Cervical Length

[cymplicity27]

I'm currently 15 wks pregnant with twins. I was just told today that my cervical length went from 3.1cm to 2.8cm in a week. I have another u/s next week for it to be checked again. My ob says that worry sets in when it gets below 2.5cm. Has anyone had any experience with a shortening cervical length??

[twinmom]

Hi. I had the same issue with my twins. At my 16 week appt my cervix had shortened to 2.7. I was put on modified bedrest....meaning mainly no work and taking it easy off my feet for the most part. I had it rechecked a few days later and it was still around the same, but I was having contractions (which I had no idea- couldn't feel or tell). So admitted to hospital-started meds for preterm labor and strict bedrest for the remaining pregnancy......laying of left side, shower every other day, stuck in bed. Good news is it worked and helped and I delivered at 34 weeks. Still premature, but when you are 17 weeks and already showing signs of PTL- 34 is good....lol They talked about the cerclage with me, but decided against it bc she said it is kinda hit or miss and they don't do it as often for twins. I would just take it easy and stay off your feet as much as possible. Are you feeling any tightening in your belly?

[cymplicity27]

twinmom, I am feeling a lot of tightening in the past week or so. And some pains that I had contributed to round ligament pains. There's also a lot of pressure when I urinate...not pain but like something is bearing down on my bladder. Anyway, I mentioned all of this to the OB and she made notes. I guess we'll see how things go next week! In the meantime they didn't tell me to do anything any differently...I'm back at work today.

So you went on bedrest around 17 weeks? Wow! I can't imagine being on bedrest that long!! But I'd do it of course for my babies. How do they tell if you're having contractions? My OB did mention the cerclage as an option but I guess it all depends.

Thanks so much for you response!

[twinmom]

They can tell if you are having contractions by hooking you up to a machine. Not painful...kinda like a little pad that goes on your belly and measures the movement. Are you seeing a Peri? I know most have those in their offices and I would definitely ask to see if they can check you for contractions. I also took a shot once a week.....(17P is the name) and it helps with PTL. My contractions felt like tightening in the belly and i had no idea what it was. I just ignored it for a week or more and at my next appt mentioned it and she decided to check for contractions since my cervix was short. Good luck girl and let me know what happens.

[cymplicity27]

twinmom, seems as though I'm following the same path I went for my appointment last Thursday and my cervix has shortened to 1.9 cm!! It was a scary day since at first glance it appeared to be open. I was rushed from one place to the next. I was eventually sent to one of the areas best Women's Hospitals 45 mins away. I'm getting the same messages about the cerclage being hit or miss and ultimately they sent me home on modified bed rest without it. I have to schedule another appointment for next week on Monday and go from there. I'm pretty sure at this point I'll remain on bed rest the remainder of the pregnancy.

It's all so confusing and each doctor didn't seem sure of anything. It's almost like a wait and see what happens which really sucks.

[twinmom]

Hi. Sorry to hear about the drama. It totally sucks. But I can promise you that you can carry these babies to term. BUT you will have to be strict about the bedrest. I am surprised that it is modified bedrest at this point. Just think of the babies and realize that you can do this for them. I know it seems like forever away, but it is worth it in the end. Stay off your feet and let people help you with food and cleaning. I will be thinking about you. Are they letting you decide about the cerclage or will the dr decide? Keep me posted.

[twinmom]

Hi. Sorry to hear about the drama. It totally sucks. But I can promise you that you can carry these babies to term. BUT you will have to be strict about the bedrest. I am surprised that it is modified bedrest at this point. Just think of the babies and realize that you can do this for them. I know it seems like forever away, but it is worth it in the end. Stay off your feet and let people help you with food and cleaning. I will be thinking about you. Are they letting you decide about the cerclage or will the dr decide? Keep me posted.