place one) so I'm on strict bedrest at home right now, but I've been in the hospital twice now in the last 5 weeks. I recieved steroid shots at 22 weeks and should be recieving another set at 26 weeks. I'm really hoping to keep the girls in until December

I follow and try to update at the IC thread when I can.

 

[JustinsMama]

I saw both of my doctors today (regular and high risk OBs) and my results are much better than they were on Tuesday. I found out today that my cervix was measuring 2.2cm on Tuesday and today it is measuring 3.2cm. So, a much better length! I've been told to take it easy for a while and I have an appointment next Friday for another TV US to check the length again, to see what (if any) changes are happening.

Shelby, I just saw this thread. How are you doing? How far along are you now? What did you decide to do as a course of action?

Hope its all going well!