Understanding Cervical Funneling in Pregnancy: A Guide for Expectant Mothers

Question
I am 34 weeks pregnant with my first child--I went into preterm labor last week and I was told my cervix is funneling and I am not sure what that means?

Answer
Funneling of the cervix means that it is shortening and you may start to dilate soon. If you are having uterine contractions more than every 10 minutes (from the start of a contraction to the start of the next contraction) and each contraction lasts longer than 45 seconds, you should drink plenty of fluid and make sure that you are checked by your obstetrician. If your cervix is opening, I would not stop the labor after 34 weeks, but it would be better to have the pregnancy continue until at least 36 weeks.