Ah, my old friends paranoia and doubt.
They have come for a visit.
My main goal (like everyone's) was to get out of the first trimester so I would be in the "safe zone".
Now, I'm learning about incompetent cervix. I had heard of it but I never really thought about it. One of my blog friends, Tiffany, was suddenly diagnosed with it at 20 weeks and ever since then, I can't get it out of my mind. Tiffany is still doing OK and we hope those boys hang in there!
Tonight, I stopped at an acquaintance's house to pick up some maternity clothes. She has 2 year old twins. Within 5 minutes of talking, she said, "Make sure they check your cervix".
She started dilating at 25 weeks and was put on strict bedrest. They didn't do a cerclage. Her twins made it to 35 weeks, thankfully.
I'm so afraid of this silent risk. There aren't any symptoms and there's no diagnosis until you have an ultrasound or go into premature labor.
I haven't had my cervix checked since the NT scan at 12 weeks and I won't again until my 20 week scan.
Please. Someone tell me that I'm just being paranoid. Tell me it's just those feelings of IF re-surfacing.
I'm sure if I called my doctor's office and begged to be checked, they would. But, what if everything is OK? I don't want to be "that" patient.
Everything about this pregnancy has been so easy to date. There's still a big part of me that's just waiting for something bad to happen. Not a great way to live, I know.
Ok, dear old friends. Thanks for visiting but it's time for you to go home now.
5 comments:
I think if you are worried that you should go in and have it checked. Better safe than sorry. And trust me- you won't be the only "that" patient, and think what peace of mind it will bring you!
Suzanne,
Think of it as, it's always good to have some knowledge and awareness of what is happening. So, you've learnt that an incompetent cervix is a possibility, and that it can occur without warning. Ok... now, you know.
Next 3 weeks when you go in for your visit, have them check it out. Till then, try to do what you've always done, and no stressful work.
If you absolutely cannot wait 3 weeks, then try to schedule an appointment, relaying your fears. Either they'll try to calm you or they'll tell you to come in.
And no, you won't be "that" patient or as previous commenter said, you certainly won't be the only one.
Thank God for a relatively easy pregnancy so far, and pray it continues until you deliver.
Wishing you all the best,
Anna
I say call your office. There is no apologies to be made about worries and concerns - they are a natural part of being an IF survivor. Peace of mind is very important for you, the babies and lets face it, DH! "Sides, that's what the office is there for! thinking of you.
EB
Do what makes you feel comfortable, but remember that mine was FINE at 16 weeks and then horrible at 20. Usually it doesn't start shortening until around 20 weeks. I wish mine was caught at 19, but I am extremely thankful it was caught just in time to place the cerclage at my 20 week appointment. Had I gone in one day later, we would be in a different boat. Are you seeing a periontologist/maternal fetal specialist? I must say that I feel much more comfortable at that office, they have more experience with multiples.
I second Tiffany's advice. If you are having twins you should also be followed by a MF specialist as well as your regular OB. And if you want your cervix measured then get it measured and be aware of signs of preterm labor, look them up and go in to labor and deliver as soon as (if) you experience them. Do not wait to see if they go away, as in overnight, if you have any blood or an increase in discharge with cramping go in and insist on an ultrasound, or talk with your doctor. If he is not responsive to your concerns find a new doc.
Post a Comment