SHARE HOME > PARENT TO PARENT > PREGNANT? ON BEDREST? TRYING AGAIN?

Short cervix with funneling

janicemp - 01:59pm Dec 26, 2009 EST

Hi Everyone. Here's my story: Ten years ago, I had a cone biopsy because of an abnormal pap. 7 years ago, my husband and I started trying to get pregnant. 2 miscarriages (due to chromosome problems) and a failed adoption later, we did an IVF cycle with PGD and BINGO! So, needless to say, we've worked very hard to get this far (23w5d) and now I'm scared to death we're falling apart because my stupid body is an incompetent baby grower.

Here's the scoop on the cervix checks: 1st check (@18 weeks) = 3.3. Two weeks later (@20 weeks) = 2.8. Two more weeks (@22 weeks) = still 2.8. Monday the 21st of Dec (@23 weeks) = 2.1..with funneling! Everybody freaked out...including me. Luckily I also had an ob appointment that same day. Peri talked to ob...both decided bed rest was the right thing to do...sent me to the hospital to see if I was having contractions...no...yay. So, I've been at home, in the bed, not moving since then. I'm back on progesterone suppositories. We're shooting for 35. That seems like forever. I mean I'm sure I can do it...LO is the most important thing in the world. I'm just scared...that's all.

I spend about 90% of my time in the bed searching for short cervix stories with positive outcomes...it seems to be working. The new part for me is the funneling. I would love to hear more positive stories. Thanks.

Jackie G - Dec 26, 2009 3:00 pm (#1 Total: 26)

Mom to Kimberly (25 wkr, now 6 yrs!) & Matthew (38.5 wkr, almost 4 yrs!)

I can totally understand your fear. I delivered my daughter at 25 weeks due to IC or Pre-term Labor. Luckily she survived and we just celebrated her 6th birthday 2 days ago. She's a healthy normal little girl.

When I got pregnant again, I had a cerclage and got the 17P shots but at 28 weeks I was funneling (2.9 mm if I remember correctly). I was really nervous but my OB was not. I was on reduced activity but not bedrest and I carried my son to 38.5 weeks. So don't freak out too much - there still can be a good outcome.

I wish you lots of luck!
Jackie

P.S. Visit the "Pregnant and Fabulous?" discussion to find other women going through a stressful, high-risk pregnancy.

Angel Love - Dec 26, 2009 3:59 pm (#2 Total: 26)

I was on bedrest myself (for different reasons) but I just remember wishing that I had a little window that I could use to peek inside and see if everything was okay.

Hang in there....you're doing everything that you can to keep this little one happy and healthy inside. We're always here if bedrest gets old and you need someone new to talk to. Keep us posted!

Tracy

Peasinapod - Dec 26, 2009 5:28 pm (#3 Total: 26)

Momma of Sky - now 5 (32 weeker), Will - 3 1/2 years old (37 weeks) and Adalynn - 16 months (37 weeks) and baby boy on the way!

I was funneling in my first pregnancy at 29 weeks and I made it two more, but there was no intervention at all. They didn't even put me on bedrest. Also, the day I went into labor my cervix measured over 3, so we don't know exactly what happened. With my second I was funneling at 14 weeks. I had an emergency cerclage that afternoon and I made it full term. I also spent 6 months on the couch...it was long and boring, but worth every moment to hold my baby boy!
I know there are others that were once very active on Share that had a similar story to yours that made it full term.
Good luck and keep us posted! Visit the fabulous and expecting folder to vent any time.
Good luck
Kristyn

swefia - Jan 8, 2010 2:18 am (#4 Total: 26)

success story coming your way!

I hope everything is fine with you..
I was hospitalized with a short, 2.8 cm, funneled cervix at 23 weeks. I also had a lot of contractions.
Needless to say I was put on bedrest, but later my cervix shortened to 2.1 cm and then to 1.9 cm with 2 cm funneling..
Despite this development (and doctors expections I guess) I gave birth to a perfectly healthy baby boy at 35+2 weeks! He didn't need to spend any time in the NICU.

I peace of advice, have you discussed taking nifedipine with your doctor?
I took the medication until week 34.
5 days after I stopped taking it I started having heavy contractions and after another 5 days I gave birth. Because of that I am a strong believer of that medication. I think that I went as far as I did because of it.

/Swefia

Mary1978 - Jan 13, 2010 9:07 am (#5 Total: 26)

I was in the hospital on Christmas day with a few contractions and baby not moving as much. They did an ultrasound and said I had funneling and my cervix was down to a 2.5. By the next day the next day the ultrasound showed no funneling and my cervix was back to a 2.9. My dr. seemed happy with that and sent me home to continue the bed rest. I have another ultrasound in 2 weeks to measure size and the cervix. I will be 32 weeks then. Hang in there and take it easy.
I too know what you are going through with waiting a long time for your little one. This one is 5 and a half years in the waiting. We also had a round of IVF that did not take along with many other artificial insiminations and clomid failed trials. So I am taking it day by day with this little one to get her to the34 week goal. Hopefully longer! Good luck and stay positive. If something feels wrong go to the hospital even if it is to make yourself feel better! I hope this helps!

