Incompetent Cervix - stitch/cerclage - threatened labour

[may12]

La rockera,
I see that you said you bought done litmus paper to check for leaks ... Can u please tell me what will show up if a leak was present .... I have had trouble with my waters in both prev pregnancies and would love a way to check discharge as I am knicker checking constantly and worrying myself silly!
Thanks
May12

 

[LaRockera]

La rockera,
I see that you said you bought done litmus paper to check for leaks ... Can u please tell me what will show up if a leak was present .... I have had trouble with my waters in both prev pregnancies and would love a way to check discharge as I am knicker checking constantly and worrying myself silly!
Thanks
May12

Hello May .

Okay, I'm sure you know this already but I have to say it anyway in case someone else comes across this thread, that these are just a rough way to put your mind at ease and cannot by any means substitute the amnisure swab test and misc. diagnostic tools by doctors, okay?

So, this is from my own research. A normal vaginal discharge is usually between 6-6.5 or something. Amniotic fluid is between 7 and 8 from what I've read. Each value corresponds to a certain colour. So, for example, if you run one of the strips across your inner labia/vulva/wherever the wetness is, if it's normal vaginal discharge, in my strips the colour stays orange. If it's fluid, it becomes green/bluish. The colour of the strips changes as per the fluid's Ph.

Urine is a different issue though, because urine has more or less the same Ph with amniotic fluid, so if you pee on the litmus test it will probably go green. So the strips can tell between discharge and fluid/urine, but not between urine and fluid.

Even if they do turn green though no need to panic, they may be several things causing it. It's just a good indication to go checked out.

My doctor seems to regard this as a good rough way to put my mind at ease, but do consult yours as well.

I got the strips for a quid or so from ebay. Really cheap.

I'd also go anyway if you felt proper wetness all over your panties as if you peed yourself. From what I've read, fluid can be mistaken for urine, but the consistency of discharge is different. However, I've been having quite watery discharge which was enough to make me panic.

There are also special pantiliners/pads that detect amniotic fluid. You can look for the in ebay. But these are massively expensive.

x

 

[LaRockera]

Amy- hope you're ok Hun, I always check in on this forum to see how everyone is getting on try and take it easy as possible while keeping the blood circulating too 25 weeks is good, fingers crossed for your baby to stay in a bit longer though, I had my son at 30 weeks and my aim is to get this pregnancy to 30 weeks too any more will be a great bonus good luck and thinking of you x x x

Helsurf, I'm very optimistic that the stitch will get both you and Amy full term hon. That's why it's there, to protect you when everything else seems threatening.

Are you going back for any TVUs?

x

 

[Irielioness]

Got the call yesterday. Im schedule for my cerclage placement next week. I'm getting kind of nervous but at the same time I'm just ready to get this over with & try to relax. Its funny how a tiny stitch can be a lifesaver.

 

[kateqpr]

Good luck irielioness! It will be fine and you'll feel so relieved when it's done. Life can go on as normal hopefully but with more peace of mind.

Glad to hear everyone else is doing so well and the weeks are flying by.

Ive been ok. Was up and about a lot yesterday as I was home alone with my toddler. Last night I could really feel it in my girl bits - just that feeling of fullness and pressure down below. Not pain but just feels like I'm bulging. I'm sure it's fine but am considering a little trip to triage just to pug my mind at rest that everything hs still all closed.

Anyone else getting this full feeling against there stitch? It's always a bit disconcerting!

 

[kateqpr]

Back from the hospital- stitch looked fine (of course...!) but it looks like i have ANOTHER BLOODY UTI!!! My urine showed +2 in two things (i have no idea what that means) but they're sending it away before giving me antibiotics, as i've had two lots already in the last few weeks.

So pissed off. I've tried to do everything to avoid it, but it doesn't seem to work. Can a UTI effect the baby? I think its only if it's left and travels up to the kidneys...PAH. in fact, DOUBLE PAH!

 

[LaRockera]

Back from the hospital- stitch looked fine (of course...!) but it looks like i have ANOTHER BLOODY UTI!!! My urine showed +2 in two things (i have no idea what that means) but they're sending it away before giving me antibiotics, as i've had two lots already in the last few weeks.

