Incompetent Cervix - stitch/cerclage - threatened labour

[lizziedripping]

Hi ich, that would make you 5wks on Thursday then? Here in the UK consultants generally will not scan earlier than 7wks due to the risk of not seeing anything and so worrying the patient needlessly. I had two miscarriages last yr and no one would scan me the second time despite this, I had to wait until 7wks or until bleeding and a loss happened. I wouldn't read anything into the lack of an embryo at this early stage. Did he do an internal scan or abdominal?

As for the shirodkar, it's brilliant. 12wks is early enough and they absolutely would not do it any earlier than 11wks because that's when they do downs screening. Until nuchal fold screening is clear, they don't stitch - it wouldn't be sensible to do so just in case there was a problem with baby. I was scheduled to have mine at 11+4 with the twins, but on the day emergency cases meant that it had to be rescheduled for 12+4. I was desperately worried, and could feel lots of pressure down below, but in the end it was fine and placed before any cervical changes had occurred.

The recency of your last pregnancy shouldn't really make a difference. The cervix might potentially be made weaker by a full term pregnancy and drawn out, difficult labour, but otherwise it is probably where it was before your last pregnancy sweet xx

Hard as it is, try not to stress darwin

 

[ChovieGirl]

Hey Ladies!

Olga - Congrats!

Ich - I was told by my doctor and have read that preventative cerclages are put in between 12 to 15 wks. I am so glad that you really like your doctor and that he is going to do a preventative cerclage. I too am also a little concerned about the progesterone causing blood clots, especially being on bed rest and laying around so much. I try to move and wiggle my legs and arms frequently while reclined back so that my circulation isn't horrible. The information that came with my progesterone gel said there is a slight risk, but I think the risk increases if you smoke or already have blood clotting issues. I think I am going to ask my doctor the next time I see her.

Does anyone know how common it is to get a blood clot from the progesterone?

Dmj - I am a little over 18 weeks now, with a cerclage and do sometimes feel pressure or even aches, but they are not frequent and there is no bleeding. I really think that my pressure comes from gas and not being able to go. It can be pretty uncomfortable, but never really painful. It can be worrisome never being able to fully tell what is going on.

Glad to see so many people on the forum! Everyone have a great day!

 

[melshell]

Hello ladies!

I'm new to this board and looking for some advice. My doctor says my situation falls into a gray area of perinatology.

My first son was born at 25 weeks. Not exactly sure the cause, though I did have an infection. Since then I've had three early miscarriages. So they are monitoring my cervix during this pregnancy, which was 2.5 cm at 19 weeks. The doctor suggested bedrest over the weekend, and when I went back in it was up to 2.7 cm. We are now doing bedrest for another week to see what that does to the cervix length.

The doctor say with the cerclage I should be go back to more normal activity, but that the cerclage does come with risks. I am so adverse to bedrest. Even though I am able to sit up and take a shower, I feel like I am being suffocated and it's only been three days! But I also fear I am only being selfish, and I should get over it and avoid the cerclage, since it isn't strictly necessary and may cause preterm labor.

I would appreciate any thoughts on how some of you would approach this if it happened to you.

Thanks!

 

[lch28]

lizziedripping yes i will be 5 weeks on thursday using my ovulation date, i know it is early but it just freaked me out. he said it was fine but i never listen lol.. he did a transvaginal ultrasound. all he saw was my uterine wall thickening. i am very happy he is doing the shirodkar at 12 weeks. i like him so much. thank you for putting my mind at ease, my beta is not in yet today, she said it should be in tomorrow..

ChovieGirl hey hun thanks so much. when my grandma got the blood clot she was taking hormones and smoking 2 packs a day ! so obv!! my mom was so mad at me though she's all worried. i can't wait for my beta

 

[lizziedripping]

Hi ladies

Chovie, please don't worry about blood clots. The main risk comes from being immobile and pregnant, and this risk is far greater than that caused by the gel. all pregnant women are at a slightly increased risk of clotting, but it is still minimal and rare. I had slightly sticky blood early in the twin pregnancy (no one is sure why), and took occasional blood thinning injections. I was on bed rest for 8mths but didn't have any clotting issues. I made sure to elevate my legs when lying down, but tbh not sure if that did very much to prevent anything xx

Hi mel and welcome. I personally would always advise a cervical stitch if it is offered sincethere is evidence you had a previous pretermer due to IC. Though infection was present, this is usually as a result of cervical changes and dilation which subsequently allows infection to track into your uterus.

