Threatened premature labour - any positive stories? Very frightened.

[BaweB]

Last week at my anomaly scan at 18+4, I was told my cervix was on the short side at 2.75 and that they would monitor it. After a weekend of period-type pains I went to the hospital again on Monday and my cervix had shortened to 2.38 and I was having contractions.

I have been signed off (not on strict bed rest but with instructions to stay off my feet as much as possible) and prescribed vaginal progesterone and nifedipine to stop the contractions. I currently live in Asia and while the medical care I am receiving is excellent, there is a language barrier which means that I am slightly in the dark about what is going on.

The doctor was concerned but not too worried and was quite reassuring but obviously I'm terrified. They think I have a weak cervix although with no risk factors associated with that and no obvious cause.

Does anyone have any words of encouragement or positive stories to share? I am being rechecked on Monday to see what's going on and I'd love to hear some good news in the meantime. Thank you.

Alice

I don't have experience of what you're going through but just wanted to offer a handhold until someone else is along with something more helpful to say. I had some (different) serious complications in my most recent pregnancy and I know how terrified you must feel. Although it was a completely different situation, my little guy was, against the odds, okay in the end - it can work out. I'm really sorry you're going through this, but so glad to hear you've got an excellent medical team on your side. Keeping everything crossed for you and your little one

Thank you. It's my first baby and I'm just terrified especially as I'm so far away from home. I naively assumed that I would just sail through being pregnant and now everything feels uncertain and upside down

Oh wow, sounds really scary. Sending lots of positive vibes.

Are the cervical lengths you quoted in mm or cm? In the UK, I believe >25mm between 18-24 weeks is considered normal, so your shortening would be minimal if you've described those lengths in cm.

Do you have an option to request a cervical stitch? Have you been advised to avoid sex?

My encouragement to you is that I had my baby early (23+3) four years ago (due to cervical incompetence) she received wonderful care, and she's absolutely fine now.

Hello. I just wanted to say that I understand how frightening this is. I was monitored for a short cervix after previous prem baby and once the length was below, I think, 2.5cm I was sent into hospital for an emergency stitch (cerclage) and put on bed rest. Perhaps this is an option for you? I had mine put in at 23 weeks (which is very late) and had membranes bulging out by the time the doctor started the procedure. Baby then stayed inside until 34 weeks and she is now a very happy and healthy 3 year old. Hope everything calms down for you.

@whichbearisbest it's 2.35cm so 23.5mm. The doctor is reluctant to put a stitch in unless as a last resort. I am back in the UK at 22 weeks so that won't be too late if they decide to then.

Thanks for your message - it's so reassuring to read positive outcomes xx

@whichbearisbest and yes no sex and I'm in bed until my next check up on Monday.

That must have been very scary to have your baby so early; I'm so pleased it work out

@Oohparcel thank you. I would love to get to 32 weeks so that's reassuring.

At the moment she just wants to monitor what's happening before she puts a stitch in because of the potential risks. I am - even though it's hard! - trying to trust her and her superior knowledge! I think that if it's bad news on Monday then she'll probably put a stitch in but wants to see if the drugs work first x