questions about keeping cervix long

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Hello everyone

I have a cerclage in place on account of incomp. cervix. A few questions:

1. How does walking impact the cervix? (In other words, if you're in a mall doing a lot of walking, is it better to take frequent breaks - to sit) or does it not matter?
2. Is bending down to get things not good on the cervix? Is squatting down not good?
3. How fast can the cervix change length? Can it go from shorter to longer?

I'm doing modified bedrest since I know lying flat is best on the cervix. Any info on how I can keep my 26 wk. baby from arriving early would be much appreciated!

THANK YOU!
Cynthia

[Twins_Squared]

Cynthia,

If memory serves me correctly, you have a preventative cerclage, right?

If so, I think that walking is fine exercise, provided you keep your heart rate under 120 (or is it 140), you don't walk unreasonable distances, your stride is nice and slow and you are not overdoing it. Oh, and also if your Peri/OB approves!

I am uncertain of the answer to your second question, but I know from experience that at certain points in a pg, it was just physically uncomfortable/impossible to bend/squat without toppling forward!

A cervix can change quite rapidly, hence the reason most people aren't diagnosed with IC until it is too late. My cervix went from measuring over 4cm to 2.7 in 6 days time. My Peri, who had been anticipating that I might have these changes, was monitoring me very closely so that if something occurred, he'd be able to react (and he did). Conversely, a cervix can go from measuring shorter to longer, though I've not seen anyone go from being short to super long (i.e. from 2.7 to over 4cm). What causes it to change lengths is the position of the baby(ies), your activity levels, if you are having/not having ptl or infection, and variation from u/s measurements.

One thing that I was told to avoid doing was excessive stair climbing. We have a steep spiral staircase in my home and I was told to only make one trip down and one trip up it per day.

Jillie

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Hi Jillie
Thanks for your reply - good to know about the stairs. I have an ultrasound this Thurs. and I hope my cervix is holding up. I have a cerclage in but I'm still nervous.......trying to lie down as much as possible. I didn't know the baby's positioning can impact the cervix. Sometimes I feel kicks very low (like near my public hair)....I wonder if that's normal or if it means the baby is lying low???
Take care,
Cynthia