. At this stage, whilst your cervix is still reasonably long and closed, the risks of ptl or infection are so low as to be negligible, and the benefits of having the stitch far greater than any such risk.

Having the stitch does not mean being able to resume normal activity tho. Many doctors say that bed rest is unnecessary after stitch, but most ladies invariably end up on atleast partial rest - in part because they are too anxious to do anything else!

Since you are being monitored so closely, why not wait and see what your next cl measurement is, then take it from there. Certainly if you have dropped below 2.5 at your next scan, I'd strongly suggest going for the stitch. Cervical length can change rapidly in a matter of days, and tho emergency stitches don't always work, most of the time if placed before significant cervical change, they are extremely effective.

Good luck, and keep resting hun - the sheer, mind numbing boredom will be worth it n the end lol xxx

 

[lizziedripping]

Bookfish hun, where are you, how are things? I have been away for several days, but haven't stopped thinking about you. Have those little babies made an appearance as you thought they might? Hope all is well

 

[lch28]

the dr who did my beta at 11dpo called.. he said my progesterone was only 10 and that it is low.. i think he thought i was 17dpo and had a 28 day cycle but i ovulated on cd20.. anyway .. he said to contact my dr.. do you think progesterone level 10 is low for 11dpo?

 

[blav]

So, I had my cerclage placed on Monday and my doctor said it went well. By the time I left the hospital Monday night I had no cramping and my spotting was gone last night. Then this morning I had a sleep orgasm (never thought I'd dread an orgasm so much) and now I'm cramping a little, with light spotting and I saw a very small clot in the toilet. I'm sure this is all normal but I'm so on edge. Does this sound normal?

 

[lizziedripping]

That's still within normal range for 11dpo hun. From 4wks it should be atleast 12, but since yours was taken earlier, 10 sounds fine. If the doc believed you to be over 4wks, then of course 10 would be considered low, but even then not badly so. Will they be checking it again? When is your nxt scan? X

 

[lch28]

aww hun thanks so much i feel a bit better.. i am pretty sure when i got my beta done on monday they checked progesterone again.. waiting for results.. beta always comes back first.. at 11dpo it was 52. my next scan is on june 25th, ill be 6w4d..

 

[lizziedripping]

Blav hun, bleeding normal after stitch. I would have been surprised if you hadn't had something. The orgasm may have dislodged a small clot from the stitch sight, but in all likelihood this would have happened anyway. As I explained once before to someone, imagine the stitch like a splinter in your skin, it will develop a scab as your body tries to heal around it. As this happens it will invariably bleed and clot and sometimes that will come away. I didn't have bleeding issues for long after the stitch, but many more ladies here did and got safely to term despite it xx

Ich - 52 11dpo sounds about right. These early numbers are to some extent meaningless because there is such huge variation between women with healthy pregnancies anyway. What you're looking for is a steady rise in numbers, so until your second set of results it's so difficult to discern anything valid.

In the UK bloods aren't checked at all due mainly to cost and partly because you can't read too much into them. By 6wks 4 days there should atleast be a Fetal pole on scan and this more than anything will confirm all is well. I know only too well how hard the waiting is, it's hell actually. Stay strong honey all is looking ok so far xx

 

[blav]

Thanks Lizzie! That is reassuring. I am sooo glad the procedure is over, hoping I will be able to relax more once the cramping/spotting has settled. This pregnancy just wouldn't be complete with a daily dose of paranoia!

 

[cookielucylou]

Hi ladies, not really sure if i belong in this thread but i have to see a consultant next month after a LEEP procedure in january, and i'm trying to do my research before i get there. Keeping everything crossed that they will be fine but after they didnt tell at the actuall procedure that it could cause issues with pregnancy i want to be armed with as much info as possible.

 

[lch28]

well my doctor prefers my progesterone to be in the teens so he is starting me on suppositories today =[ i am scared and i hope they work.. i am also confused because i am taking these until 12 weeks but i am also taking them at 15 weeks for the IC.. hmm..

what can i expect from these? what are the side effects etc? can i have sex using them?

my beta at 18dpo was 2000

 

[JimmyJam]

Hi All.

So sorry for absenteeism, have had an immense few months.

Christiana - belated congrats, so pleased for you. Wahey!! You made it!!

Bookfish - so I just caught your last post - plse email me yr news. I hope you are ok.

