Cervix shortening and funelling. Any experience?

[mmelody]

Hi, I had my DD at 32+4 11 years ago following spontaneous rupture of membranes at 30 weeks. There was no infection present and at the time was told it was just one of those things.

My second pregnancy ended in a late termination following diagnosis of anacephaly 6 years ago.

Im now 22+3 and have been having TV scans since 18 weeks to monitor my cervix etc.

At 20 weeks it measured 28mm though yesterday measured 25mm with some funelling. The consultant I saw said that he did not feel that a stitch was indicated at this time due to my history (???) i.e that my DD didn't rush out when the waters broke but came 2 weeks later.
(He wasn't my regular consultant)

He has booked me in for another scan in a fortnight followed by an appointment to see my consultant. I have been told to 'take it easy' (whatever that means!!??)

Im really worried that a fortnight is just too long to wait... I have been having period like sensations for a couple of days, almost like a dragging sensation in my lower stomach.(Like someone has put a weight on my pelvis)

I have also noticed that the kicks and movements feel different. I have been feeling him around my belly button area but since last night all the movements feel deep inside and like sharp kicks inside my lady bits and back passage.

I have hardly slept for worrying. Does anyone have any similar experiences?

I have hardly slept for worrying.

God, you poor thing. I don't know what to suggest, other than to ring the unit, explain your worries and symptoms and see if they'll let you go in for another scan in the meantime. It doesn't sound like you have a lot of confidence in what the consultant told you so you could do with some reassurance.

As for the movement, I do remember that at your stage I was often feeling kicks quite deep in the pelvis - they didn't move higher up for a few weeks yet, so the location of your baby's kicks doesn't necessarily mean anything alarming.

I had a loss at 21 weeks due to an incompetent cervix, with no previous history indicating that this would happen (i.e. had previous full term birth). For me I was too far dilated for a stitch. If I were you I would demand more regular scans until 24 weeks as the cervix can shorten in a matter of hours, if they are not prepared to put in a stitch (though putting in a stitch at this stage also carries its own risks). I had a stitch put in at 13 weeks with both my next pregnancies. WRT the kicks, I felt them low down too but am not sure if this had any relevance. I don't mean to scare you, but I would demand some action. Will be on again later if you have any questions.

Hi mmelody, what a worrying time for you. I experienced something similar and I know the anxiety can be overwhelming. I had that heavy feeling (like everything was dragging and the heavy weight on the pelvis) from about 23 wks. I also had a very short cervix but not short enough to have a stitch. I was told to lie down for an hour during the middle of the day, and then, as the weeks went on, to lie down for two hours, then three and then more and more until I was virtually flat on my back all the time (except for getting up to visit the bathroom etc). In fact I lay down for more time than my gynaecologist actually said was strictly necessary because it felt so scary when I stood upright (like everything was going to fall out). So I just went by my instincts and rested as much as I could (possible because 1st pregnancy!). Anyway, the positive end to this story is that I went full term and beyond and although I had to have a caesarean (breach; cord around neck) dd was healthy and fine and all well! So I hope this gives you some reassurance. However, if you are not happy, I would rely on your instincts and go back and seek some advice until you feel more reassured. Don't feel bad about disturbing the doctors etc, you have every right to have your fears allayed, particularly given your previous history. Get on that telephone and ask for a scan because you are anxious and can't sleep!!! Good luck - thinking of you - xxx

Thank you so much for the responses. I feel a little better now im up and dressed and its daylight again. (middle of the night is such a worrying time!!)

I have decided to contact the on-call midwife and have a chat with her (mine is on holiday for 3 weeks).

I still have the crampy feeling but am just resting and trying to lie down as much as possible which is instinctualy what I feel I should be doing same as you counting.

The consultant was indeed a bit 'rushed' and they had just installed a new scanner machine so had 2 extra people in the room to monitor it so was not a good consultation at all to be honest.

Thanks for the support.

Glad you a feeling a bit better mmelody. Don't be like me and 'under play' your symptoms on the telephone!!! Good luck with it and let us know how you get on ...

Well have just returned from 4 hours on day assessment. They were hellish busy but happy to see me. Midwife said that the cramps could be something or nothing. Listened to heartbeat etc which was ok. She then discussed it with on-call consultant who said that he would do nothing as my consultant not back till tomorrow

Midwife incredibly apologetic and said that I could stay in overnight if I wanted and wait to see my Dr in the morning.I am home and plan to take things extra easy. Midwife will discuss with Dr tomorrow and telephone.

I feel relieved that I have 'done' something, but a little miffed at Dr's reluctance to even examine me today.

Thank you so much for all the replies.

Hi there. Was in a bit of a rush when I wrote the earlier message. I'm glad you are feeling a bit better about things as I know it must be a very worrying time. Take it as easy as you can for the next few weeks at least. Let us know what doc says tomorrow. Take care.

Good to know you got to see someone yesterday MMelody, even if it wasn't your doctor. Hope you get some answers today! Take it steady and let us know! All best wishes.