Hello Dr, I am 23 weeks second time pregnant, my cervix has shortened at week 20 to 2.5cm and now it's 3.2cm. My Dr ordered bedrest to pass week 26 safe. does this indicate inevitable preterm birth?
A cervix that shortens (or becomes effaced) early on in pregnancy results from a condition known as incompetent cervix.
An incompetent cervix, also called an insufficient cervix, occurs when weak cervical tissue causes or contributes to premature birth or the loss of an otherwise uneventful pregnancy.
Before pregnancy, the cervix is closed and rigid. As pregnancy progresses and you approach delivery, it gradually grows softer, decreases in length (effaces) and opens (dilates). If you have an incompetent cervix, your cervix might begin to open too soon — causing you to give birth too early. An incompetent cervix may be due to congenital abnormalities, previous surgery, previous dilation and curetage (D&C), or a short cervix.
The risk of preterm delivery is especially increased during the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. It's not inevitable but the chances are significant. This is why you need to rest till you make it safely into the 3rd trimester.
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