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Cervix length is a pretty good predictor of preterm birth. The main cause of a short cervix is cervical insufficiency, also called incompetent cervix.
This can be caused by previous:. However, a couple of signs that you may have a short cervix include:. However, if you do have these signs, your OB may bring up measuring your cervix as part of current or future prenatal monitoring. During your second trimester , tell your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms of incompetent cervix:. If your cervix measures less than 25 mm at this stage, your doctor will diagnose you with a short cervix.
The good news for you and baby is that — once your doctor knows about your short cervix — there are treatments that can help delay delivery as long as possible.
In 2 clinical trials referenced in one study , progesterone proved helpful in reducing preterm birth. In fact, for the women who had previously given birth preterm, progesterone reduced the reoccurrence of this in a subsequent pregnancy by as much as half across the group.
So while shots can sting and suppositories can be messy, progesterone can lower your risk of early, spontaneous delivery if you have a short cervix — and therefore keep baby inside the womb longer.
An Arabin pessary is considered a newer alternative to cerclage and progesterone. One study that compared cervical cerclage and pessary found that a cervical pessary may be the better option if you have funneling.
You can have a short cervix without funneling, but funneling means it starts to take on a V- or U-shape. But researchers did say that more research is needed.
Sometimes, a doctor may recommend bed rest or pelvic rest and continued monitoring for a short cervix. This can mean anything from no sex or strenuous activity to full-on, only-get-up-to-pee-and-eat bed rest. It can be hard to endure, but this tried-and-true method can help delay birth up until term or until other measures are deemed necessary.
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