Did anyone find out how Olga got on?

Everyone else - lovely Lizzie, Helen, LaRock, Liven & anyone else I've forgotten (have seen Kate!) do plse look me up if you're in London you all have my details. Thank you all for all your amazing support & kindness. Sorry it's so brief. Hope all is good with you.

Soren came home 2 weeks ago today after a pretty bumpy ride. Am exhausted but happy & just getting used to having a tiny man around. It's a challenge, he is v small ...

Love to you all as always.

Jimmyjam xxxxxx

 

[Skyy82]

Hello everyone!

I've joined this thread after searching IC on google and spending the last couple of days going through some of the previous posts. My story....had a cone biopsy in 2009 (CIN3) and this is my first pregnancy. I had a scan at 17 weeks and the cervix was measured at 2.2cms, i'm now 19+1 and i've been put on bedrest for the last couple of days as I've been getting some very low down pressure and pains, very much felt like period pains. When resting up the pain goes away if I walk around the house for 15 mins they come back. I don't have another scan booked til 21 weeks and i'm worried that this is the early stages of IC? thinking maybe I should ring the midwife tomorrow morning and pester her for another scan as I'm due back in work on Saturday?

Anyway i'm really looking forward to chatting to everyone on here and reading everyones stories and advice! x

 

[danielita]

book.fish, how are you?

 

[ChovieGirl]

Hello all and welcome!

Blav - I had a cerclage placed at 14 weeks and had some spotting for 2 or 3 days after the procedure and also felt some discomfort for a little more than a week. Even now at 18 weeks, I still get pressure or discomfort at times. I think it is just part of having a cerclage and pregnancy. I was told by my doctors that if I had severe cramping and heavy bleeding that I should come in. It is hard not being paranoid when pregnant, especially with IC.

Cookie - I have never really heard of LEEP, but I looked it up and see that it is a procedure where they remove some tissue in the cervix. Is this correct? I also read several posts where ladies stated that they had the LEEP procedure and went on to have healthy pregnancies. The LEEP procedure could possibly weaken your cervix, but your cervix could be just fine too. I would suggest making sure that your doctors keep a close eye on you. Have you heard if this is something that a possible preventative cerclage could help with? I am sorry that I do not have any knowledge on this, but you came to the right forum for support...everyone has been so great!

Sky - I am really learning that bed rest can be one of the best things for pregnancy. I have been on bed rest now for 4 weeks and have actually seen my cervix improve from 2.6cm to 3.7cm. I try to only get up to grab a bite to eat and potty and I take quick showers every other day. I would definitely try to stay off your feet as much as possible. Also, I do feel pressure at times, mostly when I am gassy or can't go to the bathroom; however as mentioned above, if you have severe cramping and heavy bleeding, I would call your doctor or midwife. Just for your peace of mind, you might call your midwife and have her take another look...always makes me feel better to know how things are. Just curious, have they put you on progesterone gel or shots?

Ich - I don't have experience with the suppositories, but if they are anything like the gel, it can make things a little more messy down there. I would assume they might make it a little more messy during sex, but you might call your doctor just to make sure if it is okay. Also, the progesterone gel does cause me to sometimes feel a little more sensitive or irritated down there...nothing too bad, but can be a little uncomfortable at times.

Okay I have another question.... Does anyone feel like their heart is beating heavier while on bed rest? I don't feel it when I am up or when I am laying down to sleep ...mostly when I am just reclined back (not fully on back - dr said I could use reclining chair). I have had this for about a week now and have been chalking it up to anxiety, but it won't fully go away. Just curious as I know that being pregnant causes more blood to have to be pumped and started worrying about my heart. There is always something to worry about, isn't there. lol

Still saying prayers for all the ladies on this forum! ::

 

[lch28]

i can only imagine it making things all wet and sticky ew.. oh well.. i am glad my dr's caught the low progesterone early.. looks like i am going to be on progesterone my whole pregnancy.

Skyy82 i would also push for a cerclage honey. . please be as demanding as possible and def push for a earlier appt.

 

[cookielucylou]

Yes basically they removed the abnormal cells from my cervix-i have since read you are supposed to avoid pregnancy for 6-12months which obviously I didnt know to do. I havnt been told anything so far other than i am currently classed as a high risk pregnancy until the consult decides otherwise. From research i have done it can either go three ways: 1.all be fine, 2. the cervix be too scared to dilate properly or 3. Be too weak and possibly need a stitch.