So pissed off. I've tried to do everything to avoid it, but it doesn't seem to work. Can a UTI effect the baby? I think its only if it's left and travels up to the kidneys...PAH. in fact, DOUBLE PAH!

Hey babes. I've had two courses of antibiotics for bladder infections already, both time they found 'traces' in urine, both time urine came back clear, no idea what's going on. I ended up getting urine test strips from amazon to check myself, they're the same stuff doctors use.

Make sure you drink loads and loads of water, it flashes the infection out. My godfather is a well-known urologist and that was his advice basically. Drink buckets of water, this will stop the infection travelling to your kidneys.

You can also get the cranberry concentrated sugarless yucky stuff from a health store and have a drink daily. It keeps the bacteria from attaching to your bladder walls.

I think it's only when the infection travels to your kidneys that it may become dangerous for bubba, as it can rupture the membranes. BUT, given that UTIs are extremely common in pregnancy, this can't happen so easily.

Drink buckets of water. In Greece that's how they treat UTIs in the first trimester, when you can't take antibiotics. That's what I'm doing too.

 

[apsara.m]

amy hold in there honey am sure the stitch will make us all reach full term.
MA i hope amelia is now enjoying formula feeds..
vaali how are you doing
kate did they culture your urine to detect which type of bacteria was present in your urine( sorry i sounds silly but many docs treat uti with same medication without culturing it ) if they can identify about the bacteria and which medicines are effective to it then only uti will clear. otherwise it will repeat it.
i can't believe i am close to 32 weeks... now bubba moves a lot.did any of you experience sharp pains inside your lady parts(sorry tmi) when getting up from bed? i feel very sharp pains when getting up and it reduces after walking..lissie you were right the pain is increasing as the days passes by lol

 

[vaali]

Apsara bud.. yay!you gonna be making it to 32w!! We are steadfast(touchwood..) here & @ 34w!!
Oh.. & the pain, yes! experiencing since past couple of weeks (lady parts & inner thighs).. its more towards evening & worse at nights till i go to bed esp those days when im on foot for quiet a while. Wondering if it is coz of the descending head?

 

[kateqpr]

Hi everyone

Just had a call from my GP and a swab i did last week shows i have quite a developed infection called staph aureus. I've just been given MORE antibiotics.

This on top of a UTI a urine sample showed yesterday - which i'm waiting on the full results before I get the prescription.

Have been in tears. I just feel like i seem to have endless infections, and just worry so much it will have a negative effect on the baby or the stitch. I think im going to go to the hospital tomorrow to try to talk to a doctor and try and get some reassurance.

I was prepared for the stress of the stitch, but didn't even consider how stressful endless infections would be

On with the probiotics and tonnes of water in the meantime.

 

[LaRockera]

Hi everyone

Just had a call from my GP and a swab i did last week shows i have quite a developed infection called staph aureus. I've just been given MORE antibiotics.

This on top of a UTI a urine sample showed yesterday - which i'm waiting on the full results before I get the prescription.

Have been in tears. I just feel like i seem to have endless infections, and just worry so much it will have a negative effect on the baby or the stitch. I think im going to go to the hospital tomorrow to try to talk to a doctor and try and get some reassurance.

I was prepared for the stress of the stitch, but didn't even consider how stressful endless infections would be

On with the probiotics and tonnes of water in the meantime.

Oh honey, I'm so sorry you're going through this shite over and over again. I can't tell you 'relax' because I'd be all over the place. But it's good news that they're being detected, as they can't harm your baby unless they go undetected and untreated for weeks. The antibiotics they're given you are safe as well, and since you're actively treating everything, at least you shouldn't worry about your bubba's safety.

Let's see what the urine sample shows. I'd agree you need to go and talk to your doctor anyway, reassurance is very important. At least he may be able to give you some answers.

I've sent another pot of urine for analysis today as I've been feeling mildly uncomfy down there, this would be the third time for me too. I love feeling the bubba moving inside me, but the stress of it all drives me mad.

 

[kateqpr]

Thanks Larock - sorry, just having a shit day.

Of course, i've spent all afternoon sneakily googling (my husband gets annoyed at me for overdoing it) the infection, and am still confused. In worst cases, i think it can cause sepsis, which of course would be awful, and its the bit i've latched on to.

I just wish i felt like my normal positive, happy self, rather than this worried, tired, stuck on the sofa anxiety ridden mess i am now!

