Incompetent Cervix - stitch/cerclage - threatened labour

[Craigswife]

Monro, my hips were so achy when my spinal wore off, I asked the midwife on the ward and she said its common because your numb you can't feel them stretching you and pulling your legs around, also your legs are up in stirrups for the whole procedure, not a position you're normally in!
I asked what they use to be able to see the cervix, I was told its a bigger speculum than you'd have for a smear, obviously you can't feel it at the time but afterwards it's not surprising you're tender. I'm glad I couldn't see, lol!

Wunderful, that's great you've made it to 35wks, you must feel so relieved!

Twinkle, how are you feeling now you've reached 22wks. Hope you're doing ok

As for me, all about the same which is good, although I couldn't get comfy last night in bed, achy hips, but I think I ended up sleeping in an odd position and have achy muscles in my thighs today, lol! Good job I don't need to go out anywhere, I'm walking really funny!!
I've had a friend round this morning and was so refreshing to chat about other things and not think about my worries for a few hours. I'm back to work next week, so looking forward to keeping my mind busy, it helps the days go by quicker.

Hope everyone else is well xx

 

[Pink_Sparkle]

Hi girls I wondered if I could join this thread. I had an emergency cerclage on Sunday after dilating 2-3cm and loosing my mucus plug the day before. Im 20+4 and TERRIFIED. Im now home from the hosp on bedrest on antibiotics, Cyclogest (progesterone) pessarys and aspirin. Im trying to lay on the couch or bed as much and avoiding being on my feet as much as possible. My cervix is short and funneled at 1.6cm - im *praying* it holds for at least 24 days so we get at least get to viability.

I was just wondered if your girls could offer any advice or stories of hope etc.

Lots of well wishes to the other IC mummys on this thread xxx

 

[monro84]

Thank you your experiences make me feel better about the mucus situation. I had the stitch done yesterday. It makes sense that your body would try to get the forgin object out. I was just confused because I thought egg white mucus came from your cervix and I thought it was stopped up by the plug so the only egg white mucus that could comr out would be the plug

 

[jadey_fae]

Hi ladies. Am following the thread as I am worried I may have a problem with IC. I had a LLETZ for CIN3 2 years ago just after having my daughter. The LLETZ left me with stenosis from the scar tissue and my periods were unable to come naturally. For this I had a cervical dilation and my periods started again.
Fast forward to this pregnancy I have had spotting from the day I found out I was pregnant. Mainly yellow sometimes brown. Had lots of scans that reassured me baby was fine.
I pushed for the cervical scans as I was feeling so much pressure down there early on. I am 18 weeks now.
I had my first measurement done at 16 weeks. That showed a great 4.2 with no funnelling.
2 weeks later (18 weeks) measured at 3.5 with no funnelling. I know I am still within the normal limit but this seems like a big drop to me for 2 weeks.
In your opinion should I be concerned? I will be scanned again in 2 weeks. I am so scared I am going to loose this baby. Any reassurance, insights, opinions muchly appriciated

 

[Pink_Sparkle]

Hi Jadey_Fae, I cant offer much advice but ive been googling loads and alot of people say your cervix is dynamic so the length can change throughout the day - maybe its that?
I can understand your concern though. Has your doctor discussed you having a stitch as a precaution anyway? xx

 

[jadey_fae]

nope she said it was fine and brushed it off. Depending on the measurement in 2 weeks I will try to be more forceful!

 

[Hope2302]

@ wunderful, baby will be fine and I am nervous about the whole labour process. As for the stitch removal, it's not painful more like a smear test. All will be well.
@ Monroe. I did get the same colour of discharge you described and aches too. All the best and hoping your stitch holds up for a very long time.
@ pink, welcome. You are at the right place. I had my stitch at 21 weeks so similar timing to yours. A lot of women swear that the combination of the stitch and pessaries does wonders and I fully support this too as I had the stitch and cyclogest. Rest up and don't stress to much. It is easier said but all necessary precautions have been taken. Wishing you a long pregnancy.
@ jadey, hi! Would probably say wait till the next scan in 2weeks to see what the cervix measures. If its a lot different from the previous number, push for a stitch as 20 weeks is still a good time to still put it in. It is better to err on the side of caution. I hope all goes well with u.

