Will small cervix cause any problem during pregnancy?
Patient: I have completed 17 weeks of pregnency. During my internal examination I was told by my doctor that my cervix is small. Its length is 3.3 cm. The doctor has suggested stitching the cervix For now, I am told to take bed rest and come again after 15 days for examination after which she will decide whether to give the stitch or not. Please tell me if having a small cervix can cause some problem and is stiching/ operation is compulsory. Also what are the risk associated with this condition. Doctor: Hello, and I hope I can help you today.Cervical shortening (it is the length of the cervix that is measured) can be a risk factor for preterm labor as well as preterm delivery.  It should be measured accurately with a transvaginal ultrasound not just with a digital examination.However, the cervical length at which intervention is recommended and where we have real concern is a length of less than 2.5 cm.Cerclage (or placement of a stitch to close the cervix) really should only be performed if the length shortens to less than 2.5 cm.  The procedure itself has some risks including breaking the water at the time of the cerclage and infection of the cervix.However, the most effective treatment currently available to prevent preterm delivery with a short cervix is vaginal progesterone.  This is given as a cream or suppository and does not have the risks associated with cerclage placement.So in summary, I would not recommend any treatment if your cervix is longer than 2.5 cm, as a length of 3.3 is not considered a significant risk factor for preterm birth.  If your cervix shortens to 2.5 cm or less, vaginal progesterone is a safer and more effective means of preventing preterm delivery over cerclage.Furthermore, bedrest has not been shown to prevent preterm delivery in any scientific study, especially in your case as you are still in the second trimester and are not dilated.I hope I was able to effectively answer your question today and that my advice was helpful.Best wishes for the rest of the pregnancy, Dr. Brown