Any post-LLETZ ladies worried about exercising during pregnancy?

[Violinnem]

Hi everyone,
I had 1cm-cubed of tissue removed for a cervical biopsy in March 2011 and I'm REALLY concerned this has weakened my cervix, so haven't done ANY exercise so far during this pregnancy.

I'm meeting my obstetrician for my '16 week' appointment on 25th Jan (where I'll be 17+5) where I'm going to strongly ask for regular scans to measure the length of my cervix to check things are ok. But until then Im just so nervous about doing too much in fear that something will go wrong!

Anyone else in this situation? Just need to know if I'm overreacting or not!

 

[TigerGalLE]

I’m in the US and had a LEEP done last March. Pretty sure it is the same procedure. Had about 1cmx1cm area of cervix removed. Repeat pap was normal.

I’m pretty nervous about preterm labor. Had my 12 week appointment today and my doctor said they would measure my cervix at my 20week scan to make sure it hadn’t shortened. If it had I would be seen more often in the office and observed for needing a cerclage.

She told me I could exercise and I could continue my tasks at work (I’m an ICU nurse). So that includes lifting and pulling on patients.

I would avoid any high impact exercise. Like jogging, kickboxing, or aerobics.

But I haven’t been exercising either. But I need to start!! I’m thinking about doing a walking and stretching type exercise. I hear exercise is good to prepare the body for labor!

 

[Violinnem]

Yea I reckon LEEP is just the US name for our UK LETTZ! Yea I'm a secondary school music teacher and that involves a lot of lugging equipment around being on my feet all day. I'm not sure if you're the same, but after a long day of being so active I worry that the additional strain and exertion of the gym or an exercise DVD will be harmful! Maybe I'm being a bit OTT i just don't want to risk it, not out of laziness but out of fear! x

 

[Lyns06]

Hey ladies!! I just wanted to join in and tell you that I've also had a LEEP procedure done. I'm not sure on how much of my cervix was removed, but with this being my second pregnancy I was more concerned about the weakening of my cervix.

My doctor checked at my 20 week. I believe they aren't too concerned before that because the baby is still so small! They used an internal ultrasound to look at the cervix and measure it.

With this being my second pregnancy, I have more of a likely-hood of having a weakened cervix, but this wasn't the case. My cervix measured exactly what it did with my first pregnancy at 20 (which was nothing to be concerned over).

The doctor's seem confident in no further weakening and I've been given the green light on all exercising.

I exercised pretty rigorously throughout my first pregnancy, too (until the last month when the pressure on my bladder just became too great!). I haven't been quite as disciplined with exercise this time, but when I do, I don't hold back and apparently exercising the first time around didn't do any harm!

I would say that exercise would be more helpful than harmful at the early stages at least! It will help to strengthen your pelvic region and make for a better birth. Obviously, I'm not your doctor, but if you get the green light to go, I'd say exercise!

Hope that helps!

 

[Violinnem]

It really does! Thank you its great to just hear what other people are doing and their experiences have been. I think I'm going to wait to see what the obstetrician says first before I get really into it, as I'm under 'shared care' between my doctors surgery midwife and my local hospital because I'm 'high risk' due to the biopsy. I'm a bit of a chicken so want to play it safe until I know more about the actual strength of my cervix!

Thank you again for sharing your experiences ladies! And best of luck to you both x

 

[kateqpr]

I had two LLETZ (or leep!) procedures done over ten years ago, or CIN2, then CIN3. I never knew how much they removed, but i remembered the doctor saying it may cause problems in pregnancy (i was single, mid twenties, and really not listening or thinking that far ahead!)

Then years later, when i did get pregnant, i mentioned these biopsies to my doctors who said they would monitor me regularly with scans. Initially, at around 14 weeks, my cervix measured a very respectable 4.5 cm's. Phew.

