Incompetent Cervix - stitch/cerclage - threatened labour

[ChovieGirl]

aww hun i am sorry, that must be hard. i hope that everything is okay. sounds like you have really great doctors taking care of you. it must be hard not to see DD, hopefully after a few days monitoring you can go home? my last pregnancy with my angel i had terrible ms too. i am not experiencing any at the moment so feeling worried.


ladies i have a question. i am seriously terrified to have sex.. a few days before i lost Sophia we had sex and i know either way i would have gone into early labor but i feel like the orgasm made it happen quicker and now i am terrified to do it AT all. is it okay to do in the early months? i know i will be on pelvic rest later in my pregnancy

My first pregnancy, I had morning sickness and a definite food aversion to garlic. This time, I barely felt sick (would drink a ginger ale if I started feeling nauseated) and only had a a couple of food aversions that are no longer there. I felt more of a constant hunger this time and usually if I didn't eat right away, that is when the nausea would hit me. Don't worry about not having morning sickness, just count yourself lucky if you do not get. Also, the little nausea that I did have didn't start until about week 7.

As far as sex goes, I had plenty of it (sorry if tmi lol) until I got closer to my second trimester and started feeling uncomfortable. After the cerclage, my doctor said no more for me...not even stimulation. Dang! Sex can cause you to contract, but I don't know how much it would cause issues that early on. I would definitely ask your doctor at your next visit. Trust me, once you can't have it you really wish you could! lol

 

[2016]

I'm going crazy over here. Just 4 days until my next cervical measurement scan but I am so so worried. I keep having a dull ache in my cervix and it's making me paranoid. Can't remember if I had this last time. Only time i think i remember this feeling was in labour with DS...but couldnt it just be babys position this time? Have resisted calling L&D (think I'm too early anyway) but they will only strap me on the monitor and say I'm not contracting. Incidentally three different monitors I was put on when in full blown labour with my son didn't register my contractions. Only right at the end did they show "possibly braxton hicks".
I am back on 200mg progesterone and trying to rest but this is nearly impossible with a toddler and now a houseguest!

What can I/should I do? I can't go to hospital and potentially get admitted for the weekend until Tuesday. The hospital won't internal scan until Monday earliest anyway.

I also, not constantly, but frequently get a dull ache in my cervix. I kept thinking that I could just feel it shrinking or something; however, when I went to my doctor appointment the other day, my cervix had actually lengthened. I am no expert so I don't want to say don't worry, but it might be nothing to worry about. Is your only choice to call L&D or does your treating doctor have an on-call service? If I call my doctor after business hours, I am prompted to leave a message and a doctor will normally call me back withing 15 minutes or so. If you the aches are constant and getting worse, I would definitely try to get a hold of someone or even go to L&D if that is your only option. If anything, just to ease you mind.

I am curious, how do you take the 200mg progesterone? I am on a progesterone gel that you insert vaginally like a yeast infection cream and it took me a while to get used to it. My doctor said that the gel can dry and irritate the vaginal walls.

Also, how far a long are you and do you have a cerclage?

Try to rest as much as possible. Praying for you!

Thanks for the reply. I take progesterone pessaries which do leak out a bit but I have been taking them since ov. I wondered if they might be irritating things and the packaging says I can insert rectally so might give that a go.

I am not quite 15 weeks and don't have a cerclage. They measured me at 2.8cm last week and are due to repeat the measurement this Tuesday.

My doc is NHS and doesn't really have an out of hours service. I would just have to call up L&D and I doubt they'd be helpful.

Anyway, I took some paracetamol and tried to keep my feet up most of the day and drink lots of water. Feeling a bit better than I was. Sometimes I wonder if it's all in my head.

 

[lch28]

definite food aversion to garlic. This time, I barely felt sick (would drink a ginger ale if I started feeling nauseated) and only had a a couple of food aversions that are no longer there. I felt more of a constant hunger this time and usually if I didn't eat right away, that is when the nausea would hit me. Don't worry about not having morning sickness, just count yourself lucky if you do not get. Also, the little nausea that I did have didn't start until about week 7.

As far as sex goes, I had plenty of it (sorry if tmi lol) until I got closer to my second trimester and started feeling uncomfortable. After the cerclage, my doctor said no more for me...not even stimulation. Dang! Sex can cause you to contract, but I don't know how much it would cause issues that early on. I would definitely ask your doctor at your next visit. Trust me, once you can't have it you really wish you could! lol

i also could not stand garlic when i was last pregnant, could not even smell it. i think if i look back i also didn't start to feel nauseous until 6-7 weeks so i will try not to worry . for some reason it is concerning me that i have no symptoms lol. my doc also said no sex after cerclage. lol, i mean hey its worth it but i am gonna be one impatient chica.. no big O !!!?!?! well - i haven't had one since i got my bfp. for some reason i am scared. fiancee keeps looking at me with pleading eyes. lol.. i will wait till monday to talk to my doctor.

