Short cervix and birth experiences

[missboots]

I was told I had a short cervix (10mm) at around 29 weeks (I think it was around 26mm at 21 weeks) and had a fibronectin test (which came out negative) and then steroids for the baby's lungs. I'm now 33 and a half weeks so feeling positive to have made it this far... almost 34 weeks! At least I have had time to prepare a bit (although haven't yet had my antenatal classes.)

Can anyone share their experiences? Each midwife or consultant I see says something different, but the consensus seems to be that there's no certainty when the baby might arrive. One recently said that it might mean a shorter labour experience which would clearly have its advantages!

Any stories would help!

Hello! I had a part of my cervix removed just before getting pregnant, and was very worried about giving birth prematurely. I ended up having a c-section one day before the due date, I was enormous due to excess amniotic fluid and a large baby, but my cervix stayed perfectly intact, I never went into labour. I think you should not worry really, good luck with the rest of your pregnancy!

Hi. I have the opposite problem, a really long cervix (6cm), and I had a very long labour and escaped c-section by the skin of my teeth (had forceps instead). I came across an American study on this recently, and they did find that there was a direct correlation between cervix length and the length of a first labour, with long cervix-owners (5cm +) failing to progress and needing c-sections much more often. So the good news is that now you've made it this far, the odds are in your favour of a shorter labour!

Thank you both - I guess I'll just have to wait and see!

Wow you've done brilliantly to get to 34 weeks have you had progesterone or anything? I was told cervix is can go longer or shorter as pg goes on, mine hovered around the 25mm mark, up to 30mm in the middle then back down again! Tying in with what Ealey says, all labours have been fairly short (first was around 5 hours and pushing stage really short for first birth) and waters have gone first in all 3. Btw had 35 week, then v prem, then 38 week. HTH

Thanks Owl. No progesterone, just steroids - the consultant said he would only discuss progesterone further with me if my fibronectine test was positive but as it was negative he said not to worry with it and to just wait and see...

Brilliant I wonder if your cervix went longer again then? . BTW even if you go into labour now, babies born at your gestation do really well. My 35 weeker didn't have to go to SCBU, caught up in size within 6 month, now a massive little boy Especially now you've had the steroids there should be no probs. Let us know how you go won't you?

Will do!

Bump... anyone else?