Concern about Cervical Length During Pregnancy
Age 31, female - Hello everyone, I wanted to share my experience for some context. I underwent a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure due to a molar pregnancy in August 2024, which resulted in a cervical tear that required stitches. Based on what I’ve learned, a history of D&C or any form of cervical injury may increase the risk of developing an incompetent cervix in future pregnancies. I became pregnant three months after my procedure. During my 12-week ultrasound, my cervical length measured 4cm and was closed. Given my previous medical background, I expressed my concerns to my obstetrician, requesting closer monitoring. However, she merely reviewed the report, assured me everything looked normal, and scheduled my next ultrasound for 19 weeks. Then, at 16 weeks and 3 days, I ended up in the emergency room due to frequent cramping, fearing it might signal preterm labor. The ER staff assessed my condition and indicated that everything seemed fine but could not identify the cause of the cramps. Nonetheless, my cervical measurement had decreased to 3.39cm (also closed). From what I understand, a length of 3cm or more is deemed normal, but I’m worried about the 6mm reduction this early in my pregnancy. I confirmed that the findings were sent to my obstetrician and plan to reach out to her today. My fear is that she will simply dismiss my concerns once again. If anyone has insights into whether this is typical or tips on how to advocate for more thorough monitoring, I would greatly appreciate it!
Answers (1)
3/31/2025, 2:40:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about your cervical length and its implications for your pregnancy, especially with your history. A cervical length measurement of 4 cm is generally considered normal, and even at 16 weeks, a length of 3.39 cm is still within the range that many practitioners would consider acceptable. However, your concerns about the decrease in length and your previous cervical injury are valid, and it’s essential to feel confident in your care.
Here are some key points and next steps to consider:
1. Understanding Cervical Length and Risks
- Normal Values: A cervical length above 3 cm is typically reassuring, but significant changes or decreases can raise concerns, especially with a history of cervical injury.
- Potential Risks: An incompetent cervix can lead to preterm labor; however, many factors contribute to this risk, and monitoring is crucial.
2. Communicate Your Concerns
- Advocacy: It’s important to advocate for your health. If you feel your concerns were not fully addressed, consider requesting a scheduled follow-up appointment specifically to discuss your symptoms and cervical measurements.
- Specific Requests: Mention that you would like more frequent cervical length monitoring. A transvaginal ultrasound can provide more accurate measurements and ensure timely intervention if necessary.
3. Monitor Symptoms
- Keep Track of Symptoms: Keep a diary of any symptoms such as cramping, discharge, or changes in perceived pregnancy progression. This can help communicate your experience clearly to your provider.
- Evaluate Patterns: If your cramps worsen or you notice new symptoms, alert your healthcare provider immediately.
4. Possible Next Steps in Care
- Request Additional Monitoring: Ask about cervical length ultrasounds every few weeks, especially if you experience further symptoms.
- Discuss Prevention Measures: Explore ways to mitigate risks, including lifestyle modifications or potential interventions if your cervical length decreases further.
5. Emotional Well-being
- Seek Support: Surround yourself with supportive friends or family and consider talking to other expectant mothers or support groups to share experiences and reassurance.
If you do not feel satisfied with your current care, seeking a second opinion from another obstetrician may be beneficial. Your health and well-being, as well as that of your baby, are paramount, and it's vital to have a healthcare team that listens to your concerns.
Related Questions
Privacy in Health Records for Alberta Teens: Navigating Birth Control Access
I am a 15-year-old girl, seeking guidance on how to obtain birth control without involving my parents. I created this new account for privacy reasons since my regular profile includes my personal details. I have some questions regarding the process of acquiring the pill in Alberta. I apologize if I am posting in the wrong forum, but it appears that r/Alberta restricts new users from posting. For a while, I've been considering starting birth control. Thankfully, I haven’t taken the step yet, but being 15 years old, I want to ensure I handle this correctly. My plan was to visit a local clinic after school to obtain a prescription and then fill it at a nearby pharmacy. Now, I’m anxious that if I receive this prescription, it will appear in my Alberta health account, potentially alerting my parents since they could see it just like my other prescriptions. Does anyone have suggestions on how I might discreetly approach this? Alternatively, I'm considering an IUD since it could provide a longer-term solution if I can find a way to get it inserted. Is it possible to order it online or perhaps ask a friend to help me, even if it's not entirely secure? I don’t mean to delve into a political discussion here, but it seems unfair that confidentiality can be compromised so easily!
