Incompetent Cervix - stitch/cerclage - threatened labour

Hello everyone!

Crappy, cold weather outside, so hope you're all happily wrapped up warm. Unless you're in Dubai or Greece, in which case i'm talking total nonsense!

Viollinem - hello! Glad to see you're well into your pregnancy now. It sounds like your doctors are being pretty cautious with you, giving you regular scans, which is great. I was in the same position with my first pregnancy (as you may remember) - and had scans every two weeks following two cone biopsies on my cervix. My cervix was around the 2.5cm mark at 17 weeks, then went below 1cm a week later. Yikes! Hence the stitch being placed straight away at 18 weeks.

As you're further along in your pregnancy, it sounds like your cervix is reasonably strong, well, stronger than other IC cervixes. BUT i think it's always better to be safe than sorry, as the cervix can shorten quite quickly, as mine did in both my pregnancy, in between fortnightly scans. So i would try and take it easy over the next few weeks, and lie down (or put feet up) where ever possible. Difficult, i know, given you job. I would also try and have another scan this week if you can afford it, or get your doctors to give you on.

I ended up having a private scan in between my NHS ones, just for peace of mind. Luckily for me, it was the private one which highlighted my initial cervical shortening, and i'm glad i didn't wait the extra week, as my stitch was placed straight away after my private scan. You can have them done privately, and it might be worth going that route, at least for now, and then you can talk to your doctor at your next appointment.

Another option for peace of mind for you, would be to ask your doctors to do an FFN test on you at your next appointment (Foetal Fibronectin Test). They are used regularly in high risk pregnancies, where there is a worry you may go into labour early. It is a simple swab that measures the secretions inside the vagina, and is a good indicator as to whether you're at risk of going into the labour in the following two weeks. You can then think about whether you want to change any elements of your lifestyle based on that. Does that make sense? Sorry, not sure my writing is making sense today! Have a numb brain this morning...

Nurse - hello! I would definitely tell your midwife that you would like a doctors appointment to discuss your worries. So much of our pregnancy care is dependent on the initial meeting we have with our midwife and how seriously they take your concerns and medical history. The chances are you would be fine, as from what i understand, cervical erosion is generally base on the surface of the cervix, so is less likely to have removed a significant amount of tissue. But it would be really useful to speak to your obstetrician and get him to look at your medical notes for you. It would do no harm for them to monitor your cervix, just to make sure it's not any weaker than expected, plus to give you the peace of mind you need.

BF and Christiana - hope you're both doing well, lying there on your sofa's. Time is slowly ticking by, isn't it? Nearly there.....

LaRockera - i am so proud of you. I hope you are recovering well and enjoying those gorgeous early days of living in your new born bubble of happiness xxx

Jimmy - sooooo nice to meet you. And what a small world we live in, eh?! I have everything crossed for your results tomorrow, and that you have a positive day at your clinic. You really are doing brilliantly, and appeared totally sane, which is an amazing feat in itself!

I went to sleep at 9pm last night. Woke at 7.30. A marathon sleep, with intermittent two hours wee's. And yet i STILL FEEL TIRED!! So sick of this lethargy - God help me in a month's time. I have just been to Boots and bought new born nappies, and yet i still don't believe i may have a baby soon. So very weird.

Righto - best go unpack my Tesco delivery....

Love to you all

XX
 
Jimmy-hahahaaha we re just the same...i dont just measure weeks, i measure says too!!!WOOOOOOHOOOOOO (again) for the good results you had today...yes nothing is definite but hey nothing is definite anyway and one by one worries are lifted!!really really hope clinic results are just as good and you can go at least another week without the amnio!xo

Kate- you want to talk nonsense?? 10 days ago it was 18degrees c, 6days ago it was snowing so much that dh coulnt go to work, sunday gone it was 17 degrees c and today it s poring!!crazy like hell but i have to admit i ve been doing the rain dance, i m so selfish i cant take it to know everyone is outside enjoying the sunshine! Ow and i wish i could feel tired, i am tired of lying around!!!omg you re almost there too kate, i cant believe soon we ll see pics of your sweet bub too!!only 3 weeks to full term!!!

TMI question: doc yesterday told me to reduce the progesterone from 600mg to 400mg today and 200mg romorrow. Up till now i was taking it orally but he said when i am at 200mg i should insert it vaginally. I am soooook scared of two things: a) how deep inside do i push it without actually causing any damage? And b) could reducing so much at this point in the pg cause unexpected problems? lizzie,kate, anyone??
 