Then, though, at 18 weeks, my cervix suddenly shortened to around 1.5cm's, so suddenly dangerously short. I had an emergent stitch placed the next day, and went on to deliver at 38 weeks.

In this pregnancy, the exact same thing has happened, and i had a stitch placed, once again, at 18 weeks when my cervix started to shorten quickly.

Its good that your doctor is going to measure you cervix for you - and i'm sure in the vast majority of cases, cervixes are strong and healthy enough to carry a baby to term.

If you're really worried (which i don't think you should be!) you can always opt to ask for a scan around the 18 mark, which is when cervical shortening tends to start. I had one of my scans privately, as i was so worried about it, and the NHS couldn't provide weekly scans, just fortnightly.

It's great that you're aware of this and your doctors know to keep an eye on you. I think the problems tend to come when the doctors just don't even think to check!!!

Good luck - am sure it will all be just fine!

 

[Violinnem]

Thank you so much for sharing your story! That's quite scary to be honest! So glad they took steps so rapidly to keep baby in there nice and snug

I'm just wondering - though this may sound like a silly question - can you feel or tell that your cervix has shortened at all? As in, were there any pains or feelings that you noticed around the time that it suddenly shortened? Or did you just know because your doctor measured it? Again, I'm sorry if that sounds like a completely ridiculous question!

Well, I hope that my doctor will measure my cervix. I've not had the first appointment with the obstetrician at the hospital yet so I don't fully know that it's a definite plan for me, but my midwife did say that it would be advisable to do that though 'lets see what the doctor says'!! To be honest, love - I don't want to just 'wait and see'. I want to KNOW that they're going to do something about it! My first obstetrician appointment isn't until 17+5 (25th Jan) so I'm really hoping that that's not leaving it too late for them to catch any changes in length. If it's a good length at 17+5, then one week later when I'm 18+5 it *could* suddenly shorten and they won't be measuring it for another week. Very scary!

How much was your private scan if you don't mind me asking? It's just a good option for if the doctor won't measure me very regularly!

Also - bed rest. Is it as boring as it sounds? I know it's absolutely necessary, though what do you do to keep yourself entertained for that many weeks in bed? Also, I imagine that you have to sign off work sick or something as it's for so long, and then start your maternity leave once the baby arrives?

I'm SO SO SO sorry for all the questions, I'm just one of these overly curious people who does nothing but worry and is constantly seeking answers and information!

Thanks again for sharing your experience! xxx

 

[CharlotteLove]

I had the LEEP too and there is no evidence that exercising will cause complications with your cervix (if you're read such studies, please pass them my way). My doctor said the surgery can cause your cervix to be short, but it's not something that commonly happens, and they just keep an eye on things. It is way more important to exercise during pregnancy for your baby!

 

[Violinnem]

Thank you CharlotteLove! I will definitely exercise, I'm just so paranoid mine's one of those uncommon cervix's that will be short enough to cause problems.
I'm going to wait until I've seen the obstetrician and see what he says before I hit the exercise. I know it's SO important and it makes the birth a lot smoother and easier etc, I just really want to know that things are ok before starting anything over and above the current activity levels I have day-to-day in my job.
Thank you again x

 

[shescrafty]

I too have had a 'cone biopsy' similiar to the LEEP or LLETZ, they removed a cone size portion of my cervix I'm not sure how much in 2004, I know it was minimal...but I am having cervical length measurements every 2 weeks to moniter. I haven't worked out either much, as I've been afraid even though the dr.'s seem pretty relaxed about it, and say it's perfectly fine. But my question is this: Since you ladies are being measured...my first one was taken at 16 weeks (last week) and the tech said it was 3.5 cm, which was "perfectly normal as long as it's above 3"...however now Ive read on this keepemcookin.com (google is evil) that at this point I should be between 4 and 5 cm, and that I shouldn't be between 3 or 3.5 until 32 to 36 weeks!!! So now I am REALLY concerned that the dr is not being cautious enough What were some of your measurements and do you think that's bad? Sorry for crashing this post but it seemed to fit rather than beginning a new one

 

[Jennifurball]

Eeek! I had the LLETZ treatment done a few years ago for CIN3, I never thought it could affect my pregnancy.

