I am 23 weeks pregnant, I've been cramping and I went to the hospital two days ago and the doctor said that my cervix is 2 1/2 cm long and thin. Is this something I should worry about? Everyone was very calm, but a few nurses that I know say that I can be placed on bed rest for this. Is this true? Should I be worried?

Cramping in pregnancy can be a sign of preterm labor along with a host of other reasons- dehydration, UTI, cervical manipulation (cervical exam at the MD or sexual activity). If your cervix is thin this early into your pregnancy, it is a cause for concern and something that should be closely monitored by your OB esp if you are still cramping. Other factors may be considered as well- previous pregnancies/losses and your medical history (STDs, OB surgeries). It's a complicated answer as every woman is different and has different medical history. As I'm sure they told you, you shouldn't be having sex and should be drinking TONS of water (a glass of water for every hour you are awake) throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Don't worry too much if the cramping gets better, but if it doesn't your doctor may choose to put you in bedrest and/or possibly give you medication to control the cramping at home. Good luck with your pregnancy.

Is the doctor you saw at the hospital your regular OB? Have you called to follow up?

Stay off your feet until you get better direction.

Obrn - why all the water? Issn't there risk of overwhelming the kidneys?

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Originally Posted by dontknownuthin

Is the doctor you saw at the hospital your regular OB? Have you called to follow up?

Stay off your feet until you get better direction.

obrn - why all the water? Issn't there risk of overwhelming the kidneys?

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Good question!

Definitely not! The recommendation for daily water intake for a normal person not pregnant is minimum 8 glasses of water daily. Pregnant women are in a heightened metabolic state and need to stay well hydrated. They is no way to overwhelm the kidneys with good clean water, esp in this woman's case who is likely having issues with possible preterm labor since her cervix is thin and shortening.

Thank you for your answer, that was much more help than I got at the hospital.

No there is no risk of flooding the kidneys. Pregnant women are easily prone to dehydration. Dehydration can cause permanent labor as well as preterm delivery.

Obrn gave an appropriate comprehensive response.

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Originally Posted by J_9

No there is no risk of flooding the kidneys. Pregnant women are easily prone to dehydration. Dehydration can cause permanent labor as well as preterm delivery.

Obrn gave an appropriate comprehensive response.

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It's true. I've had patients come in in excruciating pain and I asked how much water they drink and they can't even remember the last time they had a glass of water! I start an IV and give them a liter or two of IV hydration and they sleep like babies and feel 100% better if its not labor/preterm labor.

I've had the same experiences!

Thanks - good information. My son is adopted so I missed out on a lot of this important information!