Incompetent Cervix - stitch/cerclage - threatened labour

[mich1365]

Vasu--She is such a little doll. You must feel you are in heaven. Many congratulations to you and your family!!!!

Helen- Me too. My toddler now throws things...everything. I feel the regular guilt of having to give much of my attention to a newborn, and on top of there is the guilt from not having been his full mom for 4 months and wanting to make that up to him by being "fun". Cant be fun when I am breastfeeding and holding the baby all day, as the baby cries when I put him down. Two is so hard!

Gracie- From what I always understood, preterm labor is another thing caused by unknown factors. Giving birth pre-term due to ruptured membranes is another thing, though often with the same outcome...an early baby. That is what happened to me..but not until week 36! That said, most of us here made it with the same daunting diagnosis at your gestation, so I hope you gain strength from that. Best wishes. You found the right group of girls to vent to and ask questions
xo
Michelle

 

[lizziedripping]

Hey Sherri - glad baby is behaving himself at the moment, but sorry to here about your heart issues I hope you're instinct was right, and it isn't anything too serious?

As for hospital choices, I would definitely go for hers - I personally wouldn't risk the terrible mistakes and inertia of your local place again hun. It may seem like a million miles away, but it's such a short period of time to be away balanced again the benefits of being with clinicians who sound like they know what they're doing. Take care xxx

 

[Susanah]

Vasu - congratulations. Very happy for you. lovely pics
Helen - Hi, am ok thank you. Just been a bit quiet doing some horrendous medical postgrad exams - they are over now and im starting to relax a bit. Got to 34 weeks yesterday and still pretty twitched about things, but counting down the days til my section (25). So hope everything goes ok. We had the anniversary of losing our little boy 2 days ago. A mixture of feelings and sadness, but mainly seeing how far we had come in a year, how much stronger we were and how much we have learnt through all this. Glad Isabella's doing well. Lovely name.
x

 

[gracie1214]

Thanks so much for the warm welcome and encouragement....i need it....
Also want to say congrats to all those who have had their beautiful babies....great to hear all success stories.
Day 14 of bedrest and i am hanging in there! My husband is home with me which actually makes it a thousand times better....he does everything he can to entertain me (Legos, art projects, movies)....
The worst part so far is the gas...eating all my meals laying down is totally destroying my insides..
I do worry about my husband getting burned out...we know NOONE in this town. We just moved here in September and so have no friends or family anywhere near us. My parents came out with my initial diagnosis and attempt at surgery (cerclage) but flew back home when my uncle died (they aren't having the best month). What things did you do to help your wonderful partners out?
Physically, besides the gas, I feel fine. It's weird to think my cervix could be shrinking and opening right now and i would have no idea. I have my doctors appointment this Friday and sooooo don't want to get hospitalized. The hospital is 1 hour away--bigger hospital, better Nicu, etc. So just trying to be positive and hope that Friday goes okay..
i'm off to watch HGTV--my favorite which keeps me entertained at night.
Thanks again for letting me vent...and congrats again to all those who have had their babies.
laurie

 

[Vaudha]

Thanks everyone for the wishes. Would have never done without your support.

I am sorry I am not able to come everyday to check how everyone is doing. I guess after few days once me and my baby (thinking of naming her "Sanvi") settle down with each other, I should be able to come regularly. Meanwhile I will be thinking of all of you and wishing all well.

I am facing problem with breast feeding. Sorry for TMI but my nipples HURRT
a loooot I am feeding her each time she demands but sometimes they hurt too much to even feed her and I feel so bad. She is learning to latch properly though. I was wondering whether I can use breast pump in times where I am having real lot of pain but I am full of milk to feed her. Is that a good Idea? I heard that using breast pump eventually stop the milk production. Is that true?? Plss help .....

Love
Vasu

 

[RachaelS]

Afraid I haven't caught up with what's going on with everyone here - though Vasu congratulations! The reason I'm not up to date is because my little man arrived on 11/02/11!

