Expert: Lawrence Jay Rappaport <B>M.D.</B> - 2/23/2005
Question I have a cervical cerclage placed at 18 weeks. I was measuring 2.1 when the cerclage was placed. I will be 29 weeks pregnant tomorrow. Yesterday I measured 1.7 with funneling. My doctor said the baby looks great and that the change in my cervix is not that much. I should take it easy and stay off my feet as much as possible. I'm scared out of my mind. Is it possible to gain cervical length? What is the viability of my baby at this point?
Answer The baby appears to be viable and doing well. The cervix has shortened but has not dilated (due to the cerclage). Hopefully, no dilatation will occur and you will be able to carry the baby to term and then have the cerclage removed and deliver the baby. There is no way to lengthen the cervix and as long as there is no dilatation, you will be fine. Just stay off your feet and avoid gravitational pull (no heavy lifting, no intercourse, etc). Good luck.
