Incompetent Cervix - stitch/cerclage - threatened labour

[bluestarlight]

Thanks helen, christina and lizzie. It really does help ease my mind a bit. I am absolutely terrified. I didn't sleep well at all last night. My husband didn't understand how serious it can be til I got home and explained it all to him last night. My hubby has canceled his trip to his convention this weekend to take care of our daughter and me so I can rest as much as possible. I knew about the stitch from previous research but my doctors didn't mention it to me at all, just the progesterone and possible home or hospital bed rest depending on what it looks like wednesday. They only told me to take it easy and not lift more than 10lbs, I am still allowed to work though, is this ok? I mostly sit at a desk for half the day and walk around for the other half of the day depending on what goes on (i'm a research lab manager). I'm nervous about taking time off because I was trying to save it all for mat leave (we don't get mat pay here, just any vacation time we have). I only have about 5 weeks worth right now, I was hoping to earn as much as 7 weeks to stay home with baby, but now everything is turned on its head. I will definately be asking about getting a stitch in on wednesday. Thank you thank you so much. I'm glad to hear some good stories, I've been googling and all they had were bad stories that got me even more upset last night.

 

[sunkiss]

hello ladies,
hope everyone is doing well today. i am feeling scared today, well i have been for the past couple of days, i have nightmares that my bag of waters will break again or that they are bulging past the stitch. maybe because this is my biggest fear, its consuming me, i try to take my mind off of it but feeling this pressure n occasional cramping is not helping things. im trying so hard to keep my "faith" n be optimistic but i am so scared, i just cant go through it again, it will kill me this time, i love her so much already n praying, begging God to please keep her safe. its only been one week on bedrest so far n i feel like i'm already losing it, i know i will get through it, its just really hard right now, i'm sorry to be down but just wanted to express how i am feeling. i go for my check tomorrow n i am praying for any kind of improvement n for my waters not to be bulging, she kicks my cervix n everytime she does i feel a burn, must be where my stitch is n it scares me even more.

 

[LindyB]

Hello
I posted on here a few weeks ago. I am pregnant with my third child. I had a cervical stitch with my second little boy. I am 13 weeks now and met with my consultant today. Last time he suggested a stitch straight away which was fine and went well (Arthur was born at 36 + 5 - the day before my stitch was going to be removed.). This time he wants to do a scan first to check for funnelling and measure cervical length. I think most of you have had quite a few of these scans - what does it involve? Is it internal? I'm not nervous just want to be prepared. I had so many questions to ask the consultant I forgot to ask about this!
Sunkiss - I hope your checks go ok tomorrow. I think I can remember the burning feeling on my cervix/stitch when I was pregnant with Arthur and it turned to be nothing. But I know how it feels when you are worried so much.

 

[LindyB]

Sorry - one more question! Does anyone know what sort of length is normal at around 15 weeks? What length would indicate a stitch is needed? The consultant was happy to do one straight away again anyway- I asked about the scans after reading about them on here. Also when is progesterone used? Thank you

 

[lizziedripping]

SK The way you are feeling is totally understandable, I remember myself how frightening weeks 20-28 were and really feel for you

The pressure and cramps can be completely normal in an IC pregnancy with stitch. I was plagued by the same feeling, and was convinced the pregnancy was going to fail again at around 23wks It is an awful time and there is no easy way out of that. Just know that we're all here to support you, have been where you are but still got our happy outcomes despite it - that atleast should give you some shred of hope during this bleak time (easy for me to say I know, much harder to actually believe it). Take care honey - you know where I am Good luck tomorrow xxx

LindyB - the scan is nothing at all to worry about sweetie. It involves a probe being placed gently inside, you will barely feel it. I'm surprised you never had one in your last pregnancy, it is usual after a stitch is placed, to have regular internal checks. It will give a detailed and accurate assessment of where your cervix is at.

At 15wks it could well be a normal length (3-5cms), because a cervix doesn't typically shorten until atleast 16wks. That said there are some women who have cervical shortening as early as 14/15wks. You should feel happy with anything above 3.5 at this stage, 3 being the minimum. Anything less and it would indicate early changes as a result of increasing pressure from your growing baby.

Progesterone is usually started as soon as cervical weakness is detected, but works best from around 16wks when IC becomes a problem. Good luck and let us know how you get on xxx

 

[chistiana]

Sunkiss- hun i totally feel for you right now... These feelings are all so normal and even though they seem unbearable right now they will ease off with time...they will never be completely gone until you actually have your little miracle, i still pray every day for her to be safe in there and there are times i still think of horror stories and have to convince myself that none of this will happen. Now you re on bed rest you have more time to think of it all and you are way more aware of your body and every pain and ache that you probably wouldnt have noticed if you were up and about...the burning i thibk is normal, i still get it even though she manages to move much less these days. I m sending all positive thoughts and vibes for tomorrow!!xx

Lindyb- hey i think lizzie said it all! I ve had tones of internal scans and they are completely painless, dont worry about it! Best of luck hun!

