Very soft cervix?? What would cause this?

[chantal21]

So I went to see my midwife today even though my appt is next. I was having some pretty consistent contractions on tuesday night and she wanted to check me to be sure nothing is happening yet. I am 27w 1d. The heartbeat was great at 140bpm and baby is still head down. She said I'm not quite opened yet...but that my cervix is VERY soft. She said she doesn't like to see that happening until 32-37 weeks. So basically I'm on modified bedrest from here on out and no more sex. (Hubby and I actually haven't done it in a week so I know sex didn't cause my contractions on tuesday) Now I need to watch out for pink or bloody discharge, which I haven't had yet, thankfully.  I have been drinking plenty of water, but I need to drink even more now. My son is 30 pounds, so I have to limit how much I pick him up. My lower back has been really sore the last few days and I have slight pressure on my lower belly and every now and then I can feel pressure down yonder. Other than, everything else is good. I am just worried and don't want to go into pre-term labor. My midwife said if I can just get to sept. 1, we will be in good shape. I will be 36 weeks then.

My question is...is a soft cervix the same as effacement? Or is that completely different? I forgot to ask her while I was there. And what would cause it to soften? Thanks!!

[pinkbelle]

i think effacement is the same as soften but dont quote me on that..   I was 50 percent effaced at 32 weeks but i didn't go into labor until 37 weeks...  just take it easy.. hun.. i know how hard that is when we have little ones running around at home but its definatly a necessary thing..  

[pinkbelle]

I stand corrected i just googled it and effacement is different from a soft cervix.. Effacement is when your tunnel start to shorten.. but  with your cervix being soft it is a sign that your body is preparing for step too which would be effacement and dilation.. but that could be many weeks away...

[chantal21]

Thanks!! I am trying to take it easy. I am having a few more contractions again now and some pain so I put my feet up and I am done for the night. Ugh. I hope this little one doesn't come early...he/she needs to stay put!!

[peekawho]

Its different.

Watch for contractions.  My personal feelings, if you are already having some documented concerns, is to do this if you are having more than 4-6 contractions in an hour.

Empty your bladder.
Lay on your side.
Drink 3 big glasses of water
Place your hands on your tummy, and write down how many contractions you have in the next 60 minutes.
If you are still having 4-6 contractions in the hour, notify your midwife or OB.

Notify them right away if it is accompanied by an unusual discharge, or an unusual backache, especially if it does not go away with 2 regular Tylenol.   Notify immediately if you have any very watery, sudden discharge.

Let us know what happens.  

[chantal21]

Thanks so much, Peek. I was timing them tonight and thankfully I only had 3 every 8-10 min. Then they went away. I had another one an hour later. And I just had one not too long ago. So thankfully they are sporatic again, but now everytime I get one, I am kinda freaked out. I am having a lot more discharge lately...but nothing watery, just thick. I am drinking water like crazy as well. My next appt. is next wed. so maybe my midwife will check me again to make sure nothing is changing yet. I am going to keep a very close eye on them from here on out. I never remember having so many with my first. But thank you so much for the advice! I will follow everything.

[peekawho]

You may want to use 1/2 strength Gatorade, too.  Full strength has too much sugar.  

I'm glad your midwife is keeping on top of this, and you are, too.

[chantal21]

Thanks Peek. I will try that! I just bought gatorade the other day, so I have plenty.

[chantal21]

As long as nothing happens over the weekend, I am scheduled to go see the OB that works with my midwife (I go there for my ultrasounds). She is going to check me and see what steps they need to take for this. Strict orders to lay on my side as much as possible and of course drink drink drink. If the contractions are 3-5 min. apart in an hour, then I am to head straight to the hospital.  Otherwise, can't do much. I keep telling baby to wait and it's not time yet!!! I am hoping it's just because this is a 2nd pregnancy and I am just experiencing BH more frequently, but because of the cervix being soft, my midwife is very concerned.