Mary

inayashaikh - Feb 23, 2010 2:46 pm (#6 Total: 26)

Scared

I am a physician myself, dealing with all kinds of cases. At my 26 1/2 wk, I went for my regular follow up visit with perinatology. I was being monitored for antiphospholipid syndrome- a blood clotting disorder. I was told my cervix was 5 mm! funneling advanced and circlage is not an option. I was put on bed rest last week and 3 days later I was in preterm labor with cervix further shortened to 2 mm, fetal fibronectin positive. 4 days I was discharged home on Terbutalin pump, !7P IM injections etc. Things have changed so much in past 10 days. I have access to all medical knowledge regarding cervical shortening and NICU. I have cared for NICU babies. I know about ventilators. I remember sitting in groups with medical stafff to calculate dietry requirements for tiny babies, spending hours on planning care.
I admit I am finding it hard to anticipate all of this for my own unborn child. As a first step towards acceptance to the situation, I made a tour of NICU with my husband on the day of hospital discharge. My husband is not a medical personnel.
I am 28 weeks today. Scared. I know cervix would have shortened further by now. Staying in bed and praying hard.
Ayesha

Replies to this message

Peasinapod (Feb 23, 2010 4:31 pm)

fithingodalways (Mar 3, 2010 8:17 am)

inayashaikh (Mar 3, 2010 11:32 am)

janicemp - Feb 23, 2010 3:06 pm (#7 Total: 26)

update

Here's an update...I am 32w1d today. My last cervix measurement (last week) was 1.4. The dr thinks I'll make it to 35 weeks at least with no problem...yay!

Replies to this message

Peasinapod (Feb 23, 2010 4:32 pm)

Grace's Mom (Feb 27, 2010 6:34 am)

Peasinapod - Feb 23, 2010 4:31 pm (#8 Total: 26)

Momma of Sky - now 5 (32 weeker), Will - 3 1/2 years old (37 weeks) and Adalynn - 16 months (37 weeks) and baby boy on the way!

Replying to: inayashaikh (Feb 23, 2010 2:46 pm)

Scared: I am a physician myself, dealing with all kinds of cases. At my 26 1/2 wk, I went for...

Re: Scared

Ayesha, I'm sure being in the medical profession makes things harder in some ways, but hopefully better too. I'm sorry you've gone through such a difficult and scary situation. Terb does wonders for many women and I hope you will have a great outcome with it. Bedrest, in my opinion, is a wonderful thing. I've read about women on this site that have gone full term with virutally no cervix just due to bedrest. Remember the fFN is not a guarantee that you will go into labor, so hopefully that will help put your mind at ease a bit. Wishing you the best for yourself and your baby.
Kristyn

Peasinapod - Feb 23, 2010 4:32 pm (#9 Total: 26)

Momma of Sky - now 5 (32 weeker), Will - 3 1/2 years old (37 weeks) and Adalynn - 16 months (37 weeks) and baby boy on the way!

Replying to: janicemp (Feb 23, 2010 3:06 pm)

update: Here's an update...I am 32w1d today. My last cervix measurement (last week) was 1.4. The dr thinks I'll make...

Re: update

How fantastic! Congrats on keeping your little one baking for so long...you've done great! Stay on bedrest as long as possible even if they start telling you that you can get up at 35 or 36 weeks...you might even make it full term! I have my fingers crossed that you will.

Kristyn

Grace's Mom - Feb 27, 2010 6:34 am (#10 Total: 26)

^i^D'Lon Grace^i^ ~ Forever 3 ~ Missing you every second of every day!

Replying to: janicemp (Feb 23, 2010 3:06 pm)

update: Here's an update...I am 32w1d today. My last cervix measurement (last week) was 1.4. The dr thinks I'll make...

Re: update

Congratulations! That's awesome!

