Tilted cervix | Mumsnet

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Nervousdave · 21/06/2021 23:48

I have a tilted, retroflexed (not sure if that's right, it comes forwards not backward like in diagrams?) uterus, always have to put fists under bum for any exams etc.
Ultrasounds were all fine and normal, midwife exams needed fists under bum. Shouldn't cause an issue with childbirth (unless, like my DS, theyre too happy floating about and head doesn't engage). I was 3-4cm dilated when I went in for induction. We did need forceps and he had a shoulder dystocia but no mention of even possibly related to tilty cervix.

DramaAlpaca · 22/06/2021 00:40

I have a tilted uterus. It's never caused me any issues other than having to raise my bum with my fists for smear tests. No problems conceiving, giving birth, with ultrasounds. Nothing at all, though like the previous poster I had a forceps delivery with my first baby, though that was due to an overly effective epidural.

Your cervix really isn't weird btw, I'm sure I read recently that it's quite common to have a tilted one.

Original poster

Lucachu · 22/06/2021 06:54

Thanks for your responses that's reassuring!

If you don't mind me asking - did your cervix go back to the "normal" position after birth? I've read that it can correct itself after birth sometimes.

The nurse also mentioned that it's more common for the baby to be back-to-back. Has anybody experienced this?

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Arrierttyclock · 22/06/2021 06:57

I have this and asked the nurse if it would cause me any problems during birth and she said no. I'm pregnant now and told my midwife at my booking appointment and she didn't even write it down- it's not important

DinosaurDiana · 22/06/2021 07:01

It will make no difference you’re pregnant.
When I was doing smears, if I couldn’t find the cervix I’d pop a finger in to find it rather than root around for ages. 15 minutes is far too long.

Original poster

Lucachu · 22/06/2021 07:20

@Arrierttyclock That's good to know. Maybe if they've done the scans etc and baby isn't back to back and because your cervix kind of corrects itself during pregnancy it no longer poses an issue?

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LizziesTwin · 22/06/2021 07:25

I have read that different positions may help you conceive - don’t limit yourselves to missionary position.

Original poster

Lucachu · 22/06/2021 07:25

@DinosaurDiana Tell me about it!! It's really made me dread them and goes against all the general teachings of "it won't hurt, it'll be slightly uncomfortable for 10 seconds and then you'll be all done"

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Original poster

Lucachu · 22/06/2021 07:26

@LizziesTwin yes I've also read this, doggy position, right?

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LizziesTwin · 22/06/2021 08:20

I believe so. I have a tilted cervix & 3 children. Don’t remember what positions we DTD in. DC1 was back to back but the other 2 were normal labours.

SunnySideUp2020 · 22/06/2021 08:26

I was told about a titled cervix too and didn't have issues with pregnancy. She wasn't back to back.
We conceived first cycle first try and 7 months for second try.

Regarding scans the transvaginal one is really not that bad. And you have clearer images! Especially at the beginning. And better than sonographer pushing hard on the tummy to find stuff!

Original poster

Lucachu · 22/06/2021 08:41

Thanks @SunnySideUp2020 that's reassuring to know!

@LizziesTwin did you have a natural birth with DC1 if you don't mind me asking? Was birth more difficult?

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MelancholyMother · 22/06/2021 08:44

@Lucachu

Hi All

I'm new to the forum

So I'm about to TTC for my 1st baby. However, during a smear test last year the nurse made a comment about how my cervix was "flipped" and then in between sticking her head between my legs and fumbling around down there muttered something about "oh don't worry dear you'll still be able to have a baby fine". I lay on the bed looking at her puzzled

My history of smear tests were unpleasant. After the first one the nurse advised me to request a small speculum on my next test as I was "petite" down there. On the second smear test I requested the small speculum as suggested but it still took the nurse a very long time to find my cervix, after 15 minutes of extremely uncomfortable probing and me having to adopt the fists under my bum and hips tilted posture she found it. I subsequently had a very painful infection down there. The last smear test I had was when the nurse again struggled to find my cervix and then advised me of my tilted cervix. None of the nurses up until that point had informed me of my tilted cervix and I had never heard of it before and had to research it. It definitely explained a lot of problems I had experienced and I wish the nurses had brought it to my attention earlier.

As I'm about to begin my conception journey I'm starting to wonder what effect my little weirdo of a cervix is potentially going to have during the pregnancy stages.

My question to other members is... for those of you who have a tilted cervix and had babies did you have any issues/different experiences due to your cervix?

I've read that a standard ultrasound might not pick up the baby and an internal scan might be required. Has anybody experienced this? Might be slightly immature but I have always romanticised the thought of getting my first ultrasound with DH, the thought of having an instrument internally inserted instead kind of disheartens me.

Is there a difference in the quality of scan image as a result?

I just wanted to give you some reassurance as this post could have been written by me a few years ago! I have always had uncomfortable smears as I was told I was 'petite' down there. I had the same advice to request a smaller speculum etc. However, I wasn't informed of my tilted uterus until I was pregnant with my 1st child. This was more of a comment made rather than a concern and I was told not to worry as it is much more common than you think! I had an early scan at 6 weeks with my 1st due to a fall after fainting (unrelated) and didn't need an internal scan then and not at any other scan either. I am on the slightly curvier side too and no issues! Now pregnant with my 2nd and no internal scan so far either.