 

[bluestarlight]

Lol on the no sex. i'm feeling that and its only been since I was 20 weeks. I was just starting to get my drive back too. My morning sickness for this one went from 5 weeks to about 18weeks with this one. Lost 15lbs, and could stand the smell of cooking food, garlic, bananas, or onions. and sometimes laundry soap. My first was worse, I was sick from 6-20 weeks and had food aversions throughout though, lost 25lbs that time. This time I can at least look at the food i'm averting, it was mostly smell that bugs me. Oh and motion, lol. car rides and sex were the worst til the sickness passed. Its gone now though.
For progesterone, I take it vaginally. They look like little monstat pills that you would use for a yeast infection. The coating dissolves up there and releases the meds. Makes for tons of discharge which concerned me a bit but the docs say is normal.
I got to meet the docs this morning, they want me here for at least the rest of the week, then they will re-evaluate as long as i'm not getting worse, they may send me home or keep me another week to be sure. They kind of still left it hanging, but at least i know now it will be til next weekend. Still no cramps or labor signs, my last cervical check yesterday showed no change.
My husband came up with Elora they could only stay a few hours because she got fussy and needed a nap but she was very happy to see me. I had her on my bed nearly the whole time, i didn't want to let her go. I woke up crying this morning because I won't be able to go shopping for her specially first bday present or her party dress for her bday coming up. Her party will be july 7th even though her actual bday is this tuesday. My husband and I were hoping to take her out on wednesday after her one year doc appointment and do something fun, give her a cupcake with a 1 on it, watch her open her first present, etc. I think that is what is killing me the most. My husband doesn't really know what to make of everything, he doesn't seem to be processing stuff or maybe he just isn't as worried as i am or not showing it to be strong, idk. He is doing ok taking care of elora, he got her to bed too late last night because he didn't realize she was getting overtired then wired up by the tv, so that gave him some trouble.
My mom and sis came too, they know how serious it is but we mostly just chatted about funny things the kids were doing and how my sis might need knee surgery, she fell down some cement stairs last week and badly messed up her knee. She watches my daughter during the week while we work along with her own 3 boys.

And i've rambled on enough...got noithing to do, just finished breakfast, watching the beautiful day open up outside my window. Each day I can make it through is a better day.

 

[ChovieGirl]

Lol on the no sex. i'm feeling that and its only been since I was 20 weeks. I was just starting to get my drive back too. My morning sickness for this one went from 5 weeks to about 18weeks with this one. Lost 15lbs, and could stand the smell of cooking food, garlic, bananas, or onions. and sometimes laundry soap. My first was worse, I was sick from 6-20 weeks and had food aversions throughout though, lost 25lbs that time. This time I can at least look at the food i'm averting, it was mostly smell that bugs me. Oh and motion, lol. car rides and sex were the worst til the sickness passed. Its gone now though.
For progesterone, I take it vaginally. They look like little monstat pills that you would use for a yeast infection. The coating dissolves up there and releases the meds. Makes for tons of discharge which concerned me a bit but the docs say is normal.
I got to meet the docs this morning, they want me here for at least the rest of the week, then they will re-evaluate as long as i'm not getting worse, they may send me home or keep me another week to be sure. They kind of still left it hanging, but at least i know now it will be til next weekend. Still no cramps or labor signs, my last cervical check yesterday showed no change.
My husband came up with Elora they could only stay a few hours because she got fussy and needed a nap but she was very happy to see me. I had her on my bed nearly the whole time, i didn't want to let her go. I woke up crying this morning because I won't be able to go shopping for her specially first bday present or her party dress for her bday coming up. Her party will be july 7th even though her actual bday is this tuesday. My husband and I were hoping to take her out on wednesday after her one year doc appointment and do something fun, give her a cupcake with a 1 on it, watch her open her first present, etc. I think that is what is killing me the most. My husband doesn't really know what to make of everything, he doesn't seem to be processing stuff or maybe he just isn't as worried as i am or not showing it to be strong, idk. He is doing ok taking care of elora, he got her to bed too late last night because he didn't realize she was getting overtired then wired up by the tv, so that gave him some trouble.
My mom and sis came too, they know how serious it is but we mostly just chatted about funny things the kids were doing and how my sis might need knee surgery, she fell down some cement stairs last week and badly messed up her knee. She watches my daughter during the week while we work along with her own 3 boys.

And i've rambled on enough...got noithing to do, just finished breakfast, watching the beautiful day open up outside my window. Each day I can make it through is a better day.

It sounds like you are getting more adjusted to being in the hospital and in better spirits today...I am glad. It is also nice that you were able to see your family. Also, glad that your cervix has not worsened.

