How does a short cervix effect pregnancy?

Question

I am currently 22 weeks pregnant. I was told by the ultrasoud specialist yesterday, that my cervix was short. She said they like it to be about 3cm or more and mine is 2 1/2. I have to go back in 2 weeks to see the length of it at that point. Has anyone gone through a pregnancy like this? Is there anything I can do to prevent a preterm delivery? When I left the office, I thought it was something small but then I went home and got on the internet and saw all this information that wasn't pleasant. Now I am really worried. Should I do less exercises or any other precautions?

Answer 1

You should lay down as much as possible, stop exercising and dont lift anything. My cervix started shortening at 18 weeks, by 22 weeks I got a pessary cerclage put in (inside my cervix was open slightly due to the shortening, the outside was closed tight though, I have been on modified bedrest ever since, I am now 32w 3d.

Talk to your doctor about what the next step should be for you. My peri said he could only put a cerclage in up until I was 24 weeks, so he did the pessary and I went back 2 weeks later to get it checked and it was holding great so no need for a stitch cerclage.

I am presently sitting at 100% effaced and 1 cm dilated for the last 2 weeks. My pessary is still holding great though. At 30 weeks I was put in the hospital due to the effacement and was given 2 steroid shots for the baby's lungs, just in case I went into labor early. I lost my 1st child, a daughter at 24 weeks due to an infection in the placenta, which they now believe may have gotten in because of incompetent cervix. I would say to get on the phone Monday morning with your doctor and talk over the options you have, don't wait until the next u/s, although I am sure things will be fine, but if you do anything strenuous over the next 2 weeks you are risking being told you are shorter still. Mine kept getting shorter from 18-22 weeks.

Answer 2

I'm really surprised that the doctor didn't tell you anything. Actually, that is probably a good sign, meaning you don't have to do anything different. When you see him/her again in two weeks, be ready with a list of questions. If you are really concerned, you can call his office anytime and ask. Even if he is not available immediately, he should call you back w/in the day.
I had something called Incompetent Cervix, which is totally different. With that, the cervix is not closed all the way, so I had to be on complete bedrest until about 26 or something like that. Unfortunately for me, just when I made it through that, I came down with toxemia.
Anyway, I think you should just take it easy and write down every question for your next visit. Try not to worry too much because that does no good.
Best of luck. God bless!

Answer 3

your cervix doesnt advance, so definite in case you have a short cervix, you mostly have a short cervix and are t an greater risk of a untimely toddler, yet at 30 weeks pregnant, greater advantageous complicaations could be minimum

Answer 4

This is where its incredibly important to get all the information you can from your doctor before you leave the office. Also, you are entitled to that 24 hour call service for ANY questions or concerns you have.

If your doctor does not make you feel that you can get the information you need from her then CHANGE DOCTORS.

Its not okay for you to feel worried about something and not have any information about it from your doctor, you're paying them for a service, theyre not doing you a favor. You dont go to a diner and expect to get your own food from the kitchen. Get all your answers from your doctor while you're there, or call the office.

You should just call right now.

Answer 5

I was told that I have a short cervix and I asked what that meant...The doctor told me it just means labor will be shorter.