cervical shortening/bedrest

I had an ultrasound done yesterday and they said both babies look great. Baby A weighs 2lbs 11oz and Baby B weighs 2lbs 13oz. The bad news was that my cervix has shortened from 3cm on 2-12-07 to 1.2cm yesterday. I am in my 28th week and they put me on bedrest and will check it again next week. I am looking for some reassurance from anyone who can give it to me. Hopefully the bedrest will work and let my babies stay in the womb for several more weeks. I am so scared about them arriving too early.

 

Try not to worry too much yet. I'm sorry to hear you've started out on bedrest, but you may still hold out a long time yet. I was dilating and 100% effaced by my 26th week and didn't deliver until 34w6d, so it happens! Many others here have had great outcomes too. Hang in there and check out www.sidelines.org for info and support!

 

I went on bedrest at 28 weeks for a shortening cervix with funneling. My cervix went from 5 to 2.5 in about a week. Peri put me on modified, but I was so scared, I put myself on strict bedrest, and remained there until I delivered at 37 weeks. Within a week of strict bedrest(only getting up to go to the bathroom and taking a quick shower everyday)my cervix was back up to 4. I am actually surprised that they aren't putting you on hospital bedrest, being that short? I would be overly cautious if I were you. Lay on your side most of the time. Sitting puts the same pressure on your cervix that standing does, so laying horizontally would be best. Drink more water than you can stand. Hang in there, and like I said, be more cautious than your doc is being. PM me if you need anything, or have any questions.

 

At my 29 week appointment I was measuring under 2 in length, 80% effaced, funneling with a bulging bag. I was able to carry until 36 1/2 weeks and neither baby spent a moment in the NICU! It can definitley happen!

Did they test to see if you are contracting? My concern would be diagnosing the reason your cervix is changing. I was sent to L&D for monitoring and it was found I was contracting every two minutes. I was given meds to stabilize the contractions and along with strict bedrest (not even sitting up to eat) it worked!!!

Have you and your doc discussed the potential of receiving steroids?

 

I was put on bedrest at 22 1/2 weeks for a funneling cervix. I had gone down to 1.3cm in 2 weeks. I was in the hospital for 5 weeks and had a round of steroid shots. They let me go home at 28 weeks although my cervix was only at 1.4 cm at that point.
The bedrest is probably the only thing that has kept my babies in this long. At my 32 week appt, my cervix was 8mm. My girl twin has been head down on my cervix and that has contributed to my funneling. I was also having contractions and I am now on procardia.

I have held out for 10 weeks so you can do it. They had doubts I would make it to 28 weeks then it was 32 weeks. I made it past all their expectations so they consider each day now just an added bonus.

Just be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.