Short(ish) cervix at 14 weeks

[StargazyDrifter]

I had a private scan today, as part of a NIPT, and they happened to record in my report that my cervix is 3.1cm. I'm 14+1, first pregnancy and this seems on the short side. Googling suggests that it should be closer 4cm, but also that until it's at at 2.5cm no one is really that worried. I don't have any of the risk factors for an incompetent cervix (not that I know of anyway). My question is, if this is the start of trouble, how quickly does the cervix shorten? Would it be too late to ask them to re-measure at the (NHS) 20 week scan to check if it's got worse? If it is shriking, would it have gone too far by then? Thank you in advance and apologies if it's a completely daft question.

Hi op
I didn’t want to leave you hanging although I don’t totally have the answer. In my first pg I had a 19 week scan at the FMC in London (was due to miss the NHS 20 week one due to going abroad). Anyway the Dr noted that my cervix was a little short - he then did a vaginal scan to get a better measurement. I can’t remember exactly how short it was but it was about 2.7 cm. He then said as it was over 2.5 I wasn’t to worry.
Of course when I googled it I freaked myself out!! Had the same concern as you - what happened if it shortened? I had to go abroad after that and basically just had a couple of private scans to have it measured. It never did shorten - in fact I think it had got fractionally longer- and I gave birth at 38 weeks.

In subsequent pregnancy I asked for it to be measured again at all scans - much to the bemusement of scanners. They said I’d had no risk factors - I.e previous prem birth or cervical surgery. But they did. With that one my cervix was a little longer (but still under 4 cm) so I relaxed.

With my current pregnancy I asked once again to be measured at a 13 week scan at the FMC (did Harmony test there). This time it was just under 4 cm.

Long story short I think a slightly shorter cervix than average can just be a ‘thing’ for some people. Obviously do discuss it with your midwife as well if you like, and you might also find it helpful to have a private scan (highly recommend the FMC if you’re near London). Otherwise you can certainly request they measure at the 20 week scan. I have done and they did. Hope this helps.

Hi OP,

My cervix was the same as yours at my 20 week scan. I Googled it and worried that I'd be going into pre term labour imminently. I'm not at the finish line yet, but I'm 32 weeks now and when I phoned the midwife about it, they didn't think it was a problem at all.
The sonographer didn't even mention anything.

I'd say try not to worry, but if you think it needs looking at, please do contact your midwife and ask for another scan.

Wishing you all the best. x

YouSetTheTone and SugarSW7 thank you so much for sharing your stories, super helpful and very reassuring.

Clearly my cervix isn't about to spontaneously combust! I will get them to have another look at 20 weeks and take it from there.

Helpful on FMC, too. The place I was at yesterday was fine but not my favourite. Thank you!