Short Cervix

[MamaLa]

I had my 18 week scan yesterday. Found out Im having a little girl! And they measured my cervix and they said it was it was Short. It supposed to be 4 and mines is 2.2. They are going to remeasure it next Wednesday, but they might have me do the progesterone inserts and if that doesnt work they are going to sew up my cervix (cervical cerclage) and put me on Bed rest. I run a department by myself I cant be on bed rest!. I am wondering has anyone gone through this, how well does the progesterone work? Did the cerclage work well? Did you go full term? Im just soo nervous!!

 

[MamaLa]

Anyone?

 

[kel21]

I hope someone has an answer for you!

 

[time2deal]

Hi,

I've also got a short cervix (2.3cm) but it was expected due to previous cervical surgery. I'm 23 weeks and on modified bed rest, and being told to get ready for hospital bed rest. Probably for the rest of the pregnancy.

I know lots of ladies this had worked for. There are some Facebook groups and a website called abbyloopers who can help you, although they focus on a special type of cerclage (TAC) that you are a little too late for.

Sometimes a short cervix will hold tightly closed throughout the pregnancy with no problems, but it is a risk that needs close monitoring. Be very vigilant for fluid loss, any blood or cramps.

Re the bed rest, it's horrible and frustrating, but you need to prepare yourself mentally and practically for it. You can work from bed but it's hard, but for these few months your life goes in hold for your baby. Hard to do, but you just have to! To be stark, the choice is running the office or doing the best for your baby.

As I said I'm 23 weeks and my cervix is weakening. Even though I was aware this was possible/likely it's a shock to get used to the idea of bed rest. However the idea of a 23/24 week baby brings it all into sharp focus!! Now I'm in bed as much as possible, gravity is not your friend. Even sitting isn't encouraged. Trust your doctors and you are lucky that you have found out now. Very sadly many women find out after having their babies suddenly at 19-20 weeks or so.

Sorry to bring bad news! This is all worst case scenario, but best you know the facts. You can Google incompetent cervix for extra info. Lois of support groups out there. What country are you in?

 

[Elodie]

You might find this thread helpful:

https://babyandbump.momtastic.com/g...cervix-stitch-cerclage-threatened-labour.html

I had a 3.0cm cervix to start with (due to surgery), then 2.6cm at 16.5 weeks, at 17.5 weeks it had shortened to 1.7cm so I had a cervical cerclage at 17.5 weeks. I'm now 21 weeks and on daily progesterone 200mg vaginally. I'm on modified(ish) bed rest and am working from home.

Over in the UK they consider 'short' less than 2.5cm, but don't think about doing the cerclage until it approaches 1.5cm, so on that basis you wouldn't even be considered short here, you would probably be monitored. Make sure you have weekly or maximum fortnightly vaginal ultrasounds so they can keep an eye on you.

Both my obstetricians said that bed rest doesn't make much of a difference (not sure I agree with that) but that it is more to do with stress - if you have a busy job, long commute, and work long hours, this can have an adverse effect on cervix length. I am now working from home probably for the duration of my pregnancy. I am taking it easy, with little exercise, and drinking loads of water (this is important to keep up amniotic fluid levels and prevent early contractions). No sex or baths either (infection risk).

The cerclage itself was fine, it's a proper surgical procedure in theatre though, with a spinal block and a cast of thousands. I didn't feel a thing of course, it wasn't my favourite experience in the world and I stayed overnight in the hospital, but for my baby it is all worth it, along with the change in my life by having to work at home. Luckily I am able to do this with my job.

A short cervix doesn't mean a weak cervix, so as long as you are monitored as I was then they will be ready to act should it shorten further. As for the progesterone, they don't really know how it works but it does.

You might need to carefully consider your working arrangements and what you can change. I know it sounds a real pain but it is worth it for the baby.

Good luck and feel free to PM me if you need.

Elodie

 

[Elodie]

You may find this article useful - it's very techie (my background is medical) but it does have lots of facts and figures on management.

https://pontog.info/eve_ppt-rpm_11.pdf

From this article, if at 18 weeks you measured 2.2cm you have less than a 30% chance of delivering before 35 weeks. Puts things in perspective a bit!

Elodie

 

[capricorn1]

Hi,

Just wanted to share my story (positive experience with progesterone), hopefully it will help.

Started cervical monitoring at 14 weeks where the sonographer told me I couldn't have had a better cervix. At 16 weeks I measured 25mm, a drastic drop. I couldn't see my own OB until the next day, but he re-measured me and I was about 30mm - apparently the measurements can vary depending on the pressure the person carrying out the ultrasound puts on your cervix and of course pressure from bubs etc..

I started Progesterone pessaries that evening and will be on them until 34 weeks. At 17 weeks, cervix measured 24mm so a little drop from the week before but appeared to be stabilising. I was still offered the stitch as I was below the 25mm cut-off. I decided to wait another week to see how things were going as there is a risk of miscarriage and having lost a baby at 20 weeks last year I didn't like the 1/10 odds I was given of a miscarriage. Of course had the measurement been obviously less I would have gone for it - it just wasn't clear at that stage that the benefit outweighed the risk in my case. My OB was really supportive of my decision and felt it was the right decision for my circumstances.

Since then my measurements have improved week on week and was last measured at 24 weeks at 35mm - so the progesterone really helped me. I should add that I rested with my feet up as much as possible. I luckily have a desk job, but apart from work and hospital appointments I didn't do anything for weeks. I am more active now in that I go for short walks and am doing some housework, but I am still taking it easy by most people's standards.

So rest, progesterone and no sex, baths, swimming etc...

GL hun, hope you get good news at your next scan.
xxx

 

[MamaLa]

Thank you guys so much, I work in a clinic so I know the Dr will let me do as much as I can from home, and even probably work laying on a patient bed with my laptop. I'm just nervous. I want to keep this baby in as long as possible!