Prometrium Use

[aprilmommy]

I am 32 weeks pregnant and I just had my 32wk appt yesterday. I had been having a lot of braxton hicks, crampiness, and lower back pain so my doctor had me have a scan to measure the length of my cervix. A normal measurement is 2.5 or higher and if you measure 2.0 or lower your at risk for a preterm delivery. I am measuring 2.2. So she started me on Prometrium that I insert vaginally every night. Has anyone else had to use this and what are the effects? Did it stop your shortening of the cervix? It doesnt effect the baby at all, right??

[precious03]

It does help clear things up thanks.  I guess I know that people come in different shapes and sizes, I just didn't think that it would matter with the cervix.  So, to all of you with this, I wish you the best.  Good luck.

[aprilmommy]

I was having lots of braxton hicks that could have been actual contractions, lower back pain/pressure and cramps. I hadnt had it measured until I had these symptoms either. I dont think its something they usually look at unless they need to. I had it with a transvaginal u/s too, they said they cant measure it with a regular u/s.

Thanks for the info prayerful wife. I have been trying to just lounge around today and not do anything. I am hoping that the prometrium does its job. I guess I will find out in a week. I hope everything goes well with your pregnancy and that the baby stays put for a while longer:)

[prayerful wife]

I think you have to be at risk for preterm labor, or like me have had a preterm delivery for them to measure your cervix on a regular basis.  With a normal pregnancy they wouldn't do it b/c the more they "check" you it puts you at risk for dialation and infection.  When I get measured I get measured by transvaginal u/s and they only insert it half way do a quick measurement and remove it.  Most doctors, once you've had your pap, until you get to week 36/37 wont check your cervix again unless you're having some problems.  Hope this helps.

[precious03]

I have a question for you.  I have never heard of having your cervix measured.  This is my 3rd child and seems foreign to me.  Were you having some kind of problems that made them measure this, or was it a normal procedure that your doctor does on all patients?

[prayerful wife]

I'm only 25wks and have been on bedrest for the same problems.  My cervix is at 2.2 and I'm already 25% effaced.  I'm not on Prometrium, but I'm taking progestrone shots to hopefully keep me from dialating.  One thing I wanted to tell you is that lots of rest will help lengthen the cervix back to a good measurement.  I was told if I shortened anymore I'll be going on the Prometrium as well and I hear it gets pretty messy.  So I wouldnt use it with any cute panties or jammies you want to keep nice!

[aprilmommy]

Yea I noticed that last night lol, it was a little gross and uncomfortable. Especially because I get really bad heartburn at night so I have to sleep sitting up a lot and so it was a little messier than I think it should have been.

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

I took in early pregnany to help get my progestrone levels up but I quit at 11 weeks,   I had no side effect but it does make a mess so I'd wear a panty liner with it....