Anyone pregnant following previous pre term birth? Cervix shortening woes

[Esker]

Anyone have stories about how subsequent pregnancies were following a pre term delivery?

My son was born last year at 27 weeks. Had a few problems in pregnancy- ongoing bleeding from 19 weeks with contractions starting at 25 weeks.

I'm now 23 weeks pregnant and so far no bleeding. I'm attending a pre term follow up clinic to have my cervical length checked about every 4 weeks. On 5th Jan it was 3.4cm, and today it was 3.1cm. The doctor said it's not a major problem but 'something to keep an eye on'. She has prescribed progesterone pessaries and told me to take it easy (easier said than done). I asked her what length it would be for her to get worried and she said 2.5cm.

I'm not exactly freaking out, but I am a bit spooked. Does anyone else have experience of similar?

I've only been pregnant the once, but had cervical shortening issues. At 22 weeks mine was 3.5cm, had shortened a bit the following week, then at 24 weeks was 2.4cm. I had the progesterone pessaries, three or four a day, and was told to rest in the evenings. Then at 32 weeks I was signed off as my cervix was soft and DD was engaged, I stopped the pessaries at 36 weeks, by 37 I was 2cm dilated but didn't go into labour until 40+5.
Hope all is ok for you this time round, are they going to see you weekly?

Sorry 1cm dilated not 2cm

Yes! My first pregnancy ended at 24 weeks due to an incompetent cervix (which obviously I didn't know about at the time). My little one was born alive but passed away a few hours later due to complication during birth. I'm now pregnant again and have been told I can have a cervical cerclage at 14 weeks because I said there's no way that I could go through the anxiety of 'keeping an eye on things'. I will also have progesterone pessaries. The doctors will keep an eye on you, you should be well looked after with this and will bring home your baby. Just make sure you get anything you might be worried about checked.

I had my first child at 23+0 weeks after spontaneously going into labour without warning! Luckily i was at the hospital and after 9 minutes of labour he was born, 5 months in hospital but now a happy healthy toddler! Currently 31+4 with #2 and all is well, consultant led and had steroids just incase at 24 weeks. Had fortnightly cervix length scans and now having monthly growth scans but all looks good. Looks like the first time was a fluke and theres no reason for me not to go to term this time x

Me! First was born spontaneously at 33 weeks, no reason given. I’m now 26 weeks and having regular checks with my consultant. Saw him at 25 weeks and cervix was 3.1mm and he said that’s perfect and not worried. He said he’s not going to check it again now, but continuing to have appointments with him and growth scans. Desperate to get to term this time! Fingers crossed we all do.

None of my friends seem to understand what it’s like having those last few months suddenly taken away from you without warning, never mind the stay in NICU as well!

Sorry that should have said 3.1cm not mm x

Thank you all for your responses! Really appreciate it. It sounds like there's a real mix of experiences.

Glad to hear from some that it's possible to go to term (and beyond!) with a shortening cervix.

Dorabean I am so so sorry for your loss - very best of luck with this pregnancy!

And good luck to all the other ex pre term mums expecting again!