The Short Cervix Club

[Pizdets]

Given the high number of threads started in 'pregnancy' on short/incompetent cervixes of late, I thought I'd have a crack at starting a club which we can join to share how we're getting on and pool the information we've been given which hopefully can also reassure or inform other ladies coming on here and worried about the state of their cervixes.

I'll kick off with a bit about my own story:

I'm currently 24+4, due 26th September. I had a scan at the prem clinic at Queen Charlotte's in London who measured my cervix as 2.3/2.4cm and advised a stitch (they do this for anyone who measures under 2.5cm). I had the stitch put in at 15 weeks with a spinal block and so far so good - I'm walking the dog, doing pregnancy yoga, still fairly active and no problems or twinges at all (so far!).

Please feel free to share your experiences, ask questions or update, it's great to hear from other people going through the same worry and so reassuring to know if things are going well!

Piz

A happy report from me - I had another cervical scan today and my cervix has lengthened to 35mm in a week. Still have to go back next week but the doctor is very encouraged.

I hope your check goes well on Monday Daphne. And Bre I hope the progesterone is helpful for you too!

Wow that's great news youandme
I'll let you know how mine goes on Monday!

Thanks everyone.... Just on way home from scan now and there's no improvement but no worse either. My obstetrician has basically said I'm not to leave the house unless I have to and minimal driving - both of which are a bit of a headf**k but can't really argue with it either eh?? What did you guys do those of you who've had to properly rest up?? I genuinely can't imagine how to spend my days!!! My 3 yr old is with the child minder 3 days/wk so it's essentially these days which are most affected - the others will carry on semi-normally I guess as there's only so much w 3yo lets you get away with!!
Oh and we have our kitchen extension starting on Monday !!

How did it go Daphne?

Hey youandme,
It went ok thanks for asking . It has shortened a bit from 1.9 to 1.7 but they don't seem concerned as it is still closed and not funnelling.
I've got one more check in 3 weeks and they said that might be my last check (ill be 30 weeks then). Seems quite early to stop checking.
I'm still on progesterone for the rest of the pregnancy. How have you been? Any more scans?

I had another scan today - down from 35mm to 31mm but the on call obstetrician said that was in the normal range and he wasn't concerned. He had a bit of a go at me actually for having weekly scans, as if it was my decision! He said it was "highly unusual and unecessary". The consultant ordered them so I don't know what he thought I was meant to have done about that. I've got an appointment with the consultant next Friday to discuss what happens next.

That's ridiculous that they had a go at you!
Once weekly does seem very regular but if that's what they suggested then obviously you will take them up on it!
31mm sounds good. I think you are going to be fine how many weeks are you now?

That's interesting Youandme..... I had my 25/40 growth scan on Wednesday and my PET consultant had told me to ask my other consultant to do a TV scan too. Unfortunately my own scanner was away this week so this was actually the 3rd person to take cervical measurements and I really do believe there is a subjective element to it. Anyway I've been on 1600mg progesterone for 2 wks and been resting as much as I can so - hurray- there was a little improvement and it's 27mm again. However the consultant pretty much implied that he didn't really know what the fuss was about and that I didn't need such frequent scans!! I trust both my consultants hugely and fortunately I work in the health service so am very used to dealing with somewhat egotistical consultants therefore will take it all with a pinch of salt.
However it seems that the progesterone (yuck yuck yuck!) and my 'resting' are doing the trick for now!

Was 19+3 yesterday, Daphne.

Bre the progesterone is pretty horrible isn't it? I'm only on one 200mg pessary at night, so it's not too bad really. Good that your cervix has improved a bit as well.

Doctor was a bit abashed when I pointed out that a) I was there for the weekly scans at the request of the consultant and, amazingly enough, I've got no idea why she requested that, and b) that I didn't actually particularly enjoy making a two hour round trip every week to be poked and prodded.

It seems like the consultant has gone about things in a slightly unusual way, but that's not really my fault. I just do as I'm told! I'll see what she says when I see her next week. I'm a bit worried that there has been a bit of shortening again, but I know it's a moveable feast, and 31mm is still a decent length.

Hi Guys.

I was diagnosed with a short cervix and funnelling at 24 + 6. This is baby number 1. (I literally have no idea what all the abbreviations mean). I have been given an Arabin Pessary to hold my cervix together until I'm 37 weeks. The only thing I'm really worried about is my water breaking in between... How will I know if it does? And if it does is it a POP like everyone says? I'm now 26 + 5wks. I am starting to worry about everything now.

Oh yeah. I've been signed off work for the rest of the pregnancy as well. The I went i n with the contractions my cervix was measuring at

Ive been reading this thread on and off for weeks and it seems the advice varies massively between nhs trusts. I was diagnosed with short cervix pre pregnancy after investigations for abnormal bleeding so was terrified when found out i was pregnant.