Understanding Bilateral Adrenalectomy
Hello! I’m a 30-year-old female who has recently been diagnosed with Cushing’s disease after a thorough evaluation. My diagnosis followed a series of tests, including morning cortisol levels, ACTH testing, late-night saliva tests, a 24-hour urine analysis, IPSS, and a desmopressin stimulation assessment, all conducted by my endocrinologist. Despite undergoing two surgeries on my pituitary gland, my cortisol levels continue to be elevated. Unfortunately, due to other underlying health conditions, I cannot take medication, which leaves me with the option of a bilateral adrenalectomy. I have an appointment with a surgeon coming up soon. What should I anticipate regarding the procedure? Are there specific questions I should pose to my surgeon or ways to prepare myself? I am feeling quite anxious about this surgery, but I realize that I cannot continue to endure this situation. I feel exhausted, and Cushing's disease has severely impacted my overall well-being. I appreciate any insights you may offer.
Inquiry About Conception Timing
The child arrived on January 19. Throughout the course of the pregnancy, several ultrasounds were conducted, which regularly confirmed the gestational age with measurements taken at 25 weeks, 32 weeks, and 36 weeks on various occasions. These assessments led medical professionals to approximate the ovulation and fertility period between April 8 and April 17. It is well known that sperm can last in the female reproductive tract for about five days. Notably, intercourse took place on April 26, a date that falls beyond the predicted fertile period. Considering the ultrasound results and standard ovulation patterns, could April 26 reasonably be identified as a possible date for conception?
Is it Safe to Reintroduce Birth Control After a Smoking Break?
A 45-year-old woman has recently quit smoking after a 7-month period during which she also took Effexor. Due to the combination of medication and smoking, she decided to halt her hormonal birth control along with Effexor. Now, with a month of being smoke-free and currently taking Wellbutrin and Vyvanse, she feels confident about her progress and is contemplating resuming her birth control pills, specifically Seasonale. Her medical history reveals no complications such as blood clots, and her doctor initially approved her to restart the medication. However, after further consideration, the physician sought the opinion of an ObGyn for confirmation. The woman is eagerly awaiting feedback from the specialist, ideally before she intends to begin her birth control again this coming Sunday, which coincides with the start of her menstrual cycle. Since Seasonale is designed for extended use, this will already lead to postponing her period by three months, and any delay in resuming the pill could extend that timeline further by another 3.5 months. She notes that the mini-pill may not effectively assist with managing her PMS cravings, making it an unfavorable choice. The woman is reaching out for guidance on the appropriate course of action. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
Comparing Marina Coil and Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hello, I should mention that I am located in the UK, which may influence the guidance I receive. Approximately 9-10 years ago, I experienced early menopause and began hormone replacement therapy (HRT) about a year later after completing blood tests and an ultrasound. Roughly a year ago, I unexpectedly started bleeding, prompting my doctor to insert a coil, and now I also use Lenzetto spray to deliver estrogen. The coil has worked wonders—no more bleeding. However, after discontinuing Utrogestan (100mg daily), I've had severe difficulties with sleep, increased anxiety, irritability, and noticeable hair thinning and loss, despite my use of minoxidil. I had some leftover progesterone, so I experimented with taking one tablet daily, which alleviated all these troubling symptoms. Sadly, my doctor advised against continuing this approach, claiming it might be harmful to combine it with the coil. For the past several months, I have been struggling with these side effects, and I’m feeling absolutely terrible! What options are available to me? I want to avoid another episode of bleeding, but I can't bear the thought of continuing with only 5 hours of sleep a night, being perpetually on edge, crying often, snapping at my partner, and worsening my hair situation. I appreciate any recommendations you may have! 😊 Age: 51 Gender: Female Height: 5’7" Weight: 11 stone 4 Ethnicity: Caucasian Duration of symptoms: More than a year Location: UK Current medications: Marina coil, Lenzetto, Symbicort, and blue inhaler