 

[sunkiss]

thank u so much for the encouragement ladies, u always know the right things to say to make me feel better n a little wiser about IC !! i dont know wut i would do without this thread, God bless u all!!

 

[book.fish2011]

hello ladies,
hope everyone is doing well today. i am feeling scared today, well i have been for the past couple of days, i have nightmares that my bag of waters will break again or that they are bulging past the stitch. maybe because this is my biggest fear, its consuming me, i try to take my mind off of it but feeling this pressure n occasional cramping is not helping things. im trying so hard to keep my "faith" n be optimistic but i am so scared, i just cant go through it again, it will kill me this time, i love her so much already n praying, begging God to please keep her safe. its only been one week on bedrest so far n i feel like i'm already losing it, i know i will get through it, its just really hard right now, i'm sorry to be down but just wanted to express how i am feeling. i go for my check tomorrow n i am praying for any kind of improvement n for my waters not to be bulging, she kicks my cervix n everytime she does i feel a burn, must be where my stitch is n it scares me even more.

I felt exactly like this around 20 weeks. Was convinced something's going to happen between 20-26. But I have come this far, somehow. It's absolutely normal to feel the way you are feeling. Hang on. Take it easy. Rest a lot, drink water. I'm sure all will be well and you'll get past this phase.

 

[book.fish2011]

Sorry - one more question! Does anyone know what sort of length is normal at around 15 weeks? What length would indicate a stitch is needed? The consultant was happy to do one straight away again anyway- I asked about the scans after reading about them on here. Also when is progesterone used? Thank you

My cerclage was placed at 16+4 weeks. Cervical length was 2.8 cm. I have lasted this far. Wish everything goes well with you.

 

[sunkiss]

hey ladies,
had my check up today n unfortunately my cervix is getting shorter. i am all the way to the stitch now but at least not past it. 2.6 without pressure n .9 with pressure, i could see the changes how my cervix would open right up n funnel to the stitch, i can sense some worry in her now which is not helping, thank God my membranes are not bulging, she checked for that n said we are still safe there but she did mention although it is not at the cervix, it is closer than she would like, she increased my meds n she wants me to not get out the bed except for very short showers n bthrm breaks, when i turn 24 weeks she is going to place me on hospital bed rest, she said the only difference with the hospital is that if i were to go into preterm labor they could help intervene a little faster...i was ready to go to the hospital now but they do not consider the baby viable til then...ladies i will be honest last week she did not put me on bedrest i insisted n did it on my own because i did not feel comfortable, she didnt want to check my cervix last week because she said she doesnt like to keep bothering things there n make them worse but i insisted that she did, it was my intuition that something was wrong n she even said wow u r right, u must have knew something was wrong, i said i am being guided, her little sister is my angel n she n God is in control!! i am putting this in His hand from here on out n stop worrying n fretting so much cause its not helping. i have a good feeling even with all this issue its gonna work out. i'm holding on ladies n will continue to fight for my little girl!!

 

[chistiana]

Sunkiss- ooowww i m sorry your cervix isnt behaving hun but thank God you re only a week away from viability! I m guessing they will give you the shots once you re at 24weeks too? I like your attitude hun, it is amazing and it will definitely get you a long way with your precious little bubba!

 

[JJEE]

Hi Ladies,

Sunkiss, I am sorry you are having a bad time at the moment, my cervix was 2.3cm with funneling before my stitch, and my scan this week showed it to be 3.5cm..i am sure with your faith and commitment to your bed rest, yours too will lengthen, or at least stabilise, I am due around the same time as you, this week cannot pass fast enough..24weeks is my first I hope of many milestones!

Hi Lindy, Just to confirm what Lizzie had already said, I was started on Progesterone suppositories at 15wks, my first cervical scan was the week before, at that scan they found the cervix to be borderline short, the following weeks scan I had shortened further and had begun funneling, I was started on progesterone then, but as the next scan the following week showed more shortening, they then decided on the stitch..which is doing a great job!

I hope everybody is well, I had my appointment this week, my cervical length had actually improved, although my doc was quick to tell me she reserves optimism until week 30..I apparently have my last cervical scan in 4weeks, she said they don't measure anymore after that??? I have also been swabbed for infection as I am paranoid about that being the cause of PROM, Which I had with my daughter, I will also start growth scans as my daughter was small even for a 31weeker..she was only 2lb 11oz.
So a huge relief off my mind, she said it was vital I rest as much as possible these next 4weeks...so back on the sofa is where I am to be found!

Lots of love to you all.
Xxx

 

[chistiana]

JJEE so glad your cervical length has increased! I was told the same about measuring the length, and i think lizzie has explained it pretty well as some point in the thread...after 28 weeks the baby is too big for your cervix to just give way, you would have to be in active labor. Anyway, yes, stay on your comfy sofa girl, you ll be 30w before you know it!

