Shortened Cervix at Ultrasound

Hi All

I'm just wondering if anyone else has had this. I went to my 20 week ultrasound last week and although everything looks good with my baby, I have a short cervix (only 2.15cm long instead of over 2.5cm long like they should be). I was told it puts me at a high risk of premature labour.

I have another appointment with my Ob in two weeks where I will have an internal scan to see what should be done. I'm freaking out as its far too soon for me to deliver my baby yet.

Has anyone else had this and what happenend?

Thanks.

Hi Liss,
I have incomp cervix which my cervix shortens down to the point of real prem labour. Feel relieved that they have picked it up and are monitoring it. My 18 week us measured my cervix at 1.6 and unfortunatly within a week my waters broke BUT this was due to a doctor telling me everything was fine and not to worry.In the next few weeks dont lift heavy items or put any strain on yourself including constipation pushing and no bding or intimate contact.

A high risk specialist that managed my daughters pregnancy liked a cervix to be over 2 if below usually hospitalisation and a stitch put in place. My daughters pregnancy was a cervical stitch sucess story.I had a general at 14 weeks and had a stitch placed high in the cervix that was taken out at 37 weeks.

Some people do have shortened cervix and it is hard to tell whether it is shortening or just genetic. In the next two weeks they will be able to tell if it continues to shorten. Any brownish mucus discharge call your Obst. A stitch is better to be put in before it becomes an emergency situation of bulging waters.
Relax and take good care of your self, the answers will be there at your next ultrasound
Bec

Bec thanks so much for your reply. I'm really sorry to hear about your first pregnancy. I guess I should be very greatful my ultrasound person picked it up. Its wonderful that you had a successful pregnancy with your daughter.

My OB (who I have only spoken to on the phone) didn't seem that concerned at all, but did say not to BD, but said I could keep doing everything else including going to the gym. I think I will be giving it a miss now. I'm also thinking of finishing up earlier at work now too and just resting at home. But I guess we can talk about all that after the next ultrasound. My OB didn't seem that keen on doing a stitch though, he said that often it will lead to labour earlier, but I guess I can discuss that with him in a fortnight.

Thanks again for your response I really appreciate it.

I would advise listening to Bec's advice and laying off physical stuff.
I hope she doesn't mind me saying that but it took for her second loss until her OB picked up the shortened cervix.
Eliza is Bec's miracle 3rd baby :)
My SIL also had 2 losses before her cervix issues were identified. She wasn't as high risk as Bec, but still lost babies at 24 and 28w. She had a stitch put in during her third pregnancy and with complete hospital bedrest, was able to carry to 32w and now has a very healthy (if not a little spoiled) 3yo.

This all sounds really scary, so dont be too afraid as your OB has identified some problems and is monitoring it, so thats great for you.
Just take things easy :D

Liss,
I just wanted to add without being too technical..that if your cervix looks like it is funnelling you need to act on it. Do a little homework before your next appointment (just in case). A normal cervix usually measures 4-5cm but as the weight of your bub increases it puts more pressure on it and sometimes cant handle it. This is a common problem in multiple pregnancy as the cervix is under the pressure of more than one baby.
Once again it may just be genetic just lap it up for the next few weeks and use it as an excuse not to do much...hehe well it worked for me for 6 months
Bec

Liss,
Just popping in to see how you are
I hope you are putting your feet up, only one week left till you appointment!
Bec

Hi Bec

Thanks for thinking of me. I'm coping better this week then last week. I'm still at work although I am spending most of the time sitting down with me feet up. Thank you for your tips too, I've been following them closely.

One good thing out of it - I haven't had to do any housework for two and a bit weeks.

I will report back after my scan next Tuesday!

Liss.

I was just checking back to see if there was any news:pray:
Bec

Hi Bec

Thanks for thinking of me. I had my internal scan and my cervix measured 3.8cm. So my Dr said that was completely normal and that he will just monitor me with another scan in 3 weeks time. So very good news. I'm just wondering though if it was all because I've been taking it so easy over the last few weeks??? I guess we won't know, but I'm still going to be taking it easy anyway.

Also cause my work doesn't understand that I can't do physical stuff anymore I've decided to finish up on 3rd November. So I will really be able to take it easy.

Thanks again for all your advice. I think it really helped me.
Liss.

What great news I am so happy that everything has worked out so well. As for finishing work enjoy enjoy enjoy!! guee looking back after finishing work at 13 weeks and having alot of R&R when the new little one comes along it is nice to think about the times you got to sleep in.
Bec

Great news that everything is going well for you. Even if it wasn't the rest which helped you - its always good as an excuse in those times of need! ;)

I worked to 36.5w with my first, and it was way too long. This time around I finished at 14w which has been much more pleasant. I'm not getting the sleepins cause of little miss, but I feel like I can focus on things alot more, and thats a nice thing.

Lissd

Im so pleased you had a great outcome with your scan.

I have an IC, with my last preg with twins i didnt know i was having contractions until i went for my 19 week scan and my cervix had funnelled and was contracting and was only 2cm, i had stitch put in a day later and was not great. Unfortunately i lost them a week later after stitch.

With this preg i am nearing 19 weeks when i found out about my cervix opening and so far it is only 3cm long and closed, my secret is taking it easy and resting as soon as i feel tired and drinking heaps of water.

Good to see you are doing well.. please look after yourself and listen to your body and rest as much as possible and yes NO lifting... i made that mistake with my last preg as i was not informed on IC and had no guidance, now i know.