Im 16 weeks pregnant- And had my cervix measured and it seems to mesure 2.6cm

[kbj2012]

The doctor said its surrpose to measure over 3cm i am extremly worried as the doctor said it can cause premature labour....Has anyone has this before if yes what was the out come.... my doctor seems to be hopeless giving me not much information about it.

[HelenEv]

I also have a short cervix and I'm getting very good care from a consultant obstetrician as part of my antenatal care. I really think you should call your antenatal clinic and arrange an appointment with a midwife (or ideally a consultant) to discuss your (very reasonable) concerns.

Based on my experience, I would expect they would want to at least monitor your cervix every couple of weeks. The important thing is not to worry, but I would suggest getting a second opinion as having a short cervix is eminently manageable - but you need the information to make the right decisions.

I'm not a healthcare professional, so I can only share a bit of my experience and hopefully reassure you.

I had some surgery for cervical cancer 3 years ago (cone biopsy) and so I already knew I had a short cervix and was at risk of 'cervical incompetence' (this is often how it's referred to). I flagged this up at my booking appointment and insisted on an early appointment with a consultant. (All antenatal units have consultants as part of the team).

My consultant has been great and following a cervical scan to measure the length, we talked through the options - which were either having close monitoring of my cervix every 2 weeks (by having a cervical scan) or by having an elective stitch. A stitch is basically to 'tie the cervix together' (that's my non-technical description.

I decided to go with the stitch (also known as a cervical cerclage or suture) and had this done last week. This was done in a day at the maternity unit with a regional anestheic. If I'd decided to do close monitoring instead then there is the option of having the stitch if your cervix becomes shorter (but the % success is reduced as your cervix gets shorter). I'm now also taking the hormone progesterone as there is some evidence that this may reduce the risk of early labour.

So in summary, I think you should definitely insist on seeing a midwife or consultant at the antenatal clinic - be clear when you call that you are worried. The important thing is to ensure that your concerns are taken seriously and I'd suspect that the midwife will refer you to a consultant.

Try not to worry, just get the information you need to reassure yourself and to enable you to make the right decisions for you.

I'm very happy to share more about my experience - but don't want to overwhelm you with info you don't need at this stage, best regards Helen

[kbj2012 in reply to HelenEv]

Thank you for a reply Helen! How many weeks are you at the moment? Well I had a scan last week and my next appointment is mid janaurary which is strange because the storys I have read about this same problem most of the women have had scans every two weeks like your self! Who would I get a second opinion from another consultant or another hospital?

When you had your biopsy did they do lazer treatment after? How many weeks did you have your stich put in?

[HelenEv]

Hi again, I'm almost 15 weeks now and had the stitch put in at just under 14 weeks (they tend to do them between weeks 14 and 22).

In terms of next steps, I'd suggest initially talking to a midwife (or ideally consultant) at your current antenatal unit (I got the impression that it was your GP that you'd already spoken to about this?). If it was me, I'd call the antenatal unit and explain your concerns and ask for an urgent appointment with a consultant (the urgent bit is to get their attention) and if this looks like it'll take too long, then try for a midwife appointment before your mid-Jan one.

I know Xmas is going to get in the way a bit, but if they try, they'll be able to get you in before mid-Jan - they can do anything they want if they think it's urgent enough. Although my experience has been good, I did find I had to push a bit as the first consultant appointment they offered me was going to be mid-Jan and the receptionist only found a quicker appointment I pushed and a midwife confirmed to the receptionist that I needed to see the consultant soon.

In terms of the biopsy etc.... had a lletz laser treatment first and then they went on to do the cone biopsy because there were still some traces cancer cells remaining (an incomplete excision). (I'm only mentioning this because you ask and don't want to worry anyone on this site about cervical cancer - though we should all go for our regular screenings without fail... it saves lives)

[kbj2012]

Hello helen many thanks on replying again! You have given me a bit of reasurence which has carmed my worrtibg down a bit! Your only a week behind me! Yes I may have said GP but I was ment to say consultant. Yes I will definatly try that I will call them first thing and see if I can get to talk or even see a consultant or a midwife asap!

Oh no the reason why I asked beacause I laser treament and a biospy a few years ago. When I saw my consultant he did say the short cervix may be caused by the treatment I had a few years ago,Which I found odd beacause at the time of my treatment they never once mentioned that could affect any of my pregnacys. Doctors hey...

[kbj2012]

Quick update I'm 27 weeks!! Time is going fast!! I had a scan when I was 21 weeks and my cervix mesured 3.1 cm which was great hear!! Counting down the days now!