Christiana- hi hun, how many weeks are you now? I tapered off progesterone use at about 28 weeks, cutting the dose in half, on the advice of my doc. She suggested that I finish it completely by 30 weeks. However, the private doc I saw wanted me to carry on using the lower dose (200mg) until 32 weeks. I trusted his opinion and took his advice, although who knows if t really made any difference! Anyway, I used them vaginally as pessaries fom the start, and I was very unsure of bodging my finger in there! So I bought some sterile surgical gloves off the net and used those. I don't really know if that's any better than scrubbing your hands and inserting them. I pushed it in as far as I could, sometimes I did feel them "bump" against my cervix, but as long as the tablet did the bumping and not my finger, I tried not to worry. Hope that helps x:hugs:

JJ- how wonderful, you've got a great tv and free view all set up. And even better your test is clear too- wooohooooo. I have a sneaking feeling that it will all be good news from now on. I'm so very jealous that you and Kate have met up, i know I'll say this endlessly, but if I can ever find a way to repay the gorgeous ladies on here, I'll do it a million times over. Thanks for asking about school- it's funny, but my "stick it" mentality has carried on into this week, last Friday was a real awakening for me, when I was still at school late and EVERY OTHER member of staff apart from the teacher I told you about had gone home on the bell. Even the Head! So, despite having to go in for parent's evening on my day off, I'm just doing my fair share now, and that's it!

Violinnem- hope you're ok x:hugs:
 
Hi Helen, thanks so much for your reply. I am 25w2d today. The doc has already told me i will continue with progesterone until 32 weeks but i guess he is cutting it down as of today. I m just scared because i ve been on them since w12 so i dont know how much of a difference this cutting down will do...i d rather he told me in two weeks or so! Anyway, i ll get some gloves tomorrow as i ve already had so many infections! Do you think it is better to insert vaginally than taking it orally?
 
Hi C hun. Pessaries are fine to insert vaginally. Just be gentle and wash hands thoroughly before inserting. It is no more than putting in the probe for a tvu, and will be absolutely fine :) They work very well vaginally. Cutting down dosage is normal, and needs to be done gradually over time :hugs:
 
Jimmy!

We were writing at the same time this morning, so i completely missed your post and your brilliant news. So so happy that these results have come back and show no problems so far. Slowly, things are looking a damn sight better than they did a few weeks ago.

Now more fingers crossed for good news tomorrow

XX
 
Thanks lizzie!i know i m asking over and over again but does it make a difference whether it is vaginally or orally? I mean if it is better vaginally obviously i ll do it but if it s the same thing then why not just continue orally?sorry i am being daft
 
Thanks to your post Kate, I too looked back and realised I had missed your post today JJ! I think that posts at the bottom of a page easily get missed.

BRILLIANT news JJ - a step closer to all being ok (said with cautious optimism). Who knows, maybe you will be one of those ladies with a normal looking sonogram who then goes on to deliver a healthy baby despite the poly. Fingers, legs and everything crossed for you hun. Praying for more positive news tomorrow chick xxx
 
Hi ladies,

Kate- you're at that really uncomfortable stage now, but it's so so worth it. It's strange thinking you will actually have a baby in your arms soon, it feels like they're permanently destined to be seen only by scan when pregnancy is plagued with worry. But yes, that definitely is a baby who will fit into your life easily very soon. I'm sure Poppy will adore being a big sis, it's such an important job. Oliver adores Bella, he just finds her to be the world's funniest person, and he can't believe just how much babies make him chuckle. My avatar pic is of him actually wrestling Bella away from his Christmas presents. He would never harm her, but he is a bit more rough and tumble than I feel comfortable being with her. She adores him for it, he really is her favourite person. How exciting that you'll be able to see that affection form so very soon. X

Christiana- tbh I don't have a clue whether progesterone is better orally or vaginally. I didn't even know you could take it orally. The only really obvious argument for me is that it is meant to strengthen the cervix, so vaginally is the more direct approach! X
 
Ah ladies. Just wanted to say how wonderful you all are.

Helen am so glad you're still feling strong this week. You go lady. Don't take any shit!!

Christiana I have pessaries & take them rectally which is also an option. It's not the nicest experience but if you shove 'em far up enough they absorb well & don't fall out if you get up to take a pee (best to take at night). I prefer that method as I'm super-pranoid about the risk of infection. They are effective babe don't worry & 'weaning' is standard with prog withdrawal (I also took it in the 1st tri & was weaned off it then).

Lizzie & Kate - tnx for yr support laydeez. Feeling lonely & blue tonight. Have had 3 visitors today (my friends are being amazing) but I just miss Matt so much & I know he's lonely too. It's so tough when the way we get through stuff is by pulling tight together & this cruel situation dictates that when we need to most we can't even do that ... Jesus, it all just seems like such a long haul ...

Anyway. Telly beckons.

Night ladies & hugs to you all.

Jj xx
 
Ps - Christiana I am doing the rain dnce too! Don't want Sprin nto arrive when I'm stuck miserable inside!! ( sorry Kate xxx)
 
Helen- thanks hun, that's the reason i can think why he wants me to start inserting them all of a sudden!!
Ooooww it s soooo sweet your son loves his sis so much, i wish mine does so too (well first i wish she s here safe and then that!!)