I did tell the midwife in my booking in appt I had that done and nothing was mentioned. Should I be bringing this up again??

 

[kateqpr]

can you feel or tell that your cervix has shortened at all? As in, were there any pains or feelings that you noticed around the time that it suddenly shortened? Or did you just know because your doctor measured it? Again, I'm sorry if that sounds like a completely ridiculous question!

How much was your private scan if you don't mind me asking? It's just a good option for if the doctor won't measure me very regularly!

Also - bed rest. Is it as boring as it sounds? I know it's absolutely necessary, though what do you do to keep yourself entertained for that many weeks in bed? Also, I imagine that you have to sign off work sick or something as it's for so long, and then start your maternity leave once the baby arrives?

Hello! More than happy to try to answer your questions!

I haven't really felt any pain in my cervix, and most women who have 'incompetent cervix' don't, until it's too late. Having said that, at each point in the days leading up to having my stitch put in, my vagina did feel 'heavy', if that makes sense, like it was full? But not everyone feels anything, as the cervix can silently open.

My private scans were about £130 i think (you need to tell them you want a cervical length scan, not just a normal abdominal scan, as the cost can be different) but prices do seem to vary enormously so shop around if you do decide to get one.

Bed rest is pretty awful. I've been on it for 8 week now, and hopefully have only a few more to go before i feel i can start to leave the house again for coffee trips! I spend most of my day lying down on the sofa, or in bed, getting up just to wee, shower, or make quick snacks. With my first pregnancy, i watched a LOT of TV, knitted a terrible scarf, tried to learn Spanish etc.

This time round I wasn't working as i am still at home. I have a two year old daughter to try to amuse, so it's been more stressful. I watch a lot of CBEEBIES, feel a lot of guilt that her days are too boring, plus make sure each day friends or family pop in, or bring me shopping, or make me lunch. Its been hard, both physically and emotionally, but it does feel like there's a light at the end of the tunnel now.

But really, not everyone with a cervical stitch has to go on bed rest. It really varies, and some people have a stitch and carry on working, albeit taking it a bit easier when they can. If you want more information or support, look at the Incompetent Cervix thread in the Gestational Complications part of the pregnancy forums. Very friendly, and can give you any more advise you need.

But really, try not to worry. Lots of people have surgery on their cervix's and it doesn't effect their pregnancy. But i think it's wise to be informed, and make sure you get the care and attention from the doctors over the coming weeks, even if its just to reassure you that you're fine!

Good luck and keep me posted!!!

Kate x

 

[shescrafty]

Thanks for all the great info. Now I'm all worried. I have felt a bit more pressure in my low abdomen than usual the past week, not so much painful (although slightly at times) just uncomfortable and heavy...as you described...but not in the vagina. I feel like it's so early on I'm scared of them telling me I need a stitch or bedrest etc. I have a cervical length measurement scan this tuesday which is only like 3 days away. Makes you panic, and think 'should i be waiting'....ahhh i suppose i will try to put it out of my mind until the scan. Wish this was not even a concern

 

[Violinnem]

Hi ladies.

Kateqpr - thank you for all that helpful information. Wow, that's quite a lot for a private scan, but at the end of the day, it's your baby, so definitely worth the stretch! It's also quite scary how the cervix can open without you knowing it. I'm sorry to hear you're worried about boring your LO with all that bed rest and tv, but remember it's only for a relatively short time of her life and she more than likely won't even remember these few months this time next year! You need to do what you can do, and being human, that's all you can do. Our best is all we can ever strive to do, ad it sounds as though you're doing more than enough for you, your LO and your unborn LO. I'm so glad you're starting to see the end of the tunnel now. Keep focussed on it!
Thanks also for the reference to the IC thread in the GC area of the forum - I'll definitely check that out.