Yolonda

fithingodalways - Mar 3, 2010 8:17 am (#11 Total: 26)

Replying to: inayashaikh (Feb 23, 2010 2:46 pm)

Scared: I am a physician myself, dealing with all kinds of cases. At my 26 1/2 wk, I went for...

am new here and i notes your massege and i need your help please i am 27 weeks and 3 days that my fifth pregnancy i have a 5 years old girl i treid after i had her to get pregnant i had 2 missgaregs and i lost one pretearm i am very waridd now i start funneling in23 weeks and iwas in the hospetal for a week when it was 19 they send me home for a bed rest i went to the dr yeasrerday they told me my cervix 7 i have been takin the shots every week the p shots the cervix 7 with funneling is it dangeros i am very warrid i need that baby boy badly last thing i forgot to say that my baby have a heart defacets and need a sargery but he have to be at lest 7 bonds and he is now 2 bounds

[Last Editor: fithingodalways, Mar 3, 2010 8:52 am. Total Edits: 2]

Replies to this message

Peasinapod (Mar 3, 2010 9:19 am)

esg1 - Mar 3, 2010 8:31 am (#12 Total: 26)

Abigail's Mom (29 weeks, 3/21/05)

Hi and Welcome to Share. I cannot comment on the cervix numbers. I never knew mine but I know many ladies here who have dealt with short cervixes and will jump on soon. I just wanted to let you know that someone hears and understands your fears. It is great (even if it doesn't feel like it) that you have made it to 27 weeks. You are doing a wonderful job and it sounds like you are in close contact with your doctor.

I hope we continue to hear updates from you.
Take care,
Ellen

Peasinapod - Mar 3, 2010 9:19 am (#13 Total: 26)

Momma of Sky - now 5 (32 weeker), Will - 3 1/2 years old (37 weeks) and Adalynn - 16 months (37 weeks) and baby boy on the way!

Replying to: fithingodalways (Mar 3, 2010 8:17 am)

hi: am new here and i notes your massege and i need your help please i am 27 weeks and...

Re: hi

So sorry you are going through this.

First, try not to worry too much! I know it is very very hard not to worry, but you need to rest for that baby. Stress is believed to be a factor in preterm labor. So, please try to relax. I assume you mean your cervix is less than 1 cm or .7 cm right now. You are right. It is short, but it does not mean you will deliver early.

Have you had a fetal fibronectin test done? This is where they use a q-tip like thing to swab looking for a protein. If it is there they will probably give you steriod injections. If it is not, your chances of going into labor in the next two weeks are very small. I would discuss bedrest, possible medications (if you are contracting - even if they don't feel strong) and the fetal fibronectin test.

You are doing great keeping your baby boy in and I wish you the best. Please keep us posted how you are doing.

Kristyn

inayashaikh - Mar 3, 2010 11:32 am (#14 Total: 26)

Replying to: inayashaikh (Feb 23, 2010 2:46 pm)

Scared: I am a physician myself, dealing with all kinds of cases. At my 26 1/2 wk, I went for...

Re: Scared

Update on my status. at 28 weeks and 4 days ultrasound showed disappearance of cervix length and now dilatation is in process. Basically membranes are expected to bulge in vagina. Baby is gaining weight as expected. I continue to be on bed rest, terbutalin pump and weekly injections. I am taking it day by day..! Each night my husband gives me a high five. I have stopped crying, fussing, arguing, and getting frustrated. Encouraging positive hormones run in my blood and reach my baby, to help gain confidence and positive attitude towards starting a new life. It has helped a lot. I can't control circumstances, but I can sure appreciate all the facilities and support that I have. My positive attitude has brought me and my husband closer and I need him and his optimism.

Replies to this message

Peasinapod (Mar 3, 2010 11:36 am)

inayashaikh (Mar 11, 2010 3:06 pm)

Peasinapod - Mar 3, 2010 11:36 am (#15 Total: 26)

Momma of Sky - now 5 (32 weeker), Will - 3 1/2 years old (37 weeks) and Adalynn - 16 months (37 weeks) and baby boy on the way!

Replying to: inayashaikh (Mar 3, 2010 11:32 am)

Re: Scared: Update on my status. at 28 weeks and 4 days ultrasound showed disappearance of cervix length and now...

Re: Scared

Hopefully you can hang on a few more weeks if not longer. It is amazing to see it when it happens on here, but those stories always give me hope for those women that are facing such challenges.
Congrats on almost 29 weeks! That is very encouraging...each day is critical and you are doing such a great job keeping your little one in there!

Kristyn

fithingodalways - Mar 3, 2010 3:52 pm (#16 Total: 26)

pray for my baby please

hi i realy glad i found you all here and thanks for you all today i got the steroid and i have one tomorrow the my obyjn and the ultrasound dr they want me to get to 40 weeks for the baby he need to be strong for his heart sargary so far i am tray to relax and not to be warreid praying every day for my baby but the days goes very slow you know thank you all

Replies to this message

Peasinapod (Mar 3, 2010 6:20 pm)

Peasinapod - Mar 3, 2010 6:20 pm (#17 Total: 26)

Momma of Sky - now 5 (32 weeker), Will - 3 1/2 years old (37 weeks) and Adalynn - 16 months (37 weeks) and baby boy on the way!

Replying to: fithingodalways (Mar 3, 2010 3:52 pm)

pray for my baby please: hi i realy glad i found you all here and thanks for you all today...

