Cervical length

[Pecas282]

At 12 weeks my cervix measured at 7 cm. Two weeks later it is at 4.7 cm. Both are good numbers, and the ultrasound tech( who is also a doctor), said not to worry. I am not convinced. I think even though 4.7 is considered long, I should be worried that it has already shrunk. (The two ultrasounds were done at two different places by two different techs.) Any one with experience in this? I don't see my Obstetrician for another two weeks.

[Pecas282]

Me, too! I always wrap up my threads even if no one comments on them! I know "baby steps," but here's to those betas rising!!!! Happy Thanksgiving!

[adgal]

Thanks so much for popping in to finish this thread off.  It's so beneficial to have the results out there as it will benefit others looking for the same info.  Drives me bonkers when people leave things hanging...lol.  Hope your doing well.  Almost 1/2 way there!!!

[Pecas282]

Wrap up to thread....

At 16 weeks I had a transvaginal cervix check and my cervix was 7 cm. That is noticeably longer than the 4.6 cm cervix that was shown on my abdominal ultrasound tow weeks earlier.  Transvaginal is the most accurate way to check a cervix in an ultrasound.

[adgal]

Aww, thanks so much.  I appreciate your kind words.

Don't ever be embarrassed about asking lots of questions and/or pushing a Dr. to be thorough.  You worked darn hard for those babies and all you are trying to do is what is healthiest and best for them.  I don't know if it's the same where you live, but I find that sometimes Dr.s have become so accustomed to what they do everyday, they forget we are not..lol.  Sometimes the reminder is a good thing.  Follow your instincts, and if they say no, ask for a legitimate reason why.  

[Pecas282]

Thank you so much adgal. That meant a lot. I've been quietly following you, too, and you always give candid positive feedback.  I guess abdominal scans can underestimate cervical length and can differ from tech to tech. So Ill keep on top of it by going  back to the first ultrasound tech, and without embarrassment, I will keep demanding all tests that are reasonable for those who are carrying twins. Thanks for your support!

PS: Love those sweet Ryder updates!

[Pecas282]

Unlike singleton pregnancies, with twins, at 20 weeks woman will see the doc for ultrasounds every two weeks. Among other risks, the risk of cervical shortening is raised with twins. In the states most women who are having twins are told to see a Perinatologist (high risk doctor) along with their regular OB. I live in Uruguay where that isn't the case.  

After three miscarriages, I am taking matter into my own hands and keeping a close eye on things until the 20th week. With early detection many  problems can be remedied. I am only going back to the private place one more time  to check if the same doc/tech I saw originally sees a abnormal shortening.  My husband actually told me the private place did give me a  2D. Thanks!

[Super_sally888]

Please be careful with the 3-D ultrasounds.  

They are not required for any medical reason that 2-D ultrasound cannot address / provide information about.  

3-D ultrasounds generate heat energy which may be detrimental to the baby, and the long term effects are not known.  Both my obe's have mentioned this to me (and I don't intend to have any 3-D ultrasound done).

At this point in your pregnancy a quick monthly ultrasound would be the maximum required even by the most conservative doctor.  (I am assuming that so far all is looking fine), and many women don't have any ultrasound until 20 weeks and maybe 1 or 2 just prior to birth.

Why are you worried about your cervix length?  The accuracy of measurement can vary a lot between different technicians.  

[ChristineMP]

Is there a reason you are concerned about your cervix? Have you had problems in prior pregnancies?

[Pecas282]

Well as part of my first trimester screenings, my cervix was measured by an abdominal ultrasound both times, which through my research is not at ALL accurate for cervical assessment (it can be off as much as 14 mm). So Ill go to the first place for my next routine ultrasound for my own sanity, and then ask my doctor for a transvaginal at my next 18 week appointment to access my cervix correctly.
They don't have peinatologists in Uruguay, so I've been taking matters into my own hands with private 2 and 3D ultrasounds every two weeks.