short cervix

Hi,
I am 19+5 weeks pregnant and just found out my cervix is very short (8mm). I am aware that it means I am at a very high risk of going preterm but I just want to know if anyone has been diagnosed with a short cervix and still gone to term or close to term. From the research I have read, because I am low-risk (i.e. no previous preterms etc...) my chances are a little better than 50%. But no research mentions the stats for a cervix as short as mine. I seem to hear about all the stories that didn't work out so well, but any good and hopeful news may help me get through this quite distressing time.
Thanks

I don't have cervix issues, but just wanted to give you a :hug: and wish you all the best.

Thanks Sally. :pray:

I was thinking about you last night. Have they discussed putting in a stitch? It's not an ideal time for it, but with the length of your cervix it could be something to consider.

Are you on full bed rest now?

I was going to suggest a Stitch too. Have you spoken to your Ob about this?
If I was in your shoes I would be requesting a stitch or very close monitoring at the very least. They do prefer to pop a stitch in earlier rather than later but I know someone who had one put in at 26 weeks no worries.

Good luck hun

Nae x

Yes I was also wondering the same thing. Have they discussed putting in a stitch? As Sally mentioned its not the ideal time but it can be done to help it not shorten anymore. A lady where I work recently had one in a 25weeks and I think her cervix was about the same as yours. She is now 30something weeks along and no signs of baby coming at this stage. Do you know anymore details like are the membranes buldging or any funnelling seen? I think this all plays apart in the risk of bub coming early and if a stitch is possible at this stage to try and prevent bub coming. What number baby is this? Goodluck. I would try find out what you can from your obstetrician not neccessarily the internet as to what you could do like bed rest etc. Thinking of you!

Thanks for the suggestion. A stitch has been discussed but having read all the research that I can get my hands on, it doesn't appear to make any diffrence for someone in my situation (considered low-risk). Also, since the cervix is sooooo short there is an added risk of ruptering the membrane and infection so it doesn't seem to be the best option here. I am going in for another u/s on Friday and to talk about options with my ob. I have been told to minimise activity but not put on complete bed rest yet, even though I am doing everything I can to stay off my feet, at least until Friday when I will have some more info. It is all a bit confusing since the research suggests that more than 50% of low riskers with cervixes <13mm deliver after 35 weeks. However, these cervixes were diagnosed after 22 weeks. I am not quite 20 yet. So don't know if that makes a difference. I'm just :pray: that I am on the right side of the 50%. It also appears that if I don't continue to shorten over the next few weeks I may be okay. Fingers Crossed!

Susan,

I am in a different boat to you as I am high risk and god willing, my cervix hasn't shortened terribly so far during this pregnancy and will remain long and closed for the duration of my pregnancy.

To my knowledge there is very little else they can do and bed rest can help a bit as well. I know the risks of having a stitch but for me (this is only for me) if I was in the same boat I would be pressing on with the stitch while the risks are there the risk of having another preterm baby would be too much for me to bare.

Don't write it off completely hun it may not be the best option but if it keeps you closed and your baby safely inside thats much better than the risks of extreme preterm babies.

Hopefully you won't need anything and all says put nicely but please do not discount it it could very well be the one thing that keeps your baby with you.

Nae x

I do have funnelling but no buldging membranes. I will discuss the implications of this with my ob on Friday. I think I was still in denial when we spoke on Monday and it has taken me awhile to come to terms with the reality of what's going on. The ob did give me some good up to date research to read to help inform the course of action I want to take. But Monday was all a bit of a blurr. This is baby 2 after 3 years TTC. And he's a little boy. Thanks for all of your good wishes.

I had another u/s today and my cervix has actually lengthened. I am now 15mm. The sonographer said that she has seen them completely close up again with bed rest. So if bed rest is working, I'm sticking with it. Since things are moving in the right direction my ob suggested a wait & see approach, and if things worsen we may try progesterone treatment. The evidence isn't conclusive but some studies have shown significant differences, i.e. significantly more low risk women going to term with it than without it.

Keeping my fingers crossed.

Thanks again for all your good wishes.