Toby came very quickly, I started contracting at 10:00, got to hospital at 2:30 and he arrived at 5:30pm. Everything went very well until the end and then unfortunately I tore almost from front to back so had to have 40 stitches and we were only allowed out of hospital yesterday! Typically, I managed to deliver him only on 2 paracetamol but then had to have an epidural for my operation to stitch me back up!!

Vasu - I've been having feeding problems too but more getting him to latch on as he had to have a bottle while I was taken to theatre after his birth. It's difficult, but I am discovering that now I'm home and trying more often, I am not as sore. A good tip I've found is rubbing your breast milk over your nipples after feeding really helps

Lots of love to all - how are you getting on?

Rach.xxx

 

[lizziedripping]

Vasu - I expressed milk for 6 months for my second child whilst she was in intensive care. My milk was plentiful for that time, and I never had any problems with supply. I recommend expressing atleast 4 times a day, and if you don't want to do it during the night, just make sure you do it as late and as early as possible. I would just express off as much as possible in each sitting.

Expressing is time consuming but I managed to fit it in and among breast/bottle feeds with the twins too. As for latching on, section babies are notoriously tough to get latching to begin with - one of my twins was. Just perservere hun, it can and does happen, but sometimes takes some getting used to for both you and baby Please ask if you need any more help xxx

 

[MikaylasMummy]

Thanks everyone for the wishes. Would have never done without your support.

I am sorry I am not able to come everyday to check how everyone is doing. I guess after few days once me and my baby (thinking of naming her "Sanvi") settle down with each other, I should be able to come regularly. Meanwhile I will be thinking of all of you and wishing all well.

I am facing problem with breast feeding. Sorry for TMI but my nipples HURRT
a loooot I am feeding her each time she demands but sometimes they hurt too much to even feed her and I feel so bad. She is learning to latch properly though. I was wondering whether I can use breast pump in times where I am having real lot of pain but I am full of milk to feed her. Is that a good Idea? I heard that using breast pump eventually stop the milk production. Is that true?? Plss help .....

Love
Vasu

i am sure that if u only express when ur too sore to feed it wont have any affect on ur supply.they always say it does but i never had any problems!have u heard of nipple shields?maybe u could try giving them a go they protect the nipple a little bit and take away some of the sting.we hav them in all pharmacies here but if u cant find them there maybe try ebay.xx

 

[HelenGee]

Laurie - keep thinking positive thoughts. My hubby was great during bedrest. My head was in a very dark place for the first month and just having him to talk to got me through the worst. This forum also really helped as well as lots of comedy tv as I couldn't focus on reading too well. As for ruptured membranes, my consultant told me after stitch removal that membranes are more likely to rupture when exposed, therefore a shortened dilated cervix may cause the membranes to drop down, become exposed, then rupture. Both my labours began with waters breaking (1 without known ic, 1 with). Both times I quickly dilated with few contractions, the first the the contractions weren't strong enough, the second were thick, fast and very strong. I have everything crossed for you, stay strong hun xx

Susannah - glad you're Ok, it must have been a very difficult few days. I'm so looking forward to you having a healthy, term baby. So glad you're trying to relax a little xx

Rachael - huge congrats! I'm sooo pleased for you. That's a quick labour for a first baby and I sympathise with the stitches. I had an episiotomy as 8 pounds of chunky baby was too big. The little cherub even managed to pull my insides out with her as I now have a uterine prolapse. I'll forgive her anything though! It's weird as I spent 20 plus weeks feeling like my insides were falling out, thinking that by February I'd feel more comfortable. No such luck. Enjoy your little boy , you deserve it xx

Thanks Michelle and Nikita, I kind of expected the toddler tantrums, it's just hard to deal with when you've got your hands full. Bella's a bit of a grouch some days and just wants cuddles and comfort.

Vasu - rubbing milk on your nipples does help. Sorry, I bottle feed as I really struggled with Oliver's breast milk jaundice. I think perseverance will pay off but I'm no expert. So glad you're all ok xx

 

[MikaylasMummy]

https://i444.photobucket.com/albums/qq163/im_nikita/P1150830.jpg

just thought id share an updated pic of koby now he's a big 3months old!!he is HUGE!!but so cuddly

 

[Mommy's Angel]

Thanks everyone for the wishes. Would have never done without your support.

