We have ourselves some "Funneling"

A few things can happen during pregnancy that are NOT good. Take "funneling" for example. That is what was discovered at my weekly ultrasound appointment today.

It's not so much like this...
BUT like this...
(this is NOT my u/s but I needed it for visual aid)

This is called FUNNELING OF THE CERVIX. This is what we have been looking for (and praying never to find) WEEKLY! We have been lucky up to this point. I will give a brief description in a minute, but on a good note, my cervical length is still 3.2 cm long. But it is official that once it gets to 2.5 (and 99.9% chance it will sooner than later) I will be IN the hospital on Magnesium Sulfate and bed rest.

So what is "funneling"?

Funneling or becking of the cervix can only be seen on ultrasound. Its a thinning of the cervix from the uterine side. Its the beginning of dilation before it can be felt with a vag exam. It can be a sign of incompetent cervix. Cervical weakness is one of the few identifiable causes of PROM (Premature Rupture Of Membranes...broken water). Health care practitioners routinely monitor for weakness in the lower half of the cervix to prevent preterm birth. However, most practitioners do not routinely screen for changes in the upper half of the cervix which can also dilate and shorten, giving it a funnel-like appearance. This cervical "funneling" occurs when the internal portion of the cervix closest to the baby begins to open. A funneling cervix can allow the bag of waters to slip down into the cervix and rub against it, which could cause PROM. Members of the PROM list have reported cervical funneling as early as 12-13 weeks into the pregnancy.

That being said...

I could still very well continue to carry this little guy for another 6-7 weeks. Who knows??

That's the real problem. Not knowing.

I have had a really super tough week before all this too. Emotionally, that is.

I have officially been on bed rest for the last 13 weeks!!

THIRTEEN!!!

With 7 more to go (give or take)!! I am SO tired of having to depend on EVERYONE else to do things for me!

I feel like such a burden!!

I am super, duper grateful I have such amazing people in my life! But, I wished I didn't feel like I was taking advantage of them! I am sure they don't feel like I do, but seriously?! I haven't even been able to sweep my own floor in over THREE months!!! Among a million other things!!

I wouldn't wish this upon my worst enemy!!

But I sure hope you all know how incredibly grateful I am to you!

Especially my husband and my family! Heather (my sis) is my go-to person for literally EVERYTHING!! I don't know what I would EVER do with out her. She has some serious blessings in store for her!

Anyway, that's the latest update. My next appointment is on Thurs. I just pray this little guy keeps cooking until he isn't doughy in the middle :)