I'm definitely going to hot foot it to my DAU tomorrow to try to find a nice friendly doctor to vent at. I just feel that the hospital (who did the positive urine sample) and my GP (who did the swab and prescribed antibiotics for the staph infection) aren't in proper communication, so want to make sure i'm being properly treated for the two infections.
It's a bit depressing that i'm already on first name terms with the midwives and doctors!

My stupid understimulated mind just keeps remembering stories in the press of well known women losing their babies to infection (lilly allen etc) and assumes the same will happen to me. No logic there, i know, but i just can't seem to help it.

Roll on Christmas.... the busyness will be a Godsend!!

 

[lizziedripping]

Hi Kate

A uti in itself cannot cause a problem directly with the baby, but if left, they can spread to the kidneys and trigger labour - absolute worst case scenario, and very rare. My good friend had a full blown kidney infection at 28wks with her first baby, was admitted due to terrible back pain, on IV antibiotics for 5 days and discharged afterwards with no PTL and baby was fine. Even in the worst case, it is treatable hun.

Also the +2 thingy is either protein, glucose or bacteria - anything from 2 above indicates a possible infection but is not definitive. I had +2 for protein and infection in my samples after the stitch was placed, I had to push for antibiotics because my docs felt it was unnecessary - I didn't!!! lol. They sent my sample away for testing and it grew nothing and came back clear. I think it is good that your docs are being so pro active with you, in most women (and there are thousands) their staph aureas/BV etc goes completely unnoticed, and most of the time they and their babies are fine. It is important to support your stitch with regular screening hun, and it is probably overkill, but better than not treating.

I am certain that you are experiencing these infections no more or less than many other pregnant lady, the difference is, you know about it. that said, it must be frightening because IC is terrifying and totally undermines any confidence you otherwise might have had in pregnancy. You are doing so well Kate, and all this will seem like a distant nightmare in a few weeks from now Hang in there xxx

PS - Thanks Kate for your lovely words of support over in 'Pregnancy after Loss' the other day btw

Hope everyone else is ok, and I'm not missing any other questions? Please feel free to write again and let me know if I have - this past two weeks have been so chaotic for me (Christmas preparations for 4 kids) that I'm struggling to keep up. Always thinking of you all tho xxx

 

[HelenGee]

Oh Kate, you poor sweetheart. Roll back the clock 15 months and I was EXACTLY like you, constantly worried, consulting Dr.Google sending my bored mind into a spin. It is shit, but it does and will have a happy ending. You have treated the infection before it has had an effect, it is impossible to relax, but it does get easier, I promise.

I vividly remember my hubby settling down to watch X Factor on a Saturday night with me, miserably stuck in bed. Every time he would joke about how far we'd get into the programme before we'd go to maternity triage for an endless wait. My goal for sanity was for us to make it to the X Factor final!

I came to learn the names of every midwife and doctor I saw, I knew which ones would leave me reassured and which ones would make me feel do anxious I'd return the following day to see a better doctor. I had the same annoying watery discharge that La Rock is experiencing, wish I'd found those litmus strips a year ago!

What I'm trying to say, in a tired, bumbling way, is that you are in survival mode, there is nothing you wouldn't do for your baby, and if you need the reassurance of a doctor, then seek it and don't feel ashamed by that. Even if you just express your worries about celebrities who have suffered losses, if it will help with the anxiety you are experiencing, then it is worthwhile. I just hit 29 weeks when Lily Allen lost her baby, then it seemed like one after another, and it all became too much for my brain to compute. Then I'd discover another thing to panic about, and google became my worst enemy, to the point where my hubby would return from work and check the search history on my computer.

Be kind to yourself, it is stressful being in an ic pregnancy, you are only human, and you are reliant on doctors to care for you. It is difficult to accept that others are doing their best for you, but you are doing the best for you and your family. Good luck and much love xx

Amy- how are you hun? Hope you're well x

La Rock- hope the uti is clear now. I drank litres of water and cranberry juice every day, you just need to keep it up x

 

[x-amy-x]

kate... ive just been treated for staph aureus. Most of us have it on our bodies (better known MRSA) and its usually harmless. As long as they're not treating you with penicillins it should go fairly quickly, just make sure you get a follow up swab done.