Re: pray for my baby please

Glad you are getting steriod injections. I hope you stay pregnant for much longer!

Please feel free to join the Pregnant and Fabulous Thread to chat with other pregnant women that are going through or have gone through worrisome pregnancies.

Thinking of you.
Kristyn

Jackie G - Mar 3, 2010 7:16 pm (#18 Total: 26)

Mom to Kimberly (25 wkr, now 6 yrs!) & Matthew (38.5 wkr, almost 4 yrs!)

Keeping you in my thoughts....

Hugs,
Jackie

fithingodalways - Mar 4, 2010 9:02 pm (#19 Total: 26)

thank you all

hi every body thank you all and god pless your kids Kristyn i always wish to have a lot of kids i love kids alot but the life sometimes do not came the way we wish i hope get with this baby to the save stage i want to ask if any one had any information a bout the heartdefacts my baby had transpoition of great arteries and ventricular septal defect and subpulmonary stenosis his dr tell me do not wary every thing is fixsaple hope so

Replies to this message

Peasinapod (Mar 5, 2010 5:53 am)

esg1 - Mar 5, 2010 5:43 am (#20 Total: 26)

Abigail's Mom (29 weeks, 3/21/05)

Good luck with the surgery. Doctors are usually up front with the risks but if you are worried, I would ask him to carefully spell out the procedure and the risks. That might help you to be more relaxed or at least express your concerns more easily.

Welcome to Share!
Ellen

Peasinapod - Mar 5, 2010 5:53 am (#21 Total: 26)

Momma of Sky - now 5 (32 weeker), Will - 3 1/2 years old (37 weeks) and Adalynn - 16 months (37 weeks) and baby boy on the way!

Replying to: fithingodalways (Mar 4, 2010 9:02 pm)

thank you all: hi every body thank you all and god pless your kids Kristyn i always wish to have...

Re: thank you all

Thank you, I'm very lucky to have my beautiful babies.

I agree that you should ask the doctors to explain everything again and again until you feel you have a better understanding of it. I am thinking of you and your little one.

Kristyn

Yinka Bally - Mar 5, 2010 12:35 pm (#22 Total: 26)

Awesom

Congrats on keeping your lil one in there for so long, i am in a similar situation and hoping very hard that things can only get better. My prayers are with you. All the best xxx.

fithingodalways - Mar 6, 2010 12:47 pm (#23 Total: 26)

tel me more

hi can you tell me more about your story
cause i fell i am lost i stays hours on the internt tray to find answers and i read a lot of stories similar to mine and even hardier it give me hope the more i read i get more hope

[Last Editor: fithingodalways, Mar 7, 2010 3:03 pm. Total Edits: 1]

inayashaikh - Mar 11, 2010 3:06 pm (#24 Total: 26)

Replying to: inayashaikh (Mar 3, 2010 11:32 am)

Re: Scared: Update on my status. at 28 weeks and 4 days ultrasound showed disappearance of cervix length and now...

Re: Scared

30 weeks Update: Perinatologist suggested very infrequent doctors visits to avoid interruption in bed rest and also management is going to be same regardless. Currently Terbutlalin pump and bed rest. Continuation of other medicines. Changed Loveox to Heparin: Reason is in case of delivery, it is easier to reverse Heparin for purpose of epidural anesthesia. Heparin is less painful than Lovenox anyways!
I received second round of Steroids and also getting Progesterone inj weekly. I am fortunate to have home health now.
Interestingly and funny in its own way: My arm muscles had steroid inj, Belly is for Heparin inj, Buttocks for weekly progesterone and thighs for Terbutalin. My home health nurse thinks I will become a porous net if continued to be poked this much.... we make fun of it!
Hey.. we need to find entertainment in circumstances like these, face it with humor and it will be much easier. Welcome your family members with sweet smile, put some lipstick on, perfumes. It will make us all better team.
you Rock Ladies!

Replies to this message

Peasinapod (Mar 11, 2010 5:35 pm)

esg1 - Mar 11, 2010 4:37 pm (#25 Total: 26)

Abigail's Mom (29 weeks, 3/21/05)

Glad things are under control and you are past thirty weeks that is such a big deal for the baby's health. Keep baking and keep us posted.

Take care,
Ellen

Peasinapod - Mar 11, 2010 5:35 pm (#26 Total: 26)

Momma of Sky - now 5 (32 weeker), Will - 3 1/2 years old (37 weeks) and Adalynn - 16 months (37 weeks) and baby boy on the way!

Replying to: inayashaikh (Mar 11, 2010 3:06 pm)

Re: Scared: 30 weeks Update: Perinatologist suggested very infrequent doctors visits to avoid interruption in bed rest and also management...

Re: Scared

30 weeks is great! You have a great attitude

Can't wait to hear more from you.

Congrats!
Kristyn

To post, please login or register.