Short cervix, cerclage, NO BED REST

[Kkritenbrink]

Ok so here's my backstory: 20 week anatomy (di/do twin boys) scan showed shortened cervix and funneling (1.7cm). Emergency cerclage was placed on a friday. By Monday at my post op appt my cervical length went back up to 3.2cm. I am currently awaiting my next CL appt tomorrow morning and SO ANDIOUS AND AFRAID! I have been on no bed rest and have two children ages 1&2, so I chase them around frequently. I take it easy as often as possible and my hubby helps out with everything around the house. I am basically just looking for success stories of women who carried full term or close to WITHOUT BED REST! My MFM believes bed rest isn't proven by research and he says that is the whole point of the cerclage. Should I expect my CL to lower or change every appt? I'm afraid to get my hopes up and so deathly afraid of losing these baby boys

[Kkritenbrink]

Update: STILL no bed rest and cervical length is up to 4.3cm!!!!! ?

[Angela]

That is GREAT to hear! Cervical length can indeed change, so you may have some ups and downs.

Disclosure: This isn't a medical opinion, just info based on my experiences hosting this group.
At some point your cervix may shorten down to the stitch, but you could keep cookin' for weeks or months after that. 

I have seen women with cerclages go on bedrest several weeks later than they had with earlier pregnancies, although they did end up on bedrest at some point. With twins and a cervix that had prematurely shortened, it's a possibility to consider and maybe think about some options for childcare. Hopefully you can avoid bedrest altogether!

It sounds like you're doing a great job listening to your body and taking it easy when you can. Do take advantage of any help your husband or family can provide. I'm rooting for you, and I'm sure the other moms here will, too!

[Mlondono731]

1st pregnancy:
18 week short cervix - placed on modified bedrest.
By week 20 cervix became dangerously short - rescue cerclage & placed on strict bedrest.
Gave birth at 38 weeks.

2nd pregnancy (current situation):
Week 8 diagnosed with subchorionic hematoma- lasted 5 weeks
Elective cerclage week 13
Week 20 cervix measures 1.4
I'm on bedrest again

Some doctors/specialist swear by bedrest other say it makes no difference whatsoever.

I have spoken with too many women that miscarried and regretted not going on bedrest including the ER doctor that treated me for my subchorionic hematoma. She said that she and her best friend were pregnant at the same time - both experienced complications. Her best friend went on bedrest following the doctors orders and she didn't following her doctors orders. The ER doctor delivered at 23 weeks and the baby didn't make it. She was not a doctor when this happened. I don't want to regret not doing more if something happens. I already feel helpless after having the cerclage and using the progesterone. I know it isn't easy with kiddos at home - my son is 16 months. Good luck mama.

[Angela]

Hello, Kkritenbrink.

We had a few moms on our Facebook page respond to you:

From Jennifer:
I just gave birth 3 months ago at 38.5 weeks. I was actually induced. I had a cerclage and was never on bedrest. I took it easy but no bedrest. With my 1st child I had an emergent cerclage at 20 weeks and delivered at 26 weeks.

From Natalia:
Twins emergency cerclage at 22 weeks...on bed rest until week 28..unfortunately I developed a a high anxiety due to be enclosed for 6 weeks in a home. After the 28 weeks, doctors had to remove me from bed rest...I last until 38 weeks...it was a miracle yes!!! I prayed the rosary every single day because I didn't want to affect my babies..but I couldn't do bed rest because I was going crazy. My cervix was at 1cm with open membranes when the cerclage was done.

[Kkritenbrink]

Thank you all so so much!!! I am resting every chance I get and definitely taking advantage of help from family! I am prepared (kinda) for ups and downs and I am at peace knowing I may have to do bed rest at some point! With each passing week and good CL I do get a little more confident and feel better about being able to make it full term! I continue to pray so hard every single day!

[Kkritenbrink]

Ok looks for more reassurance! Today my CL was between 2.6-3.6 but my MFM was leaning more towards the 3.6 because when pressure was applied the little opening didn't move and baby's foot was right in the little hole.my MFM still says no bed rest, no changes, and isn't concerned at all. But here I am panicking! Is it normal for changes from week to week?

[Angela]

Consider it good news! Although there have been some changes, that's still a good range to be in. Keep taking it easy when you can and listen to your body if you ever have any preterm labor symptoms (http://www.keepemcookin.com/educate-yourself/symptoms-of-preterm-labor/). In the meantime, your OB is comfortable with your activity level, and that is good for maintaining muscle tone and flexibility. Positive thoughts headed your way!

[Kkritenbrink]

Thank you so much! My MFM just seems so chill, like I understand he sees this 100x a day but I'm over here having extreme anxiety and he doesn't even seem worried. I realize that's a good thing but also makes me fearful we're not doing enough!