Shescrafty - I'm so sorry for starting the thread and worrying you, maybe unnecessarily I would say though that if you're concerned in any way about your cervix you need to ring your midwife and ask any questions asap. You don't want to wait too long on this one really if you've got even the slightest concern, so even just speaking it over with the midwife will hopefully ease your mind. The antenatal unit at your local hospital should have someone available to meet with you in person and talk over any concerns you have, as forums, phone calls and website research doesn't come close to an actual conversation between you and a specialist. This is what I'll be doing once I've got some test results back on Monday (one thing at a time and all that - more info in my preg journal if you're interested, too much to go into on here). Even if you do need a stitch though, as kateqpr said, most women don't need bed rest and can carry on (mostly) as normal. I've heard that they're very routine these days and at 17 weeks they should be able to pop one in without a fuss or having too much risk to the baby.

Thank you again for your replies x

 

[shescrafty]

Hi ladies.

Kateqpr - thank you for all that helpful information. Wow, that's quite a lot for a private scan, but at the end of the day, it's your baby, so definitely worth the stretch! It's also quite scary how the cervix can open without you knowing it. I'm sorry to hear you're worried about boring your LO with all that bed rest and tv, but remember it's only for a relatively short time of her life and she more than likely won't even remember these few months this time next year! You need to do what you can do, and being human, that's all you can do. Our best is all we can ever strive to do, ad it sounds as though you're doing more than enough for you, your LO and your unborn LO. I'm so glad you're starting to see the end of the tunnel now. Keep focussed on it!
Thanks also for the reference to the IC thread in the GC area of the forum - I'll definitely check that out.

Shescrafty - I'm so sorry for starting the thread and worrying you, maybe unnecessarily I would say though that if you're concerned in any way about your cervix you need to ring your midwife and ask any questions asap. You don't want to wait too long on this one really if you've got even the slightest concern, so even just speaking it over with the midwife will hopefully ease your mind. The antenatal unit at your local hospital should have someone available to meet with you in person and talk over any concerns you have, as forums, phone calls and website research doesn't come close to an actual conversation between you and a specialist. This is what I'll be doing once I've got some test results back on Monday (one thing at a time and all that - more info in my preg journal if you're interested, too much to go into on here). Even if you do need a stitch though, as kateqpr said, most women don't need bed rest and can carry on (mostly) as normal. I've heard that they're very routine these days and at 17 weeks they should be able to pop one in without a fuss or having too much risk to the baby.

Thank you again for your replies x

Aw you're so sweet, don't apologize. You had valid concerns, and I'm a little worry wart today! Actually it's good you got in my head a little bit, because even if all remains fine and normal I have been kind of laid back about the whole thing - like ohhh thats not gonna happen to me, and the reality is, anything could. I changed my appointment to tomorrow instead of tuesday so they can see what's going on and hopefully relax over the weekend. I am supposed to be having 15 friends for dinner for my birthday and I would never be able to relax and enjoy wondering constantly if everything is okay with my little baby So thank you and I will let you know what transpires!! Best of luck to you and feel great xo

 

[SillyHale]

Ha I'm a little worried now too. I had a few small biopsies done over the last couple years and my doctor hasn't even checked me. I'm pretty sure he forgets everything and doesn't look at the chart until it's mentioned by me. And my doctor who usually does my biopsies is also going to be my delivery doctor but I haven't even been allowed to see him yet and I'm not sure why. My last appointment my doctor rushed out for a phone call so my next one is next week and I'll definitely be asking about this! Hopefully all is good until then.

 

[Violinnem]

Hi ladies.

