Question regarding Cervix

[EmmaUK2003]

Hi All

I was hoping for some advice if I may... I had my DS (after IVF) 2 years ago at 32+4. He is absolutely fine and I do not know why I went into labour out of the blue (my waters broke) but I am now 13 weeks pregant and very worried (this is a natural surprise).

I saw my OB this morning and she measured my cervical length as 39mm. She believes this is fine and will keep monitoring me every few weeks. She does not believe I need a stitch. She said that there are many factors which contribute towards a preterm birth and as my cervix is long and closed she does not feel it worthwhile at this stage.

I am reassured at the monitoring but I am worried about not having a stitch.

Any comments anybody?

This is such a minefield and I am so scared to go into labour early again (and potentially even earlier).

Lots of love
Emma
xxxxxxx

[EmmaUK2003]

sorry I forgot to add, I had lazer treatment on my cervix for abnormal cells years ago which is another reason to be worried..... thanks!

[MizzB]

Hi Emma,

My Perinatologist told me that any cervix length measurment less than 25mm, is when most OB doc's become concerned about pre-term labor and delivery. The average cervix length at your stage in pregnancy is a little less than average. Most women are 40-45mm at 13 weeks pregnant. I have been having my cervix measured since I was 12 weeks pregnant due to a LEEP, (laser) procedure and an additional Cone Biopsy on my cervix about 7 years back.

Many ladies have had the LEEP procedure and had perfectly fine cervix's and delivered full term babies with no issues. After having a Cone Biopsy, I was always told that I would have to be monitored closely as a fairly large chunck of my cervix was removed due to abnormal cells, however, my Peri told me that the inner side of the cervix is where most OB's are concerned about. Funneling of the cervix begins from the inside of your cervix and if your cervix is closed and you have no funneling and are being properly monitored, you should be fine.

I was measuring 23mm from 13 - 19 weeks. I have had cervix length measurement's every two weeks and was prescribed the 17P shot at 17 weeks. This last week at 19 weeks after 2 weeks of the 17P shots my cervix length has jumped up to 32mm. Having a cerclage placed should be one of the last decisions made for cervix length issues. As many ladies will tell you, it is not a guarentee and you face additional risks that come along with cerclage's. Also, once you have a cerclage placed, you will have to continue having cerclages placed for all of your following pregnancies.

I hope that this has clarified things a little bit, but I would check with your OB for further clarification and peace of mind. I am only passing along my personal experiences and the advice from my own Peri.

Good Luck and Congrats on your pregnancy,
Ailese

[EmmaUK2003]

Thank you for your reply Ailese, it is hugely helpful and has made me feel a lot better. I am having my cervical length measured again on the 16th July and if no change or better again a month later. I will also have regular swabs taken for possible infection. I do see what you mean about the stitch; I think I had it in my mind that this would 'solve' my problem (it did for a close friend of mine but her case was very different to mine...). Congratulations on your twins! How exciting! I needed 5 IVFs before I got pg with my DS and this second pg came as a natural surprise. I just want to get through this pg and nicely into my 3rd trimester before I can start relaxing. You are doing well with twins and it is great they are watching you. The 17P shots sound interesting - is this progesterone? All my love, Emma xxxxx

[MizzB]

Hey Emma,

I also had a failed fresh IVF cycle prior to an FET which resulted in this twin pregnancy. 5 cycles is a lot to go through and it seems like IVF is only the beginning of the struggle to becoming a parent. I have only recently begun enjoying this pregnancy as I constantly worry that something will go wrong. It's enough to drive you batty!

The 17P shot is a form of the hormone progesterone. Here is a website link that can further explain what it is. http://www.hydroxyprogesterone.com/. So, far I am impressed with it's results. I will continue to be closely monitored thorughout the pregnancy and hope for the best. I'm not against getting a cerclage, I will do whatever I have to do so that these babies can be delivered safely and in a timely fashion.

Ailese

[daettc]

Hello girls. I am in the same boat. I am 17 weeks tomorrow (pregnant from IVF, too).

I have had LEEP and Cone biopsy so I have been monitored every two weeks. It was 45 and now 33 today (so emma, thanks for the numbers to make me feel a bit better).

I was hoping for the cerclage, too--a friend's dr. does them automatically at 14 weeks--and was questioning dr. because I am new to her. I guess it sounds like she knows what she is doing, though.

I go back Monday. She did mention bedrest, which I would do if needed, but the thought of five months of bedrest scares me. Right now I am off, I am a teacher, so it would be okay. But to not get a paycheck for three months scares me, especially since we are looking for a house.

Anyway, you both made me feel a bit better. God bless this forum for helping me find others to share anxiety with!

I will ask about the shot, too. Keep me posted ladies, and I hope you don't mind me jumping in. I will pray for all of us!

[MizzB]

Another update... I had a cervical length check on Tuesday and I am now up from 32mm to 38mm! This is the longest that my cervix has measured since I found out that I was pregnant. I am super impressed with the 17p shot and can't speak on its benefits enough.

Good Luck and I'm pleased to hear that you ladies are feeling more positive about your cervix length.

[daettc]

Wow! I am definitely asking about that shot--lol. That's awesome news MizzB! Good luck to you too!

[EmmaUK2003]

Hi Daettc and congratulations on your pg. It is scary worrying all the time but at least we are up with the facts and are being monitored regularly. Let me know how you get on with your next appointment. Mines in a couple of weeks. XXX

Great news MizzB on the cervical length, I didnt realise it could grow!! And the fact that you have 2 little miracles in there makes it even more amazing. I will definately ask about the 17P shots. Thanks again.

[daettc]

Thanks emma. Congrats to you, too. I will keep you posted!