Shortened cervix w/ funneling post cerclage

Specialties Ob/Gyn

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Hello.

I am currently 30 weeks pregnant with my second child. My first child was born at 25 weeks gestation. At 21 weeks of this current pregnancy, my cervix had shortened a bit from 4cm to 3 cm, and I was experiencing funneling. I had a cerclage placed in my cervix at that time, and my cervix returned to 4 cm. Currently, my cervix has shortned to 2.1cm, and I again have funneling. At this point, what is left to be done, if anything? Does this mean I will be destined to give birth to this child preterm? Unfortunately, the doctor was not present for my exam, and no one has explained anything to me yet.

Thanks in advance for you assistance.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.
Hello.

I am currently 30 weeks pregnant with my second child. My first child was born at 25 weeks gestation. At 21 weeks of this current pregnancy, my cervix had shortened a bit from 4cm to 3 cm, and I was experiencing funneling. I had a cerclage placed in my cervix at that time, and my cervix returned to 4 cm. Currently, my cervix has shortned to 2.1cm, and I again have funneling. At this point, what is left to be done, if anything? Does this mean I will be destined to give birth to this child preterm? Unfortunately, the doctor was not present for my exam, and no one has explained anything to me yet.

Thanks in advance for you assistance.

My guess is that strict bedrest will be recommended. I went into preterm labor at 26 weeks with my first baby, but was not a candidate for a cerclage even though my cervix was effaced and dilated, since my contractions could not be stopped. With medications, monitoring and bedrest, I carried my baby to 37 weeks. With my second, my cervix was already 75% effaced at my first prenatal visit. For reasons I didn't understand, the doctor opted not to place a cerclage. By 16 weeks, I started to contract, and by 23 weeks, I was dilating. By then, the cerclage was contra-indicated due to the contractions. I spent 13 weeks on strict bedrest, much of the time in Trendelenberg position, because the baby was so low in my pelvis. I never experienced funneling, though. I carried baby #2 to 36 weeks, and delivered a healthy preemie.

Bedrest, monitoring, and medications for pre-term contractions can go a long way in prolonging a pregnancy. I would also ask your doc about the advisability of steroid injections to help mature your baby's organ systems, should pre-term delivery be likely. Most of all, do not assume that a term or near-term delivery is impossible. Good luck to you!

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Hello.

I am currently 30 weeks pregnant with my second child. My first child was born at 25 weeks gestation. At 21 weeks of this current pregnancy, my cervix had shortened a bit from 4cm to 3 cm, and I was experiencing funneling. I had a cerclage placed in my cervix at that time, and my cervix returned to 4 cm. Currently, my cervix has shortned to 2.1cm, and I again have funneling. At this point, what is left to be done, if anything? Does this mean I will be destined to give birth to this child preterm? Unfortunately, the doctor was not present for my exam, and no one has explained anything to me yet.

Thanks in advance for you assistance.

You can make it! I know many, many women who were funnelled to the stitch prior to 30 weeks who still made it to the point where they could take baby home from the hospital with them! Just stay in bed--strict bedrest is very difficult, but as you know, nothing could be harder than a baby in the NICU. I was funnelled to the stitch by 26 weeks and made it to 33--and only delivered then due to infection--if not for that, the stitch would have held longer. Hang in there, and follow drs. orders!

Good luck--every day your baby stays in is a victory!

Shannon

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Update...I'm now 37 weeks, and still holding on! At this point, she doesn't look like she wants to budge! Thanks for the encouraging words...they really helped!

Shari

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Congrats Shari!!! My youngest is 5&1/2 months old now, and she was born at 37 weeks. I also had funneling and my cervix had shortened to 2 cm. by 20 weeks. Months of perinatologists and my regular O.B., 400 mg procardia a day, and no cerclage - instead a pessery was placed (not fun), and bedrest. It's amazing what can help! I am sending you all of my best wishes!!!

Michele

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