cervix measurements

I went to my peri last week and he said that at every appointment with him my cervix was going to be measured,
this is my 1st pregnancy so I am cluless as to what it means.. He said my cervix was long..that's about it.

 

Think of your cervix like a cork between your uterus and your vaginal canal. (Nice image, huh?!) Well, that cork, as your pregnancy progresses, should stay the same size. It may get flatter (i.e., your cervix is shortening or effacing), but it should not change dramatically until the very end of your pregnancy. Your cervix can also dilate; think of it like your cork splitting or opening up. It can dilate like this || or \/ or /\ (the latter two being known as funneling).

Your doc will measure your cervix via u/s to determine if it is shortening, funneling, or dilating (or all three) too early. If it does then he/she will take measures to prevent it from getting worse. That could mean restricted work, bedrest, meds, surgery (cerclage, which is a stitch in your cervix), and more. Yes, your cervix will change over time. It can change for unexplained reasons, extreme pressure on the cervix, contractions, you name it. A normal cervical measurement is around 4cm, if I remember correctly. They will just check regularly to make sure it does not change dramatically in a short period of time.

So, that was my layman's explanation. Someone correct me or add to it if necessary!

 

Kate gave you a good description. :good:

My peri starts checking all twin pregnancies at 17w.

 

I think my first cervical check was at 22 weeks, and I've had two since. I was told by the dr who does my ultrasounds that they'll do the last one at 32 weeks, as if anything changes after that, then they wouldn't stop labour!

 

Just be cautious about internal examinations. At my perinatologists (ob) office they don't routinely do internal exams without a specific reason to (if you have symptoms of labor, discharge, etc.) The doctors can use ultrasounds to measure the cervix as well (up to a certain point)

Internal examinations can introduce bacteria into the vagina/cervix and can also trigger labor at the end stages of pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about the risks and why they feel it necessary to do the interal exam at every visit.

 

My peri checks my cervix with the transvaginal u/s every 4 weeks, starting at 18 weeks. They'll stop doing them at 30 weeks. I asked my OB and she said at that point, she'll be checking my cervix. I'm not sure how often she'll be checking. I don't like the idea of her checking it, unless there was an issue. I'm bringing it up at my appt. this week.

 

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Just be cautious about internal examinations. At my perinatologists (ob) office they don't routinely do internal exams without a specific reason to (if you have symptoms of labor, discharge, etc.) The doctors can use ultrasounds to measure the cervix as well (up to a certain point)

Internal examinations can introduce bacteria into the vagina/cervix and can also trigger labor at the end stages of pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about the risks and why they feel it necessary to do the interal exam at every visit.


And by "internal examination" I believe she means the 'ol rubber glove and fist test. Lovely, huh, but reality towards the end stages. I cannot recall when I had my first manual cervical check, but it was later on (maybe 32 weeks) and so not fun. Everything before that was done via u/s.

 

my doc checks mine if i complain of contractions. then after a 3 day hospital stay cuz of contractions theyre doing internal u/s every 2wks. mine is 2.5cm long as of last wed, he told me they like it to be 3cm or more. on bed rest and hoping these guys stick, im a first timer too

 

i just had my first check today.. transvaginal u/s i'm over 4cm so all good here.. i'll have a check every 4 weeks with my peri. I'm 17w6d

 

I got my cerclage at the beginning of March and before the cerclage I was measuring 4.5cm. My last doctors appointment was on March 17th and I was measuring 5.7cm. Sonogram tech and doctor said I was closed up like Ft. Knox. That is a good thing since we think that is the reason Baylee and Addison came early last year. All we can do now is keep our fingers crossed! I am 18 weeks and 3 days so far and I lost the other twins last year at 21 weeks so I am nervous but excited! My peri appointment is next Wed.

 

All the ladies have given great info...just remember by "nice" and "long" your doc is looking for a measurement of 3cm or greater, not meaning just under is bad, but around 3cm is "ideal." But your cervix measurement can change from week to week.