 

[x-amy-x]

Helen, we're good thank you Double Figures now! Feel like we're getting into some good ground now. Had steroids on board for 2 weeks with amniotic fluid still in tact. Which is more than what my gorgeous Darcie had.

Feel a lot of anger some days though, that the stitch was never done sooner. That I was one of these ladies that had to have 3 losses first

 

[may12]

LaRockera -

Thank you for your advice with regards to the litmus strips, my first loss my waters broke unexpectedly and with my second I correctly identified leaking waters which led to a catelouge of events.

As I am now in my 'danger' period as I call it I just needed some kind of peace of mind and I think that these strips may provide it. Obviously if I find something I am concened with I will be straight to the hospital.

Thanks again and lets hope they arrive quickly

 

[LaRockera]

Helen, we're good thank you Double Figures now! Feel like we're getting into some good ground now. Had steroids on board for 2 weeks with amniotic fluid still in tact. Which is more than what my gorgeous Darcie had.

Feel a lot of anger some days though, that the stitch was never done sooner. That I was one of these ladies that had to have 3 losses first

I often think about you, Amy. You had to pay for other people's negligence dearly, and this time it just HAS to go perfect for you. I'm positive you'll have a happy ending, it's just really STUPID that you have to go through all this agony. I wish you all the best and I wish there was more I can do.

Overall I've met some lovely doctors and midwives here, but I've also fell mocked, or that my Greek doctor was mocked, for placing the suture 'without a previous loss'. It makes me think that these people don't give a shit about you. A baby is not an effing wallet. How dare they! Dangerous idiots!

LaRockera -

Thank you for your advice with regards to the litmus strips, my first loss my waters broke unexpectedly and with my second I correctly identified leaking waters which led to a catelouge of events.

As I am now in my 'danger' period as I call it I just needed some kind of peace of mind and I think that these strips may provide it. Obviously if I find something I am concened with I will be straight to the hospital.

Thanks again and lets hope they arrive quickly

No worries, hon. My doctor seems to approve them, and on those days of that crazy discharge, they can come in handy. You can also check those pantiliners I mentioned in ebay. They're expensive, but if you can afford them, go for them.

Wishing you a perfect outcome!

 

[kateqpr]

Hi everyone

thanks so much for your kind messages

Helen - i sound exactly like you!! My husband has a running joke about the frequency of my trips to triage, normally at the most antisocial hours. I guess things just seem worse at night!

Lizzie - guess what - you were right! After all that worry, my urine came back today clear. Hoo bloody rah!!! I feel a bit silly now for being so upset yesterday, but i guess each new thing thats thrown at your just feels overwhelming when you're stuck on bed rest. The world feels smaller and all these things seem like bigger obstacles to overcome.

LaRock - you always make sense, and sound exactly like me too. But hopefully with each week that passes, things get easier. I can't believe you're at 28 weeks! That is the date i'm constantly thinking about. Like you, i didn't have a previous late loss (just an early one) but luckily really pushed to be monitored closely as i'd have two previous surgeries on my cervix, so caught things before they happened.

Amy - so glad you're doing so well. Luckily the staph i have isn't the MRSA one, which sounds slightly less scary for me. I spoke to the doctors today and they were quite sure i needn't be worried, especially as i'm being treated already.

Thanks again everyone - feeling slightly more sane today. Ready for my Mad Men dvd marathon tonight as reward!

 

[LaRockera]

LaRock - you always make sense, and sound exactly like me too. But hopefully with each week that passes, things get easier. I can't believe you're at 28 weeks! That is the date i'm constantly thinking about. Like you, i didn't have a previous late loss (just an early one) but luckily really pushed to be monitored closely as i'd have two previous surgeries on my cervix, so caught things before they happened.

Pretty excited, yes, and I'm FINALLY starting to relax- although I'd never be super-confident. For example, today I kinda panicked as I thought Xanthe's movement slowed down, then she started playing hardball.

It's only normal to feel paranoid, so don't beat yourself over it. I've made a fair share of trips to triage myself, I'm a usual suspect.

Keep drinking buckets of water, it's a certain way to keep flashing the bacteria out, and even if it doesn't kill the virus completely, it helps stop spreading to your kidneys.

I'm so hoping to be able to meet you at a trip to London by the way. Perhaps we can do a baby-get-together thing at some point.