Cervical Length 2.0 at 22 Weeks: Understanding Bed Rest & Risks

Question
I AM 22 WEEKS. I HAVE BEEN SEEING MY OBGYN EVERY TWO WEEKS SINCE ABOUT 16 WEEKS BECAUSE I HAVE HAD A BABY EARLY{HE IS FINE}. WELL AT 21 WEEKS THE DOC SAID IN TEN DAYS MY CERVIX HAS SHORTEN ALOT. IT IS 2.0. I AM NOW ON BED REST. MY QUESTIONS ARE: HOW LONG WAS MY CERVIX SUPPOSE TO BE? WILL I START TO GO INTO LABOR NOW OR WILL MY CERVIX HAVE TO KEEP SHORTENING?

Answer
Dear paradice

A normal cervical length is usually around 3 cm. However it is usual to have a cervix of 2 cm length that go to a term pregnancy. In fact only 40% of women with a cervical length of 1.5 cm goes into preterm delivery. This means that almost 60% of women with cervical length of 1.5 cm have a term labor.

The prediction of preterm labor is a major dilemma and the most predictive test is a combinations of having a cervical length of less than 15 mm (1.5) cm and the determination of a protein called fibronectin in your vagina which is not present if there is no danger of preterm labor.

I want to assure you..there is no need for big worries..most women with a cervical length 2 cm goes up to, or close to, term. The most important line of treatment is bed rest together with mental rest together with close ultrasound monitoring for any cervical changes and baby.

I wish you a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Good Luck