Original poster

Lucachu · 22/06/2021 09:22

Thanks @MelancholyMother I think the fact that the nurse said "oh don't worry you'll be able to have children still" actually had the reverse effect and made me worry as she made it sound like it can be an issue.

Congrats on your DC1 and soon to be DC2!

Do you know whether your cervix is still tilted? I'm hoping mine will correct itself afterwards so I don't have to go through any more dreadful smear tests with the uncooperative little bugger!

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LizziesTwin · 22/06/2021 09:29

All 3 were natural births. I tore with DC1 but they had a huge head (still do as an adult). It was the hardest of the 3 but the other 2 were close together, all 3 children born in 3 years so I think my body just knew what it was doing. I was very fit for DC1, still going to the gym until 3 days before the birth. Labour etc was long but I was back dog walking etc very quickly.

MelancholyMother · 22/06/2021 09:46

@Lucachu Thank you!
I'm not sure if it's still tilted or not to be honest as it hasn't been mentioned so far but I'm only around 12 weeks.
I also haven't had another smear yet as my oldest is only 2 so I'm due mine after I give birth.
I was reassured that 1 in 5 women have a tilted uterus so not to worry!
Good luck in your journey ttc!

noscoobydoodle · 22/06/2021 10:18

Yes mine is titled, still tilted after 3DC. Smears are a bit of a nightmare, as was the coil (hard to get in and kept falling out!). The 12 week scan pictures were rubbish (very retroflexed uterus) but sonographer could see what they needed to. Internal exam just before birth with DC1 was awkward as midwife couldn't find my cervix but I declined internal exam with DC2 and DC3 and luckily had 3 very straightforward vaginal births with no pain relief or intervention required. I had absolutely no issues getting pregnant- first try every time.good luck on your journey!

kam2020 · 22/06/2021 10:42

@Lucachu

Hi All

I'm new to the forum

So I'm about to TTC for my 1st baby. However, during a smear test last year the nurse made a comment about how my cervix was "flipped" and then in between sticking her head between my legs and fumbling around down there muttered something about "oh don't worry dear you'll still be able to have a baby fine". I lay on the bed looking at her puzzled

My history of smear tests were unpleasant. After the first one the nurse advised me to request a small speculum on my next test as I was "petite" down there. On the second smear test I requested the small speculum as suggested but it still took the nurse a very long time to find my cervix, after 15 minutes of extremely uncomfortable probing and me having to adopt the fists under my bum and hips tilted posture she found it. I subsequently had a very painful infection down there. The last smear test I had was when the nurse again struggled to find my cervix and then advised me of my tilted cervix. None of the nurses up until that point had informed me of my tilted cervix and I had never heard of it before and had to research it. It definitely explained a lot of problems I had experienced and I wish the nurses had brought it to my attention earlier.

As I'm about to begin my conception journey I'm starting to wonder what effect my little weirdo of a cervix is potentially going to have during the pregnancy stages.

My question to other members is... for those of you who have a tilted cervix and had babies did you have any issues/different experiences due to your cervix?

I've read that a standard ultrasound might not pick up the baby and an internal scan might be required. Has anybody experienced this? Might be slightly immature but I have always romanticised the thought of getting my first ultrasound with DH, the thought of having an instrument internally inserted instead kind of disheartens me.

Is there a difference in the quality of scan image as a result?

I have a tilted cervix, my last smear was the same experience - had to put fists under my bum and a smaller 'tool' from the nurse so she could find it.

First I was told about having a tilted cervix.

I'm now 12+1 weeks pregnant with my first, conceived on the 4th cycle.

I had an early scan at 7+4 and it was abdominal, the sonographer did say there was more tissue to get through due to the tilt however she could see baby and heartbeat no problems.
The only thing she said was if I wanted a really clear image she could go vaginally however I didn't bother. Pictures were fine and good enough for me

I asked my midwife if the tilted cervix affected anything and she said no, didn't even note it down. She said it's a common thing, 25-30% women.

Also don't be concerned if your sonographer does need to go 'up' so to speak, you're covered with a sheet, and they are professionals. My clinic was relaxed, dim lighting and a nice environment. Good luck!

BlueSurfer · 22/06/2021 10:46

I’ve had four babies and have a tilted cervix. About a quarter to a third of women have one.

Original poster

Lucachu · 22/06/2021 12:08

Thanks for all taking the time to reassure me it's been really good hearing your stories.

Good luck with your pregnancy @kam2020

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Nervousdave · 22/06/2021 13:38

Mine was back to back.

I've had a smear since and had to do the fists under bum, so don't think it's corrected itself! My mum has the same, and she had 5 fairly easy births.

DramaAlpaca · 22/06/2021 19:12

None of mine were back to back. My cervix didn't correct itself either after any of my three babies. I had an awkward smear test last month that took ages to do. Probably mostly because the nurse and I were both in stitches at the efforts she was having to go through to find my cervix. I've never got the giggles during a smear test before