 

[HelenGee]

Hi girls I wondered if I could join this thread. I had an emergency cerclage on Sunday after dilating 2-3cm and loosing my mucus plug the day before. Im 20+4 and TERRIFIED. Im now home from the hosp on bedrest on antibiotics, Cyclogest (progesterone) pessarys and aspirin. Im trying to lay on the couch or bed as much and avoiding being on my feet as much as possible. My cervix is short and funneled at 1.6cm - im *praying* it holds for at least 24 days so we get at least get to viability.

I was just wondered if your girls could offer any advice or stories of hope etc.

Lots of well wishes to the other IC mummys on this thread xxx

Pink- have some hope- my stitch went in at nearly 21 weeks, my cl was 13mm and was funnelling. I also had cyclogest pessaries, and with bed rest, made it to 38 plus weeks. Good luck, it can and does work, even as a rescue stitch x

 

[sweetbuthyper]

well i'm doing ok still baking think the cyclogest is still helping altho i come off that in 2 days little worried about that as i really don't want to start contracting again. i'm nearly 28 weeks tho and no sign hes gonna arrive quickly yet so fingers crossed i can last till closer to term with no stitch.

 

[Craigswife]

Pink Sparkle and Jadey Fae, welcome, you'll find everyone on this board so welcoming and helpful. There are so many positive stories which is reassuring when you're worried.

Pink Sparkle ~ I think the fact you have the stitch and the progesterone is really in your favour. I have heard so many positive stories about that combination, Hope and Helen are great examples of how far it can get you!
In my first pregnancy I began to funnel and shorten at 23wks and at the time my knowledge on IC was very limited, so was guided by my obstetrican, he decided he didn't want to risk stitching me and I was never offered progesterone, but made another 5 weeks on bed rest alone. So I think you should get further along. You are naturally going to worry, but you are doing everything you can, resting, taking progesterone, antibiotics and have the stitch. Everyone here will be here to support you through this difficult time x

Jadey Fae ~ I would push for a stitch if it looks as if your cervix has shortened at your next scan. As Pink Sparkle said the cervix can change quite a bit and from what I have learned it does naturally shorten as pregnancy progresses, i suppose its because its a muscle. It seems some obstretricans are pro-stitch and others not at all, but with your history it would make sense it put one in as its such a simple procedure.

Hope ~ Im just curious if your stitch was a preventative or rescue one?

Also ladies, is it normal to feel a bit of pressure when standing up? Ive had a bit today and cant decide if the pressure feels like its in my cervix or in my bottom??? Im fine otherwise, no pain or other worrying symptoms.

 

[jadey_fae]

I have constant pressure too when I am standing but also can't decide if it's my bottom or cervix.
I'm slightly concerned by the risks having a stitch in itself can cause (infection etc) Would love to talk to ladies that have had them.
If my cervix haven't shortened at my next scan would u still say push for a stitch?

 

[Craigswife]

Jadey Fae, I have a stitch in place for this pregnancy, because of what happened last time my obstetrician opted for a preventitive one at 14wks. I was really apprehensive about it, but it was really nothing to be worried about at all. I had it done under a spinal (if you read back a page or two we were discussing this yesterday), the spinal is fine, actually quite nice in a werid way! The whole procedure of putting it in only takes about 15 mins. Yes there is a slight risk of infection afterwards, but I think its fairly low, its like any kind of surgery I suppose, they all have risks. I was given antibiotics afterwards to take as a precaution, but was fine. I would certainly push for one, especially if you have had problems with your cervix.

 

[jadey_fae]

ok. I think I will push for one. I find it strange that the docs here are so un fussed by it all. I had to really push at them to even give me these scans. I don't think they will be keen to do it unless I loose more length.

 

[Pink_Sparkle]

Thank you for your replies, they are very encouraging and have given me hope. Im desperately trying to Keep Calm & Keep him cooking!

Me and dh are counting down the days till we get to 24 weeks - 24 days to go! I really hope our little rainbow can hold on - we only lost his big sister just over 7 months ago. She's been amazing as his guardian angel.

With regards to bed rest, how have you girls been doing it?? During the day I am reclined on the couch with my back slightly elevated - I do try and change positions often on to my sides and back etc. Is that suffice. Ive also constantly got a bottle of water by my side. Are you showering everyday or is that too much standing?

