"Short" cervix

[JenniferMC]

Hi. I'm almost 21 weeks pregnant, and just learned last Monday that my cervix is only 26mm (a "normal" cervix is 40mm). Has anyone else experienced this? I was told I can no longer exercise, and may have to be on bedrest for the duration of the pregnancy. Now I'm terrified about the possibility of pre-term labor. Is there anyone with a similar experience?

[zuttu]

i havvent heard about that.how was it diagnosed.is it similar to incompetant cervix.

[JenniferMC]

It's dianosed by cervical ultrasound. I think it's not categorized as incompetent cervix until the length is less than 20cm.

[suanne]

Im not sure about that either...maybe u can try posting on pails..i wish i could be more help....

sue

[mazey]

I have been also been told my cervix is short, actually that mine is shortening prematurely. From what I understand, as long as you are at least 25 mm up until 25 weeks and you aren't having contractions and it doesn't continue to shorten then you should be okay. I am currently 29 weeks and my cervix is only measuring 16mm. I have to go the the dr. every week for an ultrasound to measure my cervix. I was on bedrest for 2 weeks and they want me to be on bedrest again. We'll see. Your dr. should be monitoring you very closely. Hope this helps.

[JenniferMC]

Mazey -- thank you SO MUCH for your response! I really appreciate that, and it helps to hear from someone who is experiencing the same thing that I am. I have my next cervical scan tomorrow morning, and feel so worried about it. Has your shortened each week, or has it been the same length for more than a week at a time?

[mazey]

I have my next scan tomorrow too. Good luck! It doesn't shorten every week, but gradually over time. I've had a scan starting at 16 weeks, 20w, 24w and every week since then but they don't tell me the length at every visit. I try to read the monitor when they measure it but I'm no expert and it's hard to understand. After being on bedrest my cervix was actually slightly longer, so it did help a little. Let me know how it goes.

[JenniferMC]

Mazey -- today I was the same measurement as last week, which is good! It was a huge relief. I guess I'll just need to deal with this a week at a time, and see what happens. How was your appointment today?

[mommybess]

I've had my cervix shorten with my pregnancies but I have an incompetent cervix. Bedrest and medications and a cerlcage worked to keep my 4 sons in to term.

Bedrest really works since it takes the weight of your uterus off your cervix. My cervix actually completely thinned out below my cervix with my 4th son above the cerclage. That was scary!
Tracy

[mazey]

Sorry I didn't post right away, I was trying to do it from work and apparently I'm not able to. Anyways, my appt went good. I actually misunderstood what the dr. told me before. I was measuring 26 mm not 16mm. 16 was the amount of change I had. That was very reassuring. But they also told me that I was 3mm shorter. :( I am no longer working but not on bed rest again just yet. Hope everything is still okay with you.

[JenniferMC]

That's great, although it must be frustrating not to be working! I measured the same at my last appointment, so I've been 25 - 26mm for the past 3 appointments. I feel pretty relieved that it isn't shortening (at least not yet). I'm glad you are doing well!