I am sorry I am not able to come everyday to check how everyone is doing. I guess after few days once me and my baby (thinking of naming her "Sanvi") settle down with each other, I should be able to come regularly. Meanwhile I will be thinking of all of you and wishing all well.

I am facing problem with breast feeding. Sorry for TMI but my nipples HURRT
a loooot I am feeding her each time she demands but sometimes they hurt too much to even feed her and I feel so bad. She is learning to latch properly though. I was wondering whether I can use breast pump in times where I am having real lot of pain but I am full of milk to feed her. Is that a good Idea? I heard that using breast pump eventually stop the milk production. Is that true?? Plss help .....

Love
Vasu

Try putting cabbage leaves on your nipples, it's suppose to take the pain away. I've also heard utter cream does it too, but not sure you get it where you are. I'm told that having a beer a day produces milk. I saw it on a show on tv where the nanny gave a star a glass of beer. I was pretty stunned, but it's supposed to produce breast milk.



AFM
I'm new in here and just lurking for now. My name is Rebekah and I'm 36. We found out we're pregnant on our 10 year anniversary last week after a second trimester loss.

I'm in my first trimester and only 6 wks right now. After losing my son at 22wks gestation, protocal will be to have a cerclage at 13 or 14wks. The fear of getting through the first trimester and then again praying the cerclage will work while keeping out bv has me on edge.

Will I be on total bedrest? Will I be able to sit up in bed, get up to pee? Does it hurt to have the cerclage put in? These are all concerns I have.

 

[Susanah]

Hello, welcome and congratulations.
I had a loss at similar gestation to you, about a year ago.
Now at week 34 with second pregnancy, a little girl, all seems to be going well, despite being a stressful pregnancy!
Cerclage was placed at 14 weeks after nuchal fold check at 12 ish. Also have GBS so have had a combination of antibiotics and antifungals to prevent infection.
I was on semi bed rest for first few weeks and then able to do most light activities. Was told I could return to work if I really wanted (I am a doctor) but I decided not to, due to my own anxieties and wanting to keep the pregnancy as safe as possible. I believe it was the right choice and have worked at home during the pregnancy with no clinical duties.
I was able to do quite a lot once past the first 4-6 weeks, walking, shopping etc but have had a large number of braxton hicks daily since about week 18. I have not done anything strenuous and have rested a lot, for the first time in my life! At first I really restricted what I did, but still spent most my time during the day at my desk working or in bed, reading.
It doesnt hurt having the stitch put it. I have had 2 and neither of them hurt. I had a spinal for both and slight backpain for a day or two afterwards. You may get conflicting information as it depends on what type of stitch you will be having. However it should not be painful.
Hope this helps and good luck.
Susanah

 

[ejsmom]

Two days ago my cerclage was placed. I am actually happy about it. Now I feel like I have a significant possibility of reaching full term. * Keeping fingers crossed * I am on bed rest now for a few days and then doc said I can go onto light duty...

Here's my minor vent.. (minor today) When I went into my procedure, a student resident anesthesiologist went and asked me questions. She told me she was a student and she was assisting the anesthesiologist. She never said she was the one sticking me.. ERRRR!
She did it wrong.. first I felt shooting pain down my left, then the anesthesiologist tried fixing it..pain down my left.. OUCH! Took it out, and replaced it.. It was fine the second time.. WTH! Now, I have a huge bruise on my back.. it actually is bothering more than the cerclage..

Whatever now anyway... at least thank God my back doesn't hurt. I have back problems as is... I told them too..

Even though, I was planning for this to be my last pregnancy.. It really sadden me to hear from my MF doc that this definitely should be my last pregnancy. I hate to know that I really don't have a choice..if somewhere down the line I changed my mind.. 3 is more than enough..but we all change our minds depending on what's going on in life.. I can't risk my well being for the possibility of another child..plus I am putting my existing children at risk..What kind of a mom would that make me? A selfish one.. My cervix is pretty scarred which is making it hard for a cerclage to be placed.. What kind of mom would I be to my existing kids if I get negative consequences from that pregnancy.. either on myself..or the baby? No more kids for me...

