shortened cervix - scared out of my mind...

Hi,

I was hoping someone could give me some insight on this. I have been going every 2 weeks for cervical length measurements and an FFN (test for pre-term labor signs). Well, this week, they said my cervix has shortened - they did not tell me the measurement, and frantic me forgot to even ask, but the nurse said it was enough of a change for them to be cautious. I was told to come home and not work today and tomorrow, until the FFN results come back. The good news is that I had no contractions in my uterus when they hooked me up to the monitor, but I'm still scared, I'm only 28 weeks. To top things off, my shower is this Sat, so of course I'm thinking I won't be able to go, what perfect timing.......

Has this happened to anyone and how long after did you deliver? I know it's too late for them to stitch anything.

Thanks.

Re: shortened cervix - scared out of my mind...

i didnt have the same thing happen but along the same lines. around 20 weeks the tech told me she saw funneling which is like a cervical shortening. i was tested again and it was gone. the perinatalogists said although it could have correctd it self its more likely she was just wrong. but for that week she led me to belive that i was in danger of going into labor. which at 20 weeks is way scary.

then at 29 weeks i started gettign a lot of contractions. i went to the hosipital and was there for 3 days. cervix was still long but i had contractions for several hours that were 2-4 minutes apart. they put me on terbutiline to stop the contractions which i take every 4 hours. i was told i could stop it between 35 and 36 weeks. which is now. this morning i didnt wake myself up at 5 am to take it and tomorrow i wont take it at all.

at 24 weeks i went on vacation. when i left my cervix was 32. i came back a a week and a half later and it was 34. it stayed at 34 for 3 weeks. and last it was checked maybe around 32 weeks it was 32. i asked how gogin away could make it "grow" they said sometimes its just the positioning or the tech reading it or even lack of hydration which can make it appear a little shorter. also relaxation can help it not get any shorter which they assume vacation did for me.

in my experience i woulndt let them stress you out too much and try to relax. if you become overworried it could actually make the situation worse since relaxation can help it.

i am ahving 2 boys. they move constantly. one day i had a bio physcial and the babies were moving a lot. then i was hooked up to the monitor for a non stress test and the babues seemed to be sleeping and not mopvign much. the nurses tried to worry me saying they shoudlnt sleep this long and am i sure they usually move and it bothered me they way they were handling it. it was like they were intentionally trying to worry me. since i was confident how much they alwyas move i wasnt worried. they finally showed my results to a dr who was like its fine. the next day i went to my regular ob and they were moving like crazy. which they are still doing most of the day and night. when babies are born they sleep a lot. sometimes before they are born they start regular sleep patterns and rem and someitems sleep a little longer.

my point of this very long post is dont worry unless you have to and even then they can probally fix or help any issue you are having.

as far as the cerclage although its rerely used after 24 weeks it can be done. its very controversial at any point from what i understand.

one last thing that has been proven to be very helpful is a steroid shot. its 2 shots given 24 hours apart and its sort of a large needle but it helps the babies brain and lungs develop a little quicker in case they do come early. as long as you arent in labor yet you can get it.

best of luck to you, try not to worry and rest really can help!

Re: shortened cervix - scared out of my mind...

First of all the best thing to do is calm down.

If they were extremely concerned you would have been admited to the hospital for observation. Being on bed rest is probably just a precaution, and also measurements in songrams can be off from one week to the next, based on who i s doing it etc. I am sure they want to figure everything out.

The fact that you are not having contractions is another great sign!

Good Luck and keep us posted. I will keep you and and your babies in my thoughts that everything will be fine and you will carry them to 40 weeks. (Just kidding about that, maybe just 38).

Re: shortened cervix - scared out of my mind...

Thank you both for the replies; I am just trying to relax now and be positive. I know sometimes drs can get you all nuts.

Michelle, it's funny you mentioned the sono tech doing it could alter the measurement, because today I had someone who I have never had. She had zero personality and I sort of felt that she did not know what she was doing. She works in Madonna's other office normally.