I am currently 17 + 4 and have had 2 scans, the first measuring 3.6cm and then 3.1cm which im assured is great. However.. the only advice i have been given is if it goes below 2.5 to consider stitch.. nothing has been mentioned about alternatives such as pessaries and no advice at all regarding rest or avoiding sex and so whilst i am still within a 'safe' range i will do whatever it takes to keep it that way if poss..

Also, i am only going to be scanned until 24 weeks which worries me as i know they consider pregnancy to be viable (hate that word) from then but still massive risk to baby if born so soon and surely weight of baby = increased pressure on cervix = increased risk... does anyone know why they only scan to 24 weeks or had different experiences? Thanks in advance

Hey Folks,
Can I join in? Quiet worried st this point but I am sure there is encouragement and positive vibes in here.

I had a premature delivery at 24 weeks and lost my handsome son in 2 days as he developed bleeding in brain and septic - this was in 2014 December. They could never find the reason and rested on either infection or IC. Nothing definite and said they will be careful next time.

We could barely gather the pieces and we have now been pregnant and I am 25+2 now. All was good until last week but just in my last scan they said my cervix had gone down from 34 to 22. It had shortened but I was beyond the stitching phase and have put me on 400mg progesterone - cyclogest each night. I will be scanned again on Wednesday.

I am really worried and have confined myself to bed rest after mad googling and advice from friends.

Anyone had a similar situation? Please advise if there is anything else I can do to make it further.

Thanks - Alps

Hello, please may I join? I haven't read the full thread but I think I belong.

I am pregnant again after a second trimester loss at 21+3 in July (both IVF pregnancies). Due to the circumstances of delivery and after the post mortem on our beautiful boy, it was established by the consultant that I had an incompetent cervix and would require an elective stitch at 14 weeks. Knowing that there was something that would prevent history repeating if we were to try again, we did and were lucky enough to conceive again. I'm now 8 weeks and referred to a pre-term clinic at 13 weeks in order for them to monitor and plan my care. However they are not at this stage confirming that they will do the elective stitch as they believe there may be other factors such as infection. My cervix was never measured during my last pregnancy but is currently 3.5cm. It has made me desperately anxious and I'm trying really hard to not let the stress affect me. I can't lose another baby, it would destroy me.

I'm already on 400mg of progesterone twice a day which is standard after IVF. But have no idea what the pre-term clinic will suggest.

Alp - how are you getting on after your scan?

Hi blueroses I hope ur ok I had a late loss through ivf I lost at 19 weeks they said it was strep b or might have been cervix they didn't measure my cervix in last pregnancy. The ivf clinic told me to stop the pessaries at 12 weeks but I've carried on as I was scared to have the stitch. I'm 21 weeks pregnant I hope the pessaries don't do any harm to baby

Hi sweet, nice to hear from you. I'm sorry for your loss. Have you been having your cervix measured regularly? The pessaries won't cause any harm, plenty of people take them through the pregnancy. I just wish I hadn't stopped last time.

Yes blue rose I had cervix measured at 20 week scan god knows if they going to measure again

How are you getting on Sweet? Are you due to have your cervix measured again? I will next be measured at 13w on 2nd Feb.

@alpman if you are still around, how are you getting on?

Hey, sorry for a late reply. My scan was ok. I was in hospital for 10 days due to the scare of brownish discharge. Now they have sent me back saying I have dynamic cervix with least measurement of 15mm. I just have to be on bedrest. I am 28+4 today and each day is a blessing. I do hope to go as further as I can and give this rainbow baby of mine a happy healthy life. Please keep me in your prayers.

Being positive and wishing happy outcomes for us all.

Bluerose next scan is in feb I don't think they will measure cervix it will be growth scans how are u?

Alpman sorry to hear that you were in hospital but good that you are being taken care of. If bedrest is what has been prescribed, then it's the best thing for you and your rainbow baby. They are getting bigger and stronger every day and deliverying any time from this point forward has an excellent survival rate. I'll keep you in my thoughts. I'm here to chat anytime though xx

Sweet I'm sure you can ask for cervix to be measured at your growth scans if you have any concerns. What was the length at 20w? xx

I'm just waiting to be seen by the pre-term clinic and will take it from there. Until I have my 12w scan and reach the second trimester, there is not a lot they can do.

So I am having the stitch! I'll have it around the end of the month when I'll be 13-14w. It's hugely calmed my anxiety knowing that they are not going to risk a 'wait and see' with me after promising me the stitch previously.

@alpman Hope the bedrest is helping

@sweet211 Hope you're doing ok. I find the time between scans goes so slowly

Hi blue rose my cervix was 54mm at 20 week scan how come u having stitch is progesterone not helping? Sine women take progesterone to prevent stitch hope it all goes well for u I'm 22+1 pregnant

Stitch should be good; much more peace of mind I guess than just progesterone.

I am getting used to the bed rest now and know how to keep myself occupied.

Hang in there ladies, we all have to make it. Happy thoughts and positive vibes to all.. you shall all be in my prayers.