Sorry done venting..complaining..

 

[berryblue290]

I did not get the stitch because I was too far along when they realized I had a short cervix, but I definitely would recommend it as you can continue doing light activities. I have been on bed rest since 22ish weeks and just getting off next week, so I would say go for it especially since you are still early.

 

[JakenElliesMa]

Hi ladies,
Wow, I just spent the last hour or so reading through all the posts in this thread. Amazing.
I'm 23w4d by the most conservative count, 24w1d by early ultrasounds. Last Wednesday, the 9th, I was admitted to the hospital with possible preterm labor. I had irregular contractions, and on internal exam my cervix felt short. They kept me over night, and on Thursday morning I had an ultrasound to measure baby's growth as well as cervical status. Little girl has been borderline IUGR since 19 weeks, and her growth percentile, especially with abdominal circumference has been falling (on Thursday was below 8th percentile)
My cervix at 19 weeks was 4.2cm, on Thursday it was 2.5-2.8cm, with funneling. They kept me in the hospital for a week, and yesterday discharged me with orders of strict bed rest, only allowed to get up to use the washroom. Yesterday they did another cervical ultrasound, and it was down to 2.1cm, which they called a negligible change over the course of a week. Today I have an appointment at the maternal fetal medicine clinic for another detailed ultrasound, and cervical check. My care is being transferred from my ob to the perinatologist, so they're starting at square one with my assessment tomorrow. I really, really hope they don't insist on hospital bed rest, my ob made it seem like I would have to advocate strongly to be allowed to stay at home on bed rest. I know they're going to talk about the possibility of progesterone treatment, and will start ffn tests weekly. I can't have a cerclage due to a low-lying placenta. Bed rest is pretty much my best bet to make it as far as possible. With DS I went post dates with no problems at all!
I've seen so many doctors over the past week, who all have really different opinions (complete bedrest until she's born, preferably in hospital rest to couch-potato rest, but still able to care for myself). UGH. Hoping the MFM gives me good answers tomorrow.
Hope you don't mind if I join this thread, you ladies seem to have so much knowledge!

 

[chockie]

Hi, I've also just read through all these posts and am in a similar situation to you, JakenElliesma.
My cervix measured 3.5 at 19 weeks then 1.9 at 23 weeks, I am on progesterone pessaries but they said i could carry on working (i work with horses) and just carry on as normal, they are scanning me again next week at 25 weeks to check it hasn't shortened more, if it has they'll put a cerclage in then. It seems for similar situations we're being treated very differently,I'm not criticising either approach but it's interesting, I have lots of confidence in my consultant but he doesn't seem to advocate bed rest, I've decided to stop work and put my feet up as much as possible anyway,I don't want to feel i haven't tried everything i can, I'm hoping the progesterone does the trick, they don't seem to be worried about doing a stitch at 25 weeks, i've got the impression that some consultants won't do it that late!!

 

[lizziedripping]

Jakeenelliesma, chockie and mommys angel welcome to the thread - we are so willing to help and advise so please feel free to ask us anything any time. Please PM me direct if you need support, this thread is now so big that I struggle to keep up with all the new faces, and would hate to think I am missing a question I really don't mind any time, and I've been there so can really speak from the heart AND experience.