 

[millieboo1111]

hey ladies im so glad to be back, ive been following the thread on my phone but my data usage ran out on my dongle so had to wait what felt like an eternity to post. Ive had a rollercoaster week and its so tiring i need bed rest otherwise id probably crack up. I think it was this time last week it really hit me and all kinds of thoughts were running through my head. i was so scared id never have my own baby i started planning a life without (not positive thinking) ive cried a few times and got really frustrated with my husband, mum and lady i share a room with (really bad wind thats been driving me nuts). The doctors dont have a clue! My consultant is on leave so my care is all over the place.

1st registrar came and said im taking you off nifedipine and i want you taking walks (i do have history of bloodclots in the family could be something to do with it)

2nd consultant came and said nifedipine wont stop anything happening only mask it. scan cervix on friday we go from there. take short walks but listen to your body.

scan results showed a miracle cervix growth from 10mm to 21mm shortest measurement found!!!! the sonographer even needed to get a second opinion and was same lady who measured 10mm!! still some funnelling but consultant said this isnt worrying her too much.

3rd registrar reviewed scan said short walks and no need to scan further. review at 24wks.

4th consultant. amazed at miracle cervix growth!! re prescribed nefedipine 10mg x2 and requested a full scan for growth, fluid, cervix again monday, swabs for infection.

im going with last consultant she is very experienced but all the others just caused confusion. anyhoo i feel that weve found the best medicine which is full bed rest. and can start looking forward to my baby again. when i came in i said to mw that i was going to start knitting a blanket (or try) she said "maybe in a few weeks" like lets wait and see them words have rung in my head but now i am going to start knitting. they tend to think my positive attitude is misplaced and that i kid myself about whats going on. i think my brain just doesnt let it sink in so i dont crack up.

sunkiss- i feel for you so much. i read your post when you posted you were scared and cried because i felt the same. we wont go through that again and you are so right pray to your baby girl she will help her sister stay strong and be your guardian angel. you are so strong and we are going to make it. i was told the God never gives you more than you can handle so he must think we are some strong chicks!! hospital bedrest is no different aslong as you are able to stay horizontal at home, i couldnt trust myself not to potter around and i get my meals and bed changed. im much more comfortable in hospital but thats just me. not everybody likes them i know its weird but i kinda do you keep praying for that miracle, expect it, own it, its done so thank him. pray in Gods almighty name that your cervix is healed and baby girl is safe and i keep you in my prayers too. look on you tube at all the healing miracles and believe that you have been blessed by one too. ok i sound like a preacher now but this is what has been drummed into me and its working but its fayth that will do it.

sorry for the long thread everyone i just been so lost without your advice. im so pleased for you JJEE and christina on your 34+4 wow!!

 

[chistiana]

Hey millie! Ooowwww your news are great!! What an amazing cervix growth, i m sure many of the ladies here will find a lot of hope in this! I totally think you re right to go with the 4 th consultant, if this med is working why stop it? Plus if your scan on moday shows further growth and you ll Relax even more! As for the swabs, i had then every 4 weeks...not sure they are necessary but they for you helped keep my mind at ease when i kept getting paranoid about having an infection and my waters breaking! Anyhow, so very glad for your news and might i say despite the ups and downs this thread and the ladies here have really shown some amazing positive attitude!!!well done to all!

 

[chistiana]

OMG sorry for the typoes, my phone isnt cooperating and neither is my brain!!

 

[sunkiss]

happy mothers day to u ladies !!

ellie ur story n attitude really inspires me, congrats on the amazing cervix growth, that is amazing !! u give me so much hope, thank u for ur kind words n sharing ur story with me !! we are going through the same thing n have such a similar story n the support that u offer is amazing, i admire ur strentgh n i see u have a strong faith in God n prayer as i do, that is what will pull us through!!

JJEE, i cannot agree with u more with the 24 weeks cant get here fast enough lol, hurry up next week !! congrats on ur cervix growth also, u ladies really inspire me !!

 

[yellowyamyam]

Hi everyone,

I'm having my stitch in tomorrow morning. Getting very nervous now. Any last minute tips/advice?

 

[chistiana]

Hi everyone,

I'm having my stitch in tomorrow morning. Getting very nervous now. Any last minute tips/advice?

Hey yellow, bo tips or advice from me other than try to remain as alm ad positive as possible... You re only a few hours away from being a whole lot safer! Just wanted to wish you good luck and update us whenever you can!x

 

[millieboo1111]

Hi everyone,

I'm having my stitch in tomorrow morning. Getting very nervous now. Any last minute tips/advice?

Hey Yellow, Same as Chistiana really. Your doing the best thing for Baby and your peace of mind. Stay calm and keep your eye on the prize

I know that i feel much safer with the stitch in place and your having it nice and early which is good.

Good luck for today, stay strong and lots of love