Scan for cervix length

[wishIwasonholiday10]

I have been referred to the pre-term birth clinic for something I didn't even know was a risk factor and will have a scan soon to measure my cervix length. What can I expect from these scans? I'm familiar with vaginal ultrasounds from IVF so not worried about that bit. Do they just quickly measure the cervix or do you get to see the baby too? Do they do any basic checks on the baby's growth? Do you normally go to the appointments along or bring your partner like for the standard ultrasounds?

I had mine this week with a consultant. They asked me a few questions and did a very quick over belly scan to check baby was ok but no growth checks. Then they did an internal (transvaginal) scan which lasted a little while as they took measurements of my cervix. They pushed in my stomach a bit to see if adding pressure would cause the cervix to open.

They did the usual urine/blood pressure checks.

I went alone but you could bring your partner along if you prefer.

Hope it goes well.

I had this several years ago. As I remember they just checked the length of my cervix and didn't do any checks on the baby. However I did ask if they could see the baby in there and they said casually said yes, so there was a bit of reassurance. I didn't take my partner, but it was my second pregnancy so we had to work around childcare.

Thanks both for the info! I’m fine to go alone but DH might be keen if there was going to be a clear view of the baby or a chance to find the gender. He might be disappointed if I found out the gender without him there. Obviously I don’t expect either if these things as I know the scan has a particular purpose and that’s perfectly fine with me.

I have to have my cervix measured every 2 weeks. Been twice so far, both times I’ve been able to have a scan and see baby first (and found out the sex)

I went alone as it’s a bit like your partner coming to a smear test with you - plus he wouldn’t get paid for additional scans as he’s only entitled to 2 and they will be the 12 and 20 week scan.

I had one with my most recent baby, because I had an emergency csection with my first but I got to 10cms in labour before and apparently this is a risk factor.

I was very anxious because of previous birth trauma. The sonographer seemed quite cross that so much of her time is taken up with these as there's never an issue and it just causes unnecessary stress for the mums. It was a transvaginal scan but I think she could tell I was anxious so she got her tummy scanner out for a sneak peek of DS and gave me some photos.

I was alone because I thought I was just having an internal scan. I wouldn't have wanted DH there if it had just been an internal scan, there is nothing interesting to see and like PP says it would be like DH being present at a smear test. I don't know how often a sonographer will let you see baby as well.