[slatham]

<span style="color:#3333FF">Hi girls. I have originally posted this question on the MARCH DDC and the WONDERFUL ladies in there suggested I post here for some input.

A little about myself - I am 32 - live in Kentucky - first pregnancy - due March 27th - totally computer illiterate so please excuse not having any signatures like most of you all have that are soooo cute and funny.

I received my 2nd ultrasound at the doctor today. The first one was to establish exactly how far along I was (I was 10 weeks at the time) and today (14 weeks) was to measure my cervix length (had a LEEP procedure in 1998). Wellllll, my cervix is measuring 2.62 centimeters and seems that is cause for concern - doctor says "normal" is anywhere from 3 to 4 centimeters. I am going to have another ultrasound in 2 weeks to determine if my cervix has "shortened" or possibly stayed the same. For the time being I have been "restricted" to work (I have a desk job) and nothing else...meaning no shopping, cleaning house, lifting, anything along those lines.

Has anyone else had an experience with this? Anything I can be doing to possibly avoid having to be put on strict bed rest?
On a lighter note, I got a great picture of the baby today - I can see his/her (HER HER HER, ha) nose and spine and HEARD the heartbeat (so cool) and it was 150. Baby's doing good but Mom is freaking out.

Any advice/similar stories whether good or bad would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for any input...</span>

[Banned-MyGirlsJaiden&amp;Everleigh]

Hi,

My name is Sally and I do have some experience with this. I have whats called Incompetent Cervix (IC), which is a term, you may become very familiar with over the course of your pg. IC is where your cervix shortens without contraxs. I was diagnosed with this with my first daughter at 22.5 weeks into my pg. I had an emergency cerclage done, which is something else you may/may not need to familiarize yourself with if you havent already. A cerclage is a stitch that they suture into your cervix to help keep you from continuing to dilate. While it isnt the cure I am a firm believer in having it and would be scared if I didnt have it.

But with my first dd, they did the emergency cerclage and when they did it I had .5 cm of cervix left, completely thinned out and dilated a fingertip. I was on very strict bedrest. I did not have a good prognosis but fortunately the Lord had other plans for me. I ended up having my cerclage removed at 37.3 weeks pg and delivered my healthy, beautiful baby girl just 2 days before my due date.

With my 2nd dd I had a preventative cerclage done at 14 weeks and my cervix was at 2.5 cm through my entire pg. It may have been shorter than normal but I was thrilled it wasnt as short as it was with my first pg. I wasnt able to bedrest much but it remained good through my pg. I think it was because the scar tissue had strengthend my cervix some.

I had my 3rd cerclage placed at 14 weeks pg with this pg and my cervix is measuring VERY well. I get cervical checks atleast every 2 weeks and sooner if I need it (sometimes for my own peace of mind) and my cervix was at 5.6 cm. Again I think the cerclages are creating alot of scar tissue and helping to strengthen my cervix. Labor isnt fun but its so worth it.

Your cervix can lengthen and shorten so I would definitely adhere to the OB's orders. My guess if it gets any shorter or not they might just decide to do the cerclage as a preventative measure. I am no OB so I am not stating what needs to happen but this wouldnt be out of the question either. I wish you well in your pg and if you need anything feel free to PM me and I will answer any ?'s you might have.

[slatham]

Sally, thank you so much for your reply. You have no idea how much it has helped. I can read "medical suggestions" and articles about the cerclage procedure all day but all they do is freak me out...but reading personal experiences gives me the opportunity to have alittle hope and see some light at the end of this tunnel.

I'm not having any cramps or bleeding...but my back is absolutely killing me...very low and constant, like right above my tail bone on both sides. Is this something you experienced (and if so, is it related to the cervix problem) if you do not mind me asking?

My doctor did not mention anything about the cerclage but his nurse did after he left - she feels it is most likely inevitable and should be put in for preventable measures. I will post here in the next few days with progress and definately after my appointment on the 11th.

Again, thank you for your advice and sharing your experience. It has really helped. Cute belly picture by the way too.

Have a great day...Susan

[Kyra656]

I too have a short cervix. They discovered it recently when I went to L&D due to premature contractions. They put me on Procardia to help stop the contractions. It seems to have helped but I keep getting the back pain like you described. I just hope that my cervix isn't changing much now...it did from the contractions previous. I don't have a cerclage..I am guessing because of pre-term labor?

[Banned-MyGirlsJaiden&amp;Everleigh]

I am glad I have been able to give you some comfort and hope Its sooooo theraputic to be able to have what I have gone through bring some hope to someone. It *almost* makes what I have gone through worth it.

About the back pain..........its hard to say with my first pg because I was bedridden I had all kinds of pain because of lack of mobility. With my 2nd pg, where I was active, I didnt have back pains. And I havent had back pains yet with this pg either.