I am sure that your husband is going to be fine. If he is anything like my husband, he is trying to be strong for everyone. There might come a time where he opens up to you more about what he is feeling. Guys just process everything differently than we do. Maybe, although I know not ideal, he can take your daughter up to the hospital on her birthday and you can do a mini celebration there.

My doctor did say that although on bed rest, I can float (not really swim) in the pool. After being trapped in the house, I am going to take full advantage today and my husband and in-laws are going to cook out. If you get bored, feel free to send me a message. I am on bed rest as well , so I know how boring it can get.

Hang in there!

 

[lch28]

bluestarlight so you had sex first trimester? I am scared lol! i am glad that you spoke to the doctors, hopefully you get to go home soon. perhaps husband is trying to be strong for you?? i am glad you got to see you DD - so sorry you can't go out for her birthday with her honey

 

[olga2424]

Hi ladies, hope your all well...Lizzie, Christiana, Kateqpr, Jimmyjam, Larokera, Bookfish, Liven80 and all the new ladies.

Am so sorry for being away and not updating for such a long time due to some personal reasons I was having to deal with.

Update from me is i finally had my daughter (Portia - Lee) on the 31/06/12 @ 38 + 5 days and she weighed 7lb, she is absolutely gorgeous and can't get my eyes off of her! ....Went in to have my stitch removed and after I immediately dilated to 3cm and at this point my consultant decided to break my waters and place me on a drip (syntocinon).

I labored for 15 hrs with no major changes and my cervix only dilated to 5cm. (fancy that? when you want it shut, it wants to be open)
I was then offered a c/s as my baby was no longer tolerating the labor.
I would like to say a massive thank you to all you wonderful ladies especially Lizzie for the wonderful support you gave me...You truly a God send to this thread.

To all the other ladies hung in there and stay glued to those beds as bed rest really does work, I truly believe it worked wonders for me.
Take care and all the best,
Olga

 

[chistiana]

Olga-aaahhhh so so glad to hear from you! Huge congratulations hun, your daughter is gorgeous! Well done to both of you! Take care of yourself and your miracle girl!

 

[DMJ]

Hi ladies would just like to ask a few questions ..

Can anyone tell me what I need to look out for symptom wise should anything happen to my cerclage .. I'm just asking as I'm 19 weeks now but been having pressure pains down below and my vagina (sorry tmi) almost feels bruised like?
Also a few tummy cramps here and there but that could be the lactulose I'm taking due to trapped wind / constipation ..

Just need to know whether I should be worrying about these pains that come and go .. My next check up is in 9 days.

Thankyou xx

 

[snflwrgrl9]

good morning everyone. Got a massive headache from not sleeping well last night in the new hospital bed with hospital sounds. Always takes me a few days to adjust. No, I don't have a cerlage, at my 20 week anomoly scan they spotted that i was a little shorter than normal at 2.2cm then checked me a week later and was 2cm so they put me on the progesterone and said they would check again on june 8th. They told me because i was so far along that it was more risky to put a stitch in than to just bedrest and monitor. i've been overmonitoring myself from every ache and pain and had nightmares but those passed and i was figuring everything was going ok since i had no labor signs or anything but they checked me at my appointment yesterday and even before they said anything i could see it on screen. I'm at a really good hospital though, with one of the best nicus around. I believe they will take great care of me. A lot of the nurses think this was caused by me getting pregnant so soon after my first but my doc doesn't think so. She came by and talked to me yesterday, said its definately IC because I had cervical changes without pressure or ptl. She did tell me to wait at least a year, possibly 2 years because that would help with my next one and that i am a great canidate for a cerclage next pregnancy Of course i want this one to come out fine and healthy first or i may not even think of a next one. sigh. i wanted this one to be our last anyways because i suffer horrendous morning sickness for the first 18 weeks. I was just starting to feel happy and eating better when all this happened. never ending worry game. I really hope my husband and daughter come in today, i miss her already. i'm usually the one that gets her to bed at night, its like our time. my husband did great though, i think he is freaking out on the other end but i have yet to see him face to face, i can hear it in his voice over the phone.

your story sounds exactly like mine with the exception that this is my first pregnancy. To give you some hope.....I can into the hospital at 23 weeks being 1cm dialated and no measureable cervix. I was rechecked at 28 weeks and I dialated to 3-4 cm. Now, I m 31 weeks. I will be checked again at 34 weeks. I am still in the hospital, but I think the bedrest is really what is helping. At home it would be difficult to stay on strict bedrest, especially with a little one at home. I do not have a cerclage either as it was too late when they found the short cervix. Hang in there....it can so tough, but follow the doctors orders. stay hydrated to keep contractions away. Best of luck to you.

