What it is
Preterm labor is labor before 37 weeks. A short cervix is one of its warning signs. Cervical length is measured at the 20-week scan, and under 25 millimeters before 24 weeks is called short. Early contractions and a cerclage belong to the same conversation. About 1 in 10 US babies are born preterm. Many mothers with a short cervix still go to term.
What's typical
If the cervix is short, providers often offer vaginal progesterone and more frequent scans. If it is very short, a cerclage, a stitch around the cervix, may be placed. Bed rest is no longer advised; it did not help in research. Preterm labor signs are subtle: cramps like a period, low dull backache, pelvic pressure, watery or bloody discharge.
What's known
ACOG and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine recommend measuring cervical length at the anatomy scan and progesterone for a short cervix. Steroid shots before 34 weeks help the baby's lungs if labor starts early. A short cervix is not something you caused.
What helps
- Learn the rule: before 37 weeks, contractions every ten minutes for an hour, or any fluid, is a call now.
- Drink water and lie on your left side if you feel tightenings. If they do not stop in an hour, call.
- Line up help. Hand off the heavy stuff and say yes to meals.
When to call someone
- Nowfluid leaking, bleeding, contractions every ten minutes for an hour before 37 weeks, or steady pelvic pressure.
- Todaya change in discharge, low backache that is new and steady, or cramps like a period.
- At your next visita prior preterm birth or second trimester loss.
Who helps
Tools: Due Date Calculator · My Birth Team
Related
- Braxton Hicks and practice contractionsPregnancy: Your Body
- When your water breaksGetting Ready for Birth
- When your baby is in the NICUBirth and the First Days
- Prenatal tests and ultrasounds: what each one isPregnancy: Your Body
- Signs labor is startingGetting Ready for Birth
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Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Practice bulletin on prediction and prevention of spontaneous preterm birth
- Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine — Patient information on short cervix
- March of Dimes — Signs and symptoms of preterm labor
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