MEWF, I cannot believe they freaked you out over the movement!!

I do not even know if I am having contractions, I just feel the normal movement, so who the heck knows what is going on in there!!

Thanks again, and I'm having two boys, so I will take any advice from those who are having the same or who have the same, especially Yankee fans, Michelle!!

Re: shortened cervix - scared out of my mind...

My cervix started to shorten at the same time as you. I was put on hospital bedrest at 29 weeks and delivered at 34.5 weeks not because of the cervix but because one of the twins was suffering from IUGR. That twin as born at 3lbs 14 oz and the other was 5lbs 7oz.

Re: shortened cervix - scared out of my mind...

hi im new to the website, but not new to twins! i have 4 year old twin boys. now im having twin girls! im 25 and 2 days with a cervix measuring 28cm. the mfm dr. wants me to be on bedrest, and stop working. with 4 year old boys who could rest? i understand your fear. oh i am also a RN working in labor and delivery. try not to worry yourself, like everybody says. drs can only give their "expert" advice. it is up to you and your gut feeling to decide what to do!

Andrea
p.s. does anyone know how to get assistance with diapers and such?

Re: shortened cervix - scared out of my mind...

Not to change the subject but 2 sets of twins wow!!!!! You hit the jackpot

Re: shortened cervix - scared out of my mind...

thank you to everyone who replied! Monday will tell the truth....I took it easy all week and we will see the measurements Monday. I have my shower today and was told to enjoy myself, but no lifting, so I have friends and family recruited to open my presents!!

Andrea, I agree, how awesome, a set of boys and a set of girls coming!! My aunt has two sets of twins, I think that is so amazing!

Re: shortened cervix - scared out of my mind...

my cervix shortened considerably at 27 weeks..I was fine. I didnt deliver until 5 days before my due date....I was monitored closesly with cervical length sonos and FFN's and once I had early contractions ( 32 weeks) and was medicated in the hospital and was fine.

Try not to worry. It can be fine!

Re: shortened cervix - scared out of my mind...

Posted by dm24angel

my cervix shortened considerably at 27 weeks..I was fine. I didnt deliver until 5 days before my due date....I was monitored closesly with cervical length sonos and FFN's and once I had early contractions ( 32 weeks) and was medicated in the hospital and was fine.

Try not to worry. It can be fine!

Re: shortened cervix - scared out of my mind...

Posted by dm24angel

Posted by dm24angel

my cervix shortened considerably at 27 weeks..I was fine. I didnt deliver until 5 days before my due date....I was monitored closesly with cervical length sonos and FFN's and once I had early contractions ( 32 weeks) and was medicated in the hospital and was fine.

Try not to worry. It can be fine!

Wanted to add I was on bedrest at that point, but I was allowed to go to my shower if I took it easy, sat there, was handed gifts, someone helped me open them etc,.

Re: shortened cervix - scared out of my mind...

I just saw your post. I was put on bed rest at 24 weeks due to a shortened cervix. I had the FFN test done a few times - always negative.

I "took myself" off bed rest at 35 weeks and went into labor at 36 weeks. I was able to get everything done in that last week.

I was so nervous too - every week meant one week stronger and healthier for them. Hang in there - I think back to when I was on bed rest with DDs and wish I had prepared some scrapbooks or watched more movies - not much time for that right after they arrive. Take care of yourself and keep us updated!

Re: shortened cervix - scared out of my mind...

Posted by FireIslandLove

I just saw your post. I was put on bed rest at 24 weeks due to a shortened cervix. I had the FFN test done a few times - always negative.

I "took myself" off bed rest at 35 weeks and went into labor at 36 weeks. I was able to get everything done in that last week.

I was so nervous too - every week meant one week stronger and healthier for them. Hang in there - I think back to when I was on bed rest with DDs and wish I had prepared some scrapbooks or watched more movies - not much time for that right after they arrive. Take care of yourself and keep us updated!