EJs mom, glad you got your stitch hun adn totally understand how you feel about not having more kids. I too think the twins are my last, but would hate it if someone said absolutely that I shouldn't have any more I don't like to think that's it for me, but then feel terribly selfish that I would even consider putting myself, a baby and my children through the stress of another "high risk" pregnancy again. I must be mad to consider more...............good luck hun, and you know where I am xxx

Susanah - I am thrilled to see you are still doing so well with your pregnancy. Just think where you were 15wks ago and how frightened you were.............I know only too well how convinced you are at that stage that you won't make it safely to 28wks, let alone full term. How wonderful then that you are only now weeks away from holding your beautiful full term baby girl - I never stop thinking about you and the journey you've been on. I can't wait for your day to come xxxxxx

 

[chockie]

lizziedripping (and many others), I've noticed you give a huge amount of support and info on this thread. since i added my post i've trying to find out what the latest they will normally put a stitch in is, I'm not finding much at all on the subject. I'll be 25+1 next week when they scan me and make a decision, the consultant also said they wouldn't be doing it that day.so i figure i'll be around 26 weeks when/if they do it, do you know anything about putting a stitch in so late?
thank you for being so generous with your support

 

[chockie]

ps. ej's mum- i also totally understand how you feel.I have 3 children already, this is my 1st high risk pregnancy and i can't put any of us through it again. good luck to you x

 

[Mommy's Angel]

Hello, welcome and congratulations.
I had a loss at similar gestation to you, about a year ago.
Now at week 34 with second pregnancy, a little girl, all seems to be going well, despite being a stressful pregnancy!
Cerclage was placed at 14 weeks after nuchal fold check at 12 ish. Also have GBS so have had a combination of antibiotics and antifungals to prevent infection.
I was on semi bed rest for first few weeks and then able to do most light activities. Was told I could return to work if I really wanted (I am a doctor) but I decided not to, due to my own anxieties and wanting to keep the pregnancy as safe as possible. I believe it was the right choice and have worked at home during the pregnancy with no clinical duties.
I was able to do quite a lot once past the first 4-6 weeks, walking, shopping etc but have had a large number of braxton hicks daily since about week 18. I have not done anything strenuous and have rested a lot, for the first time in my life! At first I really restricted what I did, but still spent most my time during the day at my desk working or in bed, reading.
It doesnt hurt having the stitch put it. I have had 2 and neither of them hurt. I had a spinal for both and slight backpain for a day or two afterwards. You may get conflicting information as it depends on what type of stitch you will be having. However it should not be painful.
Hope this helps and good luck.
Susanah

I just want to thank you for your post. I'm terrified at the moment. At 6wks, we all know about getting through the first trimester, but then, with a preterm birth in the second trimester, it really makes things so difficult to be positive when you always have in the back of your mind "what happened last time". I'm trying to take everything minute by minute, hour by hour and day by day.

I'm wondering a couple things you mentioned. What is GBS? I had Bacterial Vaginosis and yeast infections. Guess what? I'm having itching again and am being tested tomorrow morning to see if it's YI or BV. It scares the pants off me because after losing my mucus plug the last time, the BV has access and that's how my son came full force because the amniotic sac was bulging. So when I think of dealing with yeast or BV again. It scares the life out of me

Next, I noticed you mentioned there are different types of stitches. Whats the difference?! Is one better than the other, is one done over another depending on the circumstances in the cervix?


Finally, this question is for anyone that may be familiar. I lost my mucus plug on the road after my fil kept slamming on the breaks with road rage. We had to make him stop at a rest stop where I lost a clump. The nurse practioner I saw the following day told me all was well and I was FINE. Never given an antibacterial suppository nor a cerclage which if she had listened to me, may have given my son and I more time and he "may" have survived.

After testing the placenta, they found nothing wrong with exception to BV and inflammation. They had no reasoning behind anything else. Later, I had a Dr. tell me that when a mucus plug is lost, if bacteria is there, it will get up there and cause EXACTLY what I had. Before he could tell me anymore with my next appointment, he closed up shop and said he lost his license. (I've had a NIGHTMARE with OB's since I was pregnant with my son in 09')

What I'm also wondering is whether an incompetant cervix could cause the mucus plug to give way so freely. Was it REALLY my father in law slamming on the breaks as I had my seatbelt on in the backseat OR could it have been an incompetant cervix which someone caused the mucus plug to give way?!

Just wondering if anyone has any input on that question I have in my mind.




Another question I have is what are the risks of having a cerclage in? Is it possible that some women don't make it to term and what are the reasons it happens??

Thank you all for your kind responses.