Last night around dinnertime, I started to feel really awful. A aching, heavy pressure was surrounding my pelvis and I started to get worried (surprised?). After guzzling a ton of water and laying on my side for two hours, I called the MFM clinic and spoke to a wonderful Dr. G on the phone. He said he thought it was just uterine growing pains, but to head in to the clinic to have my cervix measured today.
I slept horribly, still sore, and dreaming of lost babies. I continued feeling crampy and must've Googled "incompotent cervix" and "preterm labor" ten times. It bothered me the feeling was not going away. I have had two friends who had cerclages placed at about 16-18 weeks and carried to full term. I think I am especially paranoid about it... and I don't know why. I am just glad it can be measured by ultrasound.
I saw my regular Dr. P this morning, and they measured my cervix at a "nice, long" 3-4 cm. She told me the following about cervical measurement and what to expect:
-A measurement of over 3 cm is always good
-It will probably get a little longer before 16 weeks as the lower uterus develops. To this I thought, "I didn't know there was a "lower" uterus!
-If it shortens in a week or ever gets below 2.5, she'd be concerned.
-Below 2 cm and it would most likely get a cerclage
She said she thinks it is because I am growing so quickly that the pain was mostly round ligament and uterine stretching. Both she and Dr. G told me some variation of the comment, "this pregnancy will be much more painful than your pregnancy with your daughter." They told me to just "take it easy" which is easier said than done. We will be checking in on the babies again in 10 days, and my cervix too.
Coming soon, a new feature: "People Say the Darndest Things!" (when one is pregnant with multiples...)
One day at a time! Take care of yourself! I'm totally your cheerleader from the sidelines! :-) Take care!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your cervix is good.
ReplyDeleteAnd although I'm sure your doctors are right that a triplet pregnancy will be more painful, it's still just not a fun thing to hear.
Ah, the uterine stretching. I can only imagine how magnified it must be for you carrying three! I'm glad your doctor got you in for a check. Your cervical length sounds good.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like once you get used to one stage of pregnancy, something comes along that is different and throws you for a loop. Everyday is a new adventure. Triplets have their own unique differences I'm sure.
Glad all was well.
Okay Carrie's cervix, this is a command: you ARE to stay put and stay strong until Carrie and her wee ones are good and ready. At least 33 or 34 weeks, you hear me?!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry Carrie, I know how scary this can be. It sounds like everything is exactly on track so far, though, and you're doing everything you can do--you're smart to stay on top of anything that feels "off," though.
I'm continuing to send tons of good thoughts & prayers in your direction.
xxoo
That ligament pain can hurt... I can't imagine how much worse it would be with three in there. Prayers!
ReplyDeleteglad to hear all is well!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you were feeling so crummy and had a scare! Happy that your cervix is holding steady. Sending you many hugs and hopes that your growing pains improve. xoxo
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog, too! :) We aren't technically in Seattle either... we are in southeast King County. But relocating from the Midwest, it's close enough for us to call it Seattle. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for you honey!! It must be tough on your uterus and cervix growing for 3 babies!! I'm sure all will go well!! ((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteThe pain must have been scary, but I am so glad the doc saw you right away and put your mind at ease! Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteMy ligament pain has been a lot worse this time as well, and I'm only carrying one baby. I thought since everything was stretched out, it wouldn't be a problem! Oh well.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are doing fine and your dr's are reassuring:-)
I'm glad your cervix is okay! Maybe the uterus hurts more when you have 3 little babies in there? I imagine it's stretching faster to accomodate them...
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are okay. For sanity's sake, you must avoid Dr. Google!! (not that I did when I was pg) :-)
Glad things are OK in there! Cramping and presure are always soooo scary.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear about all the fun things people are saying to you...I can only imagine.
I'm sure the last thing you wanted to hear was how much more painful this pregnancy would be...damn.
ReplyDeleteHopefully you can avoid a cerclage...good luck! Get some rest for sure...that ligament pain can be pretty uncomfortable.
I had to go on bedrest at around 14 weeks because of that pain....and carried to 36+ weeks with triplets. Your cervix length early on is a strong predictor of how it will hold out...you are doing great.
ReplyDeleteCarrie, I'm sorry to hear about the pain you're enduring. Scary stuff, but it's great that the doc could see you immediately, and that your cervix is holding strong. I hope it's a quick growth spurt and that you find some relief soon.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear that everything is measuring well!
ReplyDeleteThat had to be incredibly scary, I would have been "googling" away as well.
((HUGS))