 

[lch28]

olga2424 she is beautiful hun!

today is my first doctor appt/scan. i am very excited

 

[lch28]

=[ my scan didn't show anything ladies. i am really upset.. my doctor said that everything is fine.. that i am very early and most times you don't see anything .. also he said if i use my ovulation date i am only 4 weeks and 2 days so not to worry.. i made an appointment for 2 weeks from today for another one.. i hope i see something. i was just really sad what if this isn't a viable pregnancy? he gave me a blood test again to make sure my beta went up so i am impatiently waiting for those results.

on the up note i really love my doctor . since he is a high risk ob he is the only dr i need to see i don't also need a high risk fetal med doctor.. he is going to do the cerclage at 12 weeks and progesterone at 15 weeks. is that late to start progesterone? anyway he also is doing a shirodkar he says that is the only stitch he does..

i am just really sad about my scan

 

[JJEE]

Hi ladies,

Olga....what a beautiful baby! You must be very proud.

Ich, I am sure you have absolutely nothing to be worried about Hun, your scan was very early and as your doctor has said, you will no doubt see your little bean at the next one..or beans??!!

I hope everybody else is well, and cervix' behaving!

I am well, suffering with my back and ribs...not complaining though, I will happily put up with my daughter kicking my ribs if she stays put for at least 10 more weeks!

xxx

 

[JJEE]

Ich, sorry, I meant to say I don't think 15weeks is too late to start on Progesterone, that seems to be about the norm for people on here, as well as myself, and 12weeks later it seems to be doing the job!!

Xxx

 

[lch28]

thanks hun, my doc called back and asked me ov date and i gave it too him turns out i am 4 weeks not 5 so i feel better.. have a question for everyone

is 12 weeks a good time for the cerclage?

what type do you ladies have have?

is the shirodkar good?

 

[lizziedripping]

Olga hun, so so pleased to hear you are ok and that your beautiful baby girl arrived safe and well You have never been far from my thoughts darlin'. Congratulations, and I do hope that any personal issues happening in your life are resolved soon. Pm if you need me

Ich hun, 4/5wks is too early to see anything on scan. Sometimes there is a sac, but not usually until 5wks. I never had sickness or symptoms anything before 5.5wks in any of my pregnancies either, so again the lack of symptoms is nothing to worry about sweet

Dmj, symptoms of stitch issues are pretty obvious. Cervical changes are less so, but if you had reached a point where the stitch was under strain, there would be definite bleeding, pain and usually by that stage contractions which don't go away. IC pregnancy is scary, and almost all normal pregnancy symptoms fill us with fear and feel terrifyingly like they could be a sign of a failing cervix. I had every symptom going but very little was happening to my cervix despite supporting the weight of two babies. Xxx

Ladies, I'm so sorry not to have caught up with you all lately. this thread has periods of moving so fast, and it typically ties in with a busy period in my life As I've said before if anyone has anything specific of me to ask, head your post with my name in bold and then I can easily dip in to the thread and answer any urgent queries. I really don't mind and would rather do that than keep missing any potential cries for help. Welcome to all the new ladies too, same thing applies

 

[lch28]

thanks lizzie.. using my lmp i was 5 weeks 3 days.. but i ovulated late on cd20. so i guess i am really 4 weeks. is ovulation date more accurate for due date and such?

 

[lizziedripping]

If you are certain of your ov date then you absolutely take that as the date. What date did you ovulate?

 

[lch28]

lizziedripping
May 24th, cd20, i got pos opks cd18 and 19 and my chart said i ovulated cd20. so i feel a bit better that there was nothing on my scan, except my uterine lining thickening.

i am also really happy with my new doctor. he does not believe in the "wait and watch method" for cerclage like my old doctor wanted to do, so he is putting it in at 12 weeks (wish i could get it earlier) and he is doing a shirodkar, he does not ever do a mcdonald unless the cervix is already too short like in an emergency. i wish i could get it at like 10 weeks, he says since i held my pregnancy till 23 weeks theres no way my cervix would even start to shorten even at 12 weeks but im scared since i had just lost the baby in Feb so what if my cervix is weaker? he is also doing progesterone at 15 weeks, didn't get around to asking if he is doing gel or shots, my mom is freaking out because my grandma started taking some sort of hormone and immediately got a blood clot in her leg.

 

[chistiana]

Lch just to add to what lizzie said i never saw anything on my scans before week 7 and i ve been pregnant 4 times. Also i think week 12 is the earliest they can put in the stitch.. I was scheduled to have mine at between week 12 and 14 but started bleeding (bu) at 12+4 so i ended up waiting until w17 for all the bleeding to disappear. Even at 17w my doc said it was safe. So week 12 is great hun, dont worry at all, therm baby doesnt weight much at that stage to put any strain on your cervix.