QuestionI am 31 years old and have an 19 month old who was born at 25
5/7 weeks due to spontaneous preterm labor. I am now 23
weeks along in a second pregnancy and have been getting TVU's
bi-weekly since 18 weeks. At 22 weeks, my cervix showed it's
first change from 35mm to 24mm. At 23 weeks, I was down to
22mm. Also, there was what "almost" looked like funneling, but
not quite. I see my OB in two weeks where we'll have our first
FFn test, but I am pretty sure that no more TVU's
are planned. He has not prescribed any type of treatment for
me as my job is low stress and of low physical activity. The only
intervention we have done is the 17P shots since week 17. I was
instructed to come for any change in bottom pressure or at the
slightest contraction.
Are there any recommendations you can give me to give me the
best chance of making it to 30+ weeks? Also, is it strange that I
am not on bedrest?
Thanks for your time.
Heather
AnswerI,certainly would have put you on bedrest as the cervix is getting shorter. However, studies have shown that bedrest does not alter the outcome in any way. Still, traditionally, bedrest appears to help. I would certainly rest several times a day and try to keep your legs elevated as much as possible to keep pressure off the cervix. I would avoid any straining, heavy lifting, or vigorous sexual activity. If you have any signs of contractions, you can, perhaps, be given a tocolytic agent to prevent preterm labor. You definitely need vigilant surveillance. Good luck.
