Incompetent Cervix - stitch/cerclage - threatened labour

[Prayerfulmom2]

My doc said they usually do the ffn test at or after 24 weeks, so perhaps u might want to ask for it for sometime in the upcoming weeks.. In case any further precautions can be taken.

Are u on progesterone supps?? I would recommend finding out about them if u arent on them. I heard it can help even when u have a stitch..

I'm on the progesterone suppository daily and p17 injections weekly. I'll be 23 weeks 5 days on Tuesday for my appt. so I'll ask about the ffn test then. I would love to hear that my cervix looks better than .5 cm and that my cervix is closed with no dilation or bulging. That would be my Christmas present.

 

[angel229]

Hi ladies,

Can I just ask, what is an ffn test?

 

[baby_maybe]

It's fetal fibronectin test angel. They take a swab from high up by your cervix and if there is a certain amount of a hormone present it can indicate possible preterm labour within the next two weeks. If its negative fine, it's its positive it still could be fine, there are lots of reports of false positives with this test but it does give you and the docs time to get prepared and make a plan if it comes in positive.

 

[lizziedripping]

Hi everyone Weekends are a little more busy for me so getting a moment to type is harder - please know that I'm not ignoring anyone

Amy - just to give you an idea of post stitch pain and discomfort. I went to hospital at 14wks walking upright and bounding around, after the surgery I could no longer climb the stairs (except on all fours), found sitting painful and from then on experienced constant tightenings and contraction-like feelings which were made worse with any kind of movement or stress (Dh and I had lots of stress-related disagreements too which triggered a fast pulse and tightenings). I also had excruciating pain when emptying my bladder, it made me cry out every time and that seemed to have been triggered by the catheter/stitch.

Although I was happier to know the stitch was in place, in reality it brought with it a whole heap of extra side effects which caused fear and regular trips to L&D . All that you're experiencing is 'normal' after stitch, but you were right to get checked sweetie

Clint - I can totally understand both you and your wife's despair. As a man you must feel utter helplessness (my husband described the same), and as a woman it is absolutely soul destroying to fear every second of every day that your body might eject your beloved babies early and there is nothi you can do to prevent it Please explain to your wife that not only does stitching increase uterine irritability, but so do twins. Even in normal twin pregnancy women experience lots of contractions (sometimes painful), but the pregnancy continues unharmed. Tell her that I only had to play on a Wii game with my son and the slight adrenalin increase triggered feelings of labour - it was vile and made me nervous to even breath!! Please give her my love, and let her know I'm here if she needs a shoulder of support

Tink - thinking of you sweetie. The girls are right that the ffn isn't conclusive so you shouldn't let it undermine your belief that all is going to be ok. If anything it is useful because it increases your vigilance and that of your medical team (never a bad thing). Love and hugs xx

Love you you all lovelies xxxx

 

[lch28]

amy i had the same type of discharge after - stringy and bloody. it went away in a few days hun.

prayerful - steroids and ffn test wont be done until after 24 weeks dear

 

[DAYDAY24]

Hey ladies im doing fine I have stop bleeding a couple stitch like pains. I think I have a yeast infection I have had itching on and off should I go to er or wait till appt Thursday

 

[lch28]

can u call ur doc? YI isnt really an emergency, hell prob tell you to get 7 day OTC treatment but you need to check with him first. I have had atleast 5 this pregnancy they are awful! =[

 

[AmyLouise89]

amy i had the same type of discharge after - stringy and bloody. it went away in a few days hun.

prayerful - steroids and ffn test wont be done until after 24 weeks dear

Labor & delivery said I have a bad bladder infection causing back pain & discharge..thankfully haven't had any stitch related pain/bleeding besides a little pulling sometimes but nothing alarming. I go back to Dr tomorrow. I'm only allowed up to Pee/shower right now. Thankfully my husbands been doing everything else like cleaning, cooking, bringing me food/drinks.

 

[Firehol]

Amber Elizabeth born 15th December at 19.07 weighs 4lb 13.5oz. Born at 33+2. She is in neonatal but breathing on her own and out of incubator and in a cot now. Looks like she is doing well and doctors are confident she will be home in a few weeks.
I got sent home from hospital Friday afternoon to return later that night with mild contractions!! 20 hours in labour ward! But got there in the end and natural vaginal delivery.
I've got an infection from my waters breaking early so had a raised temp throughout and went seriously high after she was born. I am still in hospital on antibiotics and monitoring. Seems so strange to have gone through all that and not have her here with me but I know she is in the best place and I can go visit at anytime.

 

[Tink_0123]

Congrats Firehol!! Very happy to hear shes doing great, ull have her home very soon.. Glad ur doing ok, hope that infection clears up soon.. Hopefully u can post up some pictures of the baby soon.. Best of luck

 

[AmyLouise89]

I haven't felt baby move except once about 9am this morning..I did take 2 pain pills at 10am, could that be why no movement? I'm trying not to freak out..I'm just used to past several days its been moving constantly & now don't feel anything.

 

[lch28]

congrats firehol!!

amy - you are 17 weeks right ? hun its much too early to feel regular movement. even at 18 -21 weeks i went times where i didnt feel him. baby most likely is kicking towards your back and you cant feel it. docs dont do kick counts till 28 weeks also

 

[AmyLouise89]

Ugh now I'm puking guts up..cant even keep water down or cran apple juice down...just tried a popcicle..& its different than morning sickness..no nausea..it just suddenly hits me & all comes up. could vomitting be a symptom of bladder infection?

 

[lizziedripping]

Hi Amy Hun, more likely sickness is a stomach virus. Winter vomiting bug rife at the moment, and you've just been in hospital where it's particularly bad. No threat to the pregnancy, but it is important to keep hydrated with frequent but small sips of water. Should be gone within 12/24hrs

As for reduced movement, as Ich said its still early and movements do come and go day by day. There are days when you won't feel much at the moment, but from 20wks on you'll get much more regular, consistent kicks and punches xx

 

[lizziedripping]

Congratulations Firehol What a fab weight for 33wks - Amber should do really well. Take care and get better soon xxx

 

[lizziedripping]

Everybody else ok? Xxxxx

 

[angel229]

Congratulations firehol x x x

 

[lch28]

Hi Lizzie! how are u? I am good. I have GD so i am trying to get used to this diet never realized how many carbs i eat!

Lately ive been feeling kind of like there is something down there, almost like a tampon. do you think its worth calling my doc about tomorrow? i see him friday

 

[Prayerfulmom2]

Ugh now I'm puking guts up..cant even keep water down or cran apple juice down...just tried a popcicle..& its different than morning sickness..no nausea..it just suddenly hits me & all comes up. could vomitting be a symptom of bladder infection?

Pain medications usually cause nausea in many and vomiting as well. My patients usually complain of vomiting after pain meds../ very common. Drink fluids. Eat light but often. Hope you feel better.

 

[Prayerfulmom2]

Hey Lizzie. I'm doing better. Having family over and company really makes a difference. I get a tightening in my abdomen after inurinate as soon as I lay down And it resolves quickly. I wonder if its a contraction or just the baby balling up. It doesn't hurt at all. I do feel some pressure when I stand but not like something is falling out. Maybe it's just he baby weight? Hopefully so and it's not that " silent funneling " you talked about. I'm happy overall. I finished my antibiotics are done. So I'm left with the progesterone, nifedipine and prenatals. God is good . I hope this week flies by! V day is Thursday!! Anything I should bring up to my OB on my appointment on Tuesday. Any advise or wArnings a this stage ladies....? You guys are pros!