[Lawyerlady]

I had my 26 week appointment today and am a bit worried about my cervical length. My OB has been checking it via ultrasound every 2 weeks since 16 weeks, and through 22 weeks it always measured 4cm or over (which is a great number). I started having B-H contractions at around 22-23 weeks, and at my 24 week appointment my cervix had shortened to about 3.3 cm. At today's appointment, it measured 2.9 cm.

OB says I am still in the normal range, but suggested I take it easy for the next few weeks just to be safe. I'm worried about the constant shortening - isn't it likely that when I go in for my 28 week appointment, it's going to be even shorter? I know OBs start to get concerned when you hit 2.5cm or less.

I'd be interested to hear other multiple mommies' experiences with their cervical measurements. Once yours started shortening, did it continue to do so until you gave birth? Do you ladies think I need to be nervous about being below 3cm with so many more weeks to go?

Any insight is appreciated. I'm pretty worried about this!

[evita]

I decided to have a cerclage done at about 20 weeks when my cervical length reached 3 cm. I was very worried and did not want to lose the child at any cost. My doc had told me that sometimes the water just breaks if the cervix starts thinning down. The other option she gave me was complete bed rest which is also not a guarantee that the cervix will not thin down. When i researched about cerclage, i came to know that it is done pretty early say 13 to 16 weeks for women with incompetent cervix which is only possible for second time moms. After the cerclage, my cervix stayed at 3 till 37 weeks and i could move around freely at least and was not tied to the bed.

Good luck to you, let us know what your OB thinks about it...and btw are you still working...

[dawns]

I had twins almost 5 months ago. At almost 27 wks my cervix had dropped to 1.5cm from 4 at my last check (3-4 weeks ago). I don't know if it happened all at once or over the span of time. I was put on home bedrest and to stop teaching immediately. I went to the hospital w/ contractions 2 days later and stayed just under a week. Due to being an hour away from the hospital I was not allowed to go home and stayed in a hotelish type of place run by the hospital for the next 8 weeks. Finally at 35 wks I came home and had them at almost 38 in a PLANNED c-sec (breech baby A!). Cervix never dropped much more, stayed about 1cm for that whole time. I stayed on my side for most of it but towards the end started moving around more.

I hope that comes off as encouraging! We had the instant fear of preemies and ended up with babies who needed no NICU. It wasn't easy but worth it!

Good luck.

[Lawyerlady]

Thanks girls. I am still working, but just 3 days/week (desk job). I'm beginning to wonder if I should put myself on precautionary bedrest. OB wants to wait until the 28 week appointment to see, but I am nervous.

[Anastasia]

Kelly - I have not had a cervix issue yet, although I am at increased risk and will have a cerclage a week from Wednesday. I would think that it could be better for you to go on modified BR. Did you OB say anything about that? I know they said "take it easy" but that is hard to do going to work. I thought you said you are a transactional attorney and don't go to court, but there is still stress in any aspect of our jobs.

Best of luck to you.

[tamtam]

kelly, just wanted to wish you luck w/ all this hang in there!

[mechocoholic]

Hey Kelly, i have no input on the topic but wanna send u & ur babies best wishes...i just hope it's nothing particularly alarming..i have read abt other ladies on the forum..who had a cervix which was relatively shorter and carried their babies to term...so it certainly happens...just hang in there..

[Passionscientist]

Hey Kelly - Looks like we are in the same boat, sort of. I'm only 13 weeks and my cervix is at 2.6 cm. They scheduled me for a cerclage on Wednesday...I've also been having minor cramping, etc. Anyway, I guess my question would be if they have scheduled you for a cerclage yet or told you to be on bed rest? They put me on bed rest till I can get the cerclage next week...hope that helps.

[Lawyerlady]

Kristen - so sorry to hear about your difficulty. I'm sure all will be fine after your cerclage. My "OB" (really a perinatologist I see full-time) didn't mention cerclage at all, and seems to think it's premature to go to bedrest. My cervix is closed and not dilating, however, so that may be a different story. He basically said that a cervix around 3cm is still in the normal range, and it isn't until it gets to 2.5 that they start to worry. So, he asked me to take it easy in the hopes that I'll hold steady. I'm just wondering how likely that is given that I've seen this pattern of shortening...

[Lawyerlady]

Any other ladies routinely have their cervix measured and have insight?

[tamarie]

Mine is measured every month but they don't actually tell me the measurement, just say that all is good. Sorry, I know that is not very helpful but I wish you all the best. Carrying twins certainly brings with it a unique set of worries!!

[charms]

hey there sweetie - dont worry too much, they are watching you closely.

a cerclage past the 20 wk mark is not recommended because at that point, it could cause pre-term labor. Our MFM suggested if we were to do one it would have to be before then, but our CL measured a-ok.

I would definatly take it easy and keep off your feet when you are at home and at work.

You are doing great!!! The twins will be here before you know it.