Kateqpr - thank you for all that helpful information. Wow, that's quite a lot for a private scan, but at the end of the day, it's your baby, so definitely worth the stretch! It's also quite scary how the cervix can open without you knowing it. I'm sorry to hear you're worried about boring your LO with all that bed rest and tv, but remember it's only for a relatively short time of her life and she more than likely won't even remember these few months this time next year! You need to do what you can do, and being human, that's all you can do. Our best is all we can ever strive to do, ad it sounds as though you're doing more than enough for you, your LO and your unborn LO. I'm so glad you're starting to see the end of the tunnel now. Keep focussed on it!
Thanks also for the reference to the IC thread in the GC area of the forum - I'll definitely check that out.

Shescrafty - I'm so sorry for starting the thread and worrying you, maybe unnecessarily I would say though that if you're concerned in any way about your cervix you need to ring your midwife and ask any questions asap. You don't want to wait too long on this one really if you've got even the slightest concern, so even just speaking it over with the midwife will hopefully ease your mind. The antenatal unit at your local hospital should have someone available to meet with you in person and talk over any concerns you have, as forums, phone calls and website research doesn't come close to an actual conversation between you and a specialist. This is what I'll be doing once I've got some test results back on Monday (one thing at a time and all that - more info in my preg journal if you're interested, too much to go into on here). Even if you do need a stitch though, as kateqpr said, most women don't need bed rest and can carry on (mostly) as normal. I've heard that they're very routine these days and at 17 weeks they should be able to pop one in without a fuss or having too much risk to the baby.

Thank you again for your replies x

Aw you're so sweet, don't apologize. You had valid concerns, and I'm a little worry wart today! Actually it's good you got in my head a little bit, because even if all remains fine and normal I have been kind of laid back about the whole thing - like ohhh thats not gonna happen to me, and the reality is, anything could. I changed my appointment to tomorrow instead of tuesday so they can see what's going on and hopefully relax over the weekend. I am supposed to be having 15 friends for dinner for my birthday and I would never be able to relax and enjoy wondering constantly if everything is okay with my little baby So thank you and I will let you know what transpires!! Best of luck to you and feel great xo

Thank you! That's so good that you can change your appointments just like that and in such a short timespan! I had my 16 week apt booked for 16+5 on Weds, as the Obstetrician only works at our hospital on Wednesdays but had to rearrange it, and had to wait another week! So my '16 week' apt is now when I'm 17+5! Hope my cervix holds out til then if it has been weakened by the LLETZ.
I think being laid back is a fairly good idea generally, as there's SO much that you could stress yourself out with during pregnancy. I'm the queen of worry-warts and get concerned over the slightest little thing. But genuinely if you have real concerns then, particularly after a cone biopsy, then you really do need to talk to the antenatal staff.
When's your birthday? Sounds like you're going to have a blast with all those people round! I hope you have a fab day and that all your questions are answered tomorrow at your appointment so you can chill out with your mates Let me know how it goes! Xxx

 

[Violinnem]

Ha I'm a little worried now too. I had a few small biopsies done over the last couple years and my doctor hasn't even checked me. I'm pretty sure he forgets everything and doesn't look at the chart until it's mentioned by me. And my doctor who usually does my biopsies is also going to be my delivery doctor but I haven't even been allowed to see him yet and I'm not sure why. My last appointment my doctor rushed out for a phone call so my next one is next week and I'll definitely be asking about this! Hopefully all is good until then.

Sounds like awful customer service there to be honest! I'd sit in his office until he answered all your questions and not leave til you're done, as it's his rudeness answering phone calls that eat into your sessions anyway! Not your fault! Yes, definitely ask him all the questions under the sun, write them down and check them off the list as you go, and don't leave until you've got to the bottom of that list! That's what he's there for, not to just rush you through. Shoddy! x

 

[laura1981]

Thank you so so much for thi thread. I had treatment for CIN2 Came back CIN3 in 2009 got all clear in 2010 not really thought about it in pregnancy until i read this, called my midwife yesterday to tell her and she called the hospital and now I have another team of doctors who will keep an eye on me, so glad i read this and made midwife aware now xxx