Softning & shortening of cervix

Hi there!

I've only recently found out that my cervix has softened & shortened. Does this mean that I'll go into labor sooner rather than later? Or how long before my cervix starts to dilate? Is it easy to predict?

Please share with me your experiences...

I'm I getting worried for nothing?

My doctor did call me after my last ultrasound & wanted me to schedule another ultrasound in 3 weeks time to check my cervix again. I just was wondering if this was too late in the game as I could deliver a week later...

Thanks for any help..

 

My cervix rapidly changed from 4.7cm, hard & closed, at 24 weeks to 2cm, soft & closed at about 26 weeks. I am now 33w3d and am still exactly the same-- 2 cm, soft & closed. I have been on modified (home) bed rest, which is probably helping to stabilize it. I am also on home uterine monitoring (I wear a device to monitor for contractions), and I have definitely been having contractions-- thankfully at this point they have not been causing much change. I honestly did not expect to be at 33+ weeks and still have the same cervix situation that I had at 26 weeks.

I know that after about 30 weeks or so, they expect your cervix to start gradually softening and shortening, working up to the big day. Just because the process has started doesn't mean it will quickly progress, though.

As far as the level of monitoring from your doctor, my doc has been seeing me either weekly or bi-weekly to check my cervix (they check mine manually, not with U/S). If three weeks seems like too long for you to wait, I would call and see if you can get in sooner to be checked. It's important that you feel comfortable with the level of care you are receiving.

Hope my info is somewhat helpful to you... best of luck!

 

Thank you for responding..

I do see my ob every two weeks & am very happy with my care so far.

I was just worried that seeing the tech for my u/s in three weeks may be too late..just to check my cervix that is.

But I am seeing my doc again on Friday, so will also ask him.

Thank you again
Denise

 

Alot of docs don't check the cervix after 30 weeks because it is normal for things to start to happen. From my experience shortening and softening meant next to nothing, definitely didn't mean delivery was anywhere within month(s) but that is just my personal experience. I went 7 weeks 80% effaced and under 2cm in length. I think it is impossible to predict.

 

QUOTE
From my experience shortening and softening meant next to nothing, definitely didn't mean delivery was anywhere within month(s) but that is just my personal experience.


Ditto.

 

QUOTE(Dianne @ May 21 2007, 04:18 PM) [snapback]263498[/snapback]
From my experience shortening and softening meant next to nothing, definitely didn't mean delivery was anywhere within month(s) but that is just my personal experience.


Same here. I was dialated for almost two months with no other signs of giving birth or more dialation. It's great that your doc is seeing you often and if ever in doubt, give them a ring!

 

I started softening and was 1cm dilated at 28 weeks. I made it to 39 weeks, and was about 5cm when I was induced after going on bedrest at 30 weeks and off at 36weeks.

Alyson

 

So the answer here I guess is for me to put myself on modified bedrest. My doc hasnt even mentioned it.

Thankfully though, I'm not working.

Also, I can't do much right now, but sit in the recliner during the day & lay down in bed. If I stand for longer than 10 min, my feet swell up & the pressure in my hips & legs is almost ubearable!!!

My friends were telling the truth when they said that the third trimester is the worst part of the whole pregnancy..
Although for me my first trimester & third almost equal in discomfort & unpleasantness..

Thankfully I've not long to go! :a_smil09:

 

I started to soften and shorten around 34 weeks, at the 35-wk date I was dialated a fingertip, and they ended up needing to use pitocin after my water broke to move things along, and I ended up with a C-section because I never dialated past a 6. You just never know.