Cervical length scans

[Hildy1994]

For a bit of background… This is my 3rd Pregnancy. I had a LETTZ procedure done a few months before my first pregnancy. Because of this i had cervical length scans between 16 and 22 weeks (roughly) in pregnancies 1 & 2. I didn’t go into preterm labour with either. This pregnancy, they have changed the hospital’s policy and are now offering one one scan at 20 weeks. I was under the impression you would have at least 2 scans to not only measure the length, but to compare the measurements to see how quickly the cervix is shortening.

For my own peace of mind, i had one done privately at 18 weeks. The measurement was 41.8mm which seemed a good length. However, I’ve just had my NHS appointment and it’s now 3.4mm. To me that seems like it has shortened quite a lot in 2 weeks. They didn’t seem concerned by the length, and I don’t think I’ll be offered any additional cervical length scans. Does anyone have any experience of this?

thanks xx

@Hildy1994 PALs is a good route as you've mentioned. Think about who else you could contact Vs who said no. Midwife support... are you consultant lead? Get consultant involved. I don't understand how this has happened because there's policy in place to be monitored if you had a Letz procedure. (I did) You're supposed to have 2 scans to compare them otherwise what's the point.
Can to get your hands on some progesterone from your GP? This helps support things. I'd be knocking on every door and keep thinking about new doors to knock on.
There might be additional support from the Incompetent Cervix FB group. They might have more ideas xx

I have emailed PALS as it was the weekend, but I will also call tomorrow and hopefully speak to someone. My midwife has now emailed my consultant, and is hoping to hear something tomorrow. I will also call and request an appointment to see him in person. If i’m refused again, I will say i want a second opinion. I have already decided to change hospitals, but that won’t happen in time for this scan so i need to push for it here. I have booked another cervical length scan privately for the end of this week (22 weeks) so at least i can monitor things. I’m hoping that will reassure me, but if it indicates a problem I’m going to have a bigger fight on my hands. It’s also not ideal as they should really be done at the same place cor consistency/accuracy.

This is what I’ve said. I was actually told by my consultant in my last pregnancy (where they did at least 2 CLS) that they do more than one to check the length, but also to compare lengths to make sure the cervix isn’t shortening. The midwife i spoke to at the antenatal clinic said they have changed their policy since my last pregnancy. I know many healthcare professionals who have all said that policies are more guidelines and you still assess each individual case and listen to the patient. That hasn’t happened, and I am so disappointed with how it’s been handled do far.

I will need growth scans from 32 weeks, and a 3rd c section. I don’t have confidence in this hospital since this has happened. I will just have to hope that if i go somewhere else, my experience is better. It’s made what should be an exciting time a lot more stressful than it should be.

Thanks for all of the replies xx

So i saw the consultant again who said he wasn’t concerned, but would request a repeat CL scan to put my mind at rest.

I had the scan today. The longest measurement was 3.1mm and the shortest was 2.9mm. The sonographer said that is within the normal range. I was made to feel like a time waster tbh as they made it clear that they only rescan if the previous length was under 2.5mm.

so my measurements so far have been:
4.1mm at 18 weeks
3.4mm at 20 weeks
2.9mm at 21+ 5 weeks

is this amount of shortening normal? Because I haven’t been able to speak to anyone, I have no idea what to think. I think i was hoping that the length wouldn’t have changed between 20 weeks. With no further monitoring, I am still concerned that it will shorten further.

No you were right to push! That is a definite decrease. Sometimes you have to be a very squeaky wheel. Can you get an independent opinion of when you should get another re scan or advice? Or can you get a second opinion from another NHS consultant?

yes i would like to get an independent opinion on what should happen next as I’ve lost all faith in this hospital. Do you know where i can get one? Would Tommy’s be a good shout?

I honestly feel so alone and upset. I have no follow up appointment now so I am once again left in limbo. I have had a little cry as I feel so frustrated 🙁

I personally don't. But the worst girl gang misscarrige and early pregnancy page on FB. Is full of good advice and support. They might know someone who can help x