Short Cervix at around 20 weeks

[CookAMH]

I had my 20 week u/s today (19w4d) and tech observed a short cervix. It ranged from 3.2 cm (fine) to 2.4cm. She measured with internal u/s over the course of a couple minutes and said I was having a couple contractions too.

My gut said this isn't a big deal but reading old threads tells me it CAN be and bed rest might be in my future. This is #2, anticipated VBAC, went into labor at 38w3d with DS (though I think he could have been a week older than that, and my water broke).

I probably won't hear from m/w until next week and I refuse to do internet research. What can you tell me?  Do m/w transfer care? Is this an example of if I hadn't had the u/s we'd never know and never need to know?

I also do not want to have this pregnancy filled with ultrasounds, both for the safety and the cost to us out of pocket.

ETA: has anyone who had this happen for the first time opted for a cerclage just in case to avoid further intervention and bedrest? I know many have with subsequent pregancies.

UPDATE:

I talked to my doula, who recommended paging my m/w instead of worrying all weekend (late Fri afternoon, not in office). I did and heard back from her right away and she is not worried. She will check the u/s report to see if there is any funneling which would be more worrisome. I do not recall that there was any. She advised doing nothing at this point but be aware of preterm labor symptoms and most likely get at least a followup u/s later.

I admit, I DO worry about those instances where labor got too far along to stop and baby was lost. At this point, it doesn't seem like bedrest is warranted. I would be open to a cerclage as a preventative measure and will discuss that with my midwife. I do not feel compelled to get weekly or bi-weekly u/s, but am comfortable getting one later on, maybe in a few weeks, to see if it is stable or continuing to shorten or show other signs.

Those who have been through it, does that seem like a wise course?

Edited by CookAMH - 11/19/10 at 5:22pm

[sonshine_rae]

(((hugs)))

I was told that with my first pregnancy.. short cervix at 24 weeks.  No funneling but cervix was on the edge of to short.  The regular tech measured it at 2.0 which freaked everyone out (they prefer it to be 3.0 or above, but say 'some can be 2.5).  When a specialist measured it, it was 2.4-2.7.

I WAS put on bedrest, as I had been having frequent regular BH's since 16 weeks or so.  I had 9.5w of bedrest, a few hospital trips, and U/S's every couple of weeks.  I was 'told' to count contractions (which is very stressful mind you and only causes more of them imo), and not to worry unless they were 6 or more an hour.  But I frequently had more then 6 an hour sigh.

They tried a variety of meds on me, and had me drinking 3-5 liters of water a day (BUT demanded that I not let my bladder be to full 'cause that would cause more contractions') ...... and I was 'supposed' to be in bed all day (but how could I when I was drinking that much and couldn't let my bladder be full.. *rolls eyes*

Anyway alllllllllllllllll this to say my cervix NEVER was measured prior to then, and NEVER did measure any shorter then it was at 24 weeks (until it was almost time for the birth that is of course).  I was let off of bedrest at 35 weeks, and did not give birth until full term (37 weeks exactly) when I went into labor naturally, and had a natural labor/birth.  Baby was healthy and fine.

I was heavily monitored and progesterone shots in my hips for my 2nd pregnancy, though no bedrest, but carried him to 38.5 weeks fat and healthy baby.

For my 3rd baby.. I was sick of the medical treatment (this was all OB/medical/hospital cases for the first two).  And turned to home birth midwives.  Who after hearing my story, asking my family history (most of the women in my family contract heavily during pregnancy, and do not have pre-term labor/births), told me that I am NORMAL and HEALTHY.. that this is the way my body does things.  I had a wonderful home birth at around 39 weeks with my 3rd.

I'm pregnant with my 4th (13.5w) and planning another home birth.

I know there are lots of scary stories out there of Incomptent Cervix, but some things to keep in mind.. most of those are first time pregnancies (this is your 2nd right, so you've already proven your cervix is competent), and the length of the cervix changes depending on position and a variety of things.  So long as there is no funneling and no 'real labor' .. you're likely fine.

It's always wise to keep an eye on things, but don't let it ruin your pregnancy honey ((hugs)).

[CookAMH]

Thank you for your response. :)

I am curious this evening, I have noticed some BH that I hadn't noticed before today. I can't remember when those started with DS, wondering if that increases concern.