Jimmy- thanks for the reassurance babe, if i could i think i eould continue with the progesterone until birth!!! I doubt i can do the rectally thing, one hemmoroid (sorry dont know how to spell it!) is enough up there!!! Sorry you re feeling lonely and down tonight but i guess this is it, up one day, down the next until you re out of there and we re all holding our babies safe and sound! But remember and check this out...only 11 weeks to full term (come in it is officially wednesday-mid week- more of 26 weeks and less of 25 weeks!!) ps:keep up with rain dancing pls, i ll go crazy if the sun shines and we re stuck inside!!
 
Chris hun, in theory vaginal route is better for progesterone because the uptake by your body is greater and faster (bypasses the liver). It is a much more effective means of administering it :)

JJ - you probably won't get this tonight now, but just read your message and wanted to send you a :hugs:. Hospital is a tough place to be, and the separation from your beloved Matt must be agony :( This nightmare will be over very soon honey so keep the faith, stay strong and focus on getting through hour by hour, day by day. Try not to look too far ahead :hugs:
 
Thanks liz, helpful as always! Tried it yesterday and i think i was so anxious about it bubs started flipping and kicking around so i freaked even more! But tonight i think i ll be better! Thanks again!
 
Thanks Lizzie, thanks Chrissy ... Another day dawns ... Let's see what clinic brings up this afternoon ...

London is cold & rainy (it's working, C) - means hibernating doesn't feel so bad ...

Have a good day ladies xxx
 
Hi everyone,

Yup weather in London is uninspiring today. I'm still in bed!!

Ended upon triage yesterday as just felt really out of sorts all day. Very dizzy, breathless, wiped out, stomach pains blah blah. Baby all fine it turns out, probably just low iron levels. I felt like such a drama queen, being there for that!! I just forgot how uncomfortable the third tri can be. Silly me.

Am sending positive thoughts your way Jimmy, and shall boycott Spring until your release from the scrubs.

Christiana - I was given progesterone while in hospital and had it rectally. With a huge haemmeroid too. Ouch. But seemed to work. Am sure it's ultimately safe and effective which ever way your docs suggested.

Helen, lizzie, BF etc, hope you're all okay!

Olga - any news?

Must drag myself into the shower now. Sssooooooo lazy.

X
 
Kate, you cant be a drama queen, whatever it was it was good you went in! You re almost there, i d probably pack up my stuff and go everytime i d have a headache!!!!!

Ps:kate and jj, i am hibernating till may for sure, jimmy keep it up!
 
hello wonderful ladies,

Jj and Chris I think your dance is working here in Norway as well- very happy about that:)

Jj: own room, telly and clear tests! great news :) sorry you felt down last night, hope you are better today. Like Chris said, one day one can feel optimistic and well, next day depressed and extremely anxious, its so draining and exhausting to not know. I believe Kate is next up (congratulations to you Kate,mbeing so close to term), While I (hopefully) am second runner up. Today I am 31 and 5 days, 2 days left to new milestone:)

Bf: how are you?

Lizzie, Chris, Kate, Helen, thanks for replies on baby low and bouncing on the cervix. It stil worries me, but its not painfull. She just pushes a lot, and it feels like almost nothing is keeping her from soon being in our world. I was at hosp today, she is low, but doc didnt seem to concerned. She didnt take an internal scan, as there isnt much they can do anyway. Just had a look at baby, she is still moving her head, indicating that she is not engaged. I really hope for her to stay in until week 34. It would really be my ultimate milestone, and every hour and day beyond would be bonus.

Wish you all a good day :)
 
Hey Liven, glad you enjoy our dancing...you can pick it up too...never let another day of sunshine before we're out and about (sorry to all the other non bed rest ladies!!) Glad everything is fine with bubs, only 2 weeks for the 34w milestone, i m sure she's not going anywhere till then!!! And yayayyaayay i hadnt realized you re runner up...omg it seems one by one are getting so close to term now...after you ladies have your babies are we having a long stretch without deliveries?Or am i forgetting anyone? Olga, i think you re 3rd in line? Anyway, hope everyone's ok and happily hibernating (or not...going about life skipping around happily!) xo
 
Kate hun, how can you be lazy when you are doing the most important, draining, and miraculous job of all - baby baking! I always think that the last trimester aches and pains are your body's (and nature's way) of enforcing rest and relaxation. Enjoy it wile it lasts Momma, in a few weeks from now you won't have the chance to sit down for even a moment lol Your pregnancy has been emotionally and physically exhausting, you deserve some pampering :hugs:

Liven my sweet, you will make at least 34wks - I can feel it in my bones ;) I laughed out loud when at 31wks my consultant booked me in for my section at 38wks. I told everyone that would listen that I'd never make it that far with twins...........WRONG! It was a dream come true when I did. That day will come for you too darlin' xxx

Thinking of you today JJ xxx
 

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