My cervix was measured to be 0.8cm (8mm) at 19 weeks. Since then I have had a 15mm then 8mm and the last one was 20mm (2cm) - I'm now almost 23 weeks. From my experience there is some variation in the measurement depending on the sonographer and whether or not they are pushing in on the cervix or not. One sonographer demonstrated how she could get different measurements by moviong the probe around. So I think while you are still within the safe threshold (>2.5cm) you can rest easy. It is good that they are keeping an eye on it though.
From my understanding, in a 'normal' pregnancy the cervix starts to shorten sometime after 30 weeks at an average rate of between 0.5-1cm per week. However, everyone is so different and what may mean early labour for one is completely normal for another.
I didn't get a stitch because I am already too short and the risk of other complications is too great. My ob started me on progesterone pessaries last week befor I got the 20mm measurement, so that might be something to talk to your ob about if it does start to shorten below 2.5cm. Whether they contributed to the large jump in my cervix length or not is anyones guess. Maybe it is just the bed rest ????? According to my ob, they don't really know. But the randomised control trials for the progesterone treatment show a significant decrease in delivering before 34 weeks in women with shortened cervix. It's my best shot.
Nae,
With my stitch and prev pregnancys that ended with abrupt cervix shortening my cervix with a stitch in was 3.5cm at 20 weeks. Prev scans on the pre term labour and rupture of membranes were 1.5 at 13 weeks and 1.8 at 18 weeks they thought that was normal!
From the point of 16 weeks the baby starts to put weight on the cervix due to its increasing size so as time goes on the cervical length should maintain and may shorten according to the week but not shorten significantly.
Your obst is right my gauge was 2.0cm and then I would of been hospitalised thankfully it never shortened past 2.9cm.
As long as they are monitoring you and they know your previous pregnancy history they should be aware of the importance of the scans. How often do you have us's? Aftern 30 weeks they became a little less determined to have me have them 2 weekly as it was a milestone I never that thought I would reach
Bec,
I have my scans weekly until 24 weeks, that when they are stopping, though depending on how my next few go I may request to be scanned longer say until 30 weeks.
Susan,
I see the same sonographer every week and he has pushed and prodded but there has been no change in the cervix when there has been extra pressure iykwim. Are you using pesseries? are you on bed rest?
Not long for me to wait until my next scan, I have decided to try to not stress until I get to my next scan, I just don't want to get too late if there is a problem and they cannot stop things progressing.
Still I have a great Ob and the specialist has been a specialist for a very very long time so I trust them both. I have my Obs home and mobile number if something is worrying me and I cannot get any help with the Hossy staff.
I am just so anxious, all I want is a healthy baby to bring home at least a 34 weeker!!
Maybe my cervix changes with pressure because it is so short and when at 8mm I also have funnelling. So When the sonographer presses in a certain way it actually appears to lengthen the cervix, but not by much, maybe about 5mm. I'll take every mm I can get at this point.
Yes, I have been on bed rest for 3 weeks now, since it was discovered (and going mad). I started the pessaries last week, a couple of days before my last scan when I measured 20mm. My ob said he'd like me to stay on them till around 28 weeks and see where to go from there. I am also having weekly scans till 24 weeks, then dropping back to forntightly or monthly.
I know what 3 weeks in bed is like Susan just remember its for a good cause!! Sounds like your in great hands and your Ob is doing everything possible to help you hold on. Will be keeping everything crossed for you, its never a pleasent thing to go through.
My scan did not go as well as I had hoped. I have shortened further to 2.75 which resulted in me breaking down with the specialist into a blubbering mess. I then rang and demanded to see my Ob, which was fortunate that I did because he is going away for 2 weeks.
He has assured me that I am still within what is considered "normal" but for my sanity he introduced me to another Ob who I can see while he is away. He also organised for me to have another scan on Monday to see if there have been any further changes.
If I get down to 2cm they will put a stitch in asap and who knows what will happen from there as there are no guarntees.
It was explained to me that this could very well be the normal thing for my body and that we may be putiing a stitch in unneccessarily, and that some women shorten and infact dilate but carry to term.
The good thing is that when external pressure is applied to the uterus there are no changes, I have had no bleeding and no contractions (not even felt BH contractions). I am not sure what it will mean for work either whether or not i will need to stop etc as it is not proven that bed rest helps (even though I think it does).
So anyway the waiting game begins, I have a game plan which I am happy with and though my Ob and the Specialist are not concerned about me in anyway shape or form I am pleased to know they both have my back and are doing all they can. They have also assured me that the shortening does not necessarily mean I will go into labour early either - which is a good thing.
I am still upset about it obviously, but I am STILL further than I was last time .
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they thought that was normal!
just remember its for a good cause!! Sounds like your in great hands and your Ob is doing everything possible to help you hold on. Will be keeping everything crossed for you, its never a pleasent thing to go through.
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