Long, but funnelling cervix at 26 weeks

[Charlotte]

Hi ladies,
I was wondering if anyone could offer any words of advice regarding my situation:
On Sunday I went to the hospital to be checked out for visual disturbances. All was well in the end with that. They decided to do an ultrasound to check on bub while I was there and when they checked my cervix they found it was funnelling (internal os). I was told the cervix still measured quite long (3.7 cm) and that the funnel (v funnel) was 0.7 cm deep.
One of the specialists at the hospital wasn't concerned at all about the funnelling because of the apparently good length of my cervix. But when I had a routine check up with my obstetrician yesterday and told him I had also had cramping he consulted another specialist who now wants to see me on Tuesday and perforn another ultrasound of the cervix. The specialist said the period type pain together with the funnelling is a cause for concern and now wants to see me weekly until I get to at least 32 weeks. I've been taken off work until I see said specialist and have just been laying on my side for 99% of the time. No progesterone at this stage and obviously I'm too far along to have a cerclage.
Does anyone have any thoughts? Is the situation really not that serious because of my measurements? First I wasn't so worried either but now that we're involving a specialist I realise it might be bad... What should I be asking at my appointment on Tuesday?
Many thanks in advance.

[EnglishRose23]

Hi Charlotte,

I had cervical length checks every two weeks from 16 weeks to 24 weeks, and they often showed a significant amount of funneling (as much as 2cm). My drs never seemed that bothered about the funneling, only caring about the length, I was consistently over 3cm so they didn't do a cerclage. Period type pain is a daily thing for me too.

with 3.7cm you shouldn't have too much to worry about, likely the specialist will be more concerned with your cramping.

You can ask about a pessary since that doesn't have the same gestational restrictions as a cerclage, also progesterone too, but I think it is reasonable to expect them to not take any action at this point beyond regular monitoring. Definitely take it easy as long as you are having the cramping.

Good luck :-)

[Charlotte]

Thanks a lot for your reply. Makes me feel a bit better. Yesterday I actually went in to be checked again because the cramping was radiating through to my back. Ctg showed nothing and feral fibronectin was negative. Trying to just relax and wait for Tuesday to roll around. How far along are you EnglishRose23?

[EnglishRose23]

Yay for a negative FFN, that almost guarantees you another 2 weeks! I'm feeling good at 28+4 now, my rather long-winded story is under "back for round 3" under the "What's your story" category. Let me know how your appointment goes on Tuesday :-)

[Charlotte]

Good news at the specialist today. Vaginal ultrasound now shows no funnelling after a week of modified bedrest and cervical length has increased to 4.5 cm. Yay!!!  I'm off work for another week and back to the specialist on Tuesday for another ultrasound to confirm it's stable. Allowed a 10 minute walk each day! Feeling better!

[EnglishRose23]

That's great news, hope the cramping has eased up too!