If anyone has any other resting tips that would be great. Thanks girls xxx

 

[Twinkle 3]

Hi Jadey and pink sparkle,

Jadey I'm sorry your In limbo worrying about your cervix, I hope it all works out for you, I find the hospital dosnt really help unless you push them, in my last pregnancy I was adamant there was something not quite right and my baby would be born early but the hospital was adamanent that there wasn't anything wrong and made me feel like I was crazy. It turns out I was right as I gave birth to my beautiful little boy at 22weeks but he didn't make it, if they only just listened to me, they could have got me a stitch in or took action which might have prevented him passing away. I wish now that I would have pushed the hospital more and not gave in. If your cervical length shortens any more then make sure they give you a stitch and don't take no for an answer, it's your baby so do what you think is right.

Don't be concerned about the stitch and it's risks. Everything has risks even by being pregnant. You have to be told the risks for legal reasons, just don't read them the risks of surgery are rare.

I had my stitch at 14weeks and it went fine, it was a quick and simple procedure, a little uncomfortable the day after but to be honest that was more from my back hurting with the spinal. You bleed after but that is completely normal and it's just a bloody mucus, that settles after a few days. I know it's alarming bleeding in pregnancy but it happens after the procedure and is nothing to worry about.

As for infection, I was given antibiotics to prevent anything infection forming


Pink sparkle you have been through a lot havnt you lately, bless you. I know what it's like to be in your position. I have 13days for this little boy to be viable, I don't want to lose another baby and it's the most scary time when your not 24weeks. Fingers crossed we both make it

As for bed rest, I was told by my consultant to carry on daily activities as normal as the stitch will hold... But I didn't listen and it's a good thing that I didn't as only last week he told me to rest!!

I get up have make my breakfast have a shower, laya round all day on the settee, I potter about the house but not on my feet for too long. Then I'll get another shower before bed... All while entertaining a 3yr old I'll add I was told rest as much as you feel comfortable.

CW I'm good thankyou, I feel good for making it to 22 weeks but also so scared as this is the stage where it all went wrong last time I also feel pressure and have achey hips and thighs, not to mention backache stomache.. The list goes on lol

 

[Twinkle 3]

Sweet I was so excited to see your update as we havnt heard from you in a while its nice to hear that your doing well! Your brilliant for keeping that little one cooking!

Your like a super hero lol

Wishing you lots of luck to make it to term.

Are you feeling less stressed and worried now your further on?

 

[jadey_fae]

Thank u so much for the advice. I hop they listen 2 me. I know they like to see u down to less than 2cm before they will stitch.
I have been trying to take it easy bbut like u Twinkle, I have a toddler to entertain. Does your other half work full time? Mine does. Finding it hard to find the time to rest etc

 

[Twinkle 3]

I hate that they take the wait and see approach before helping people.
I think my consultant was a little scared of me this time as I never take no for an answer now lol. My midwife laughs that I'm as qualified as her as I know tht much about pregnancy and cervixs

Yes my OH works full time, I find this hard as its a challenge to fully rest with having a toddler. I had to ask for my mum to come and help me take care of my daughter when my oh is at work, just so Im not alone and doing too much. I normally do everything for my little girl but I have had to pass this on her to her dad now so I don't really do much apart from make her breakfast as I'm on my own in mornings until my mum comes over. Then I'll take care of her by doing little things, such as I'll get her a drink when I get a drink, I'll go to the toilet myself when she needs the toilet just so I'm not up and down too many times then I'll sit and just do easy things like read books and watch DVDs with her. My mum and partner does the rest It's hard as i feel like a bad mum but i know it will be worth it in the end

 

[Pink_Sparkle]

Hi Jadey and pink sparkle,


Pink sparkle you have been through a lot havnt you lately, bless you. I know what it's like to be in your position. I have 13days for this little boy to be viable, I don't want to lose another baby and it's the most scary time when your not 24weeks. Fingers crossed we both make it

As for bed rest, I was told by my consultant to carry on daily activities as normal as the stitch will hold... But I didn't listen and it's a good thing that I didn't as only last week he told me to rest!!

I get up have make my breakfast have a shower, laya round all day on the settee, I potter about the house but not on my feet for too long. Then I'll get another shower before bed... All while entertaining a 3yr old I'll add I was told rest as much as you feel comfortable.

CW I'm good thankyou, I feel good for making it to 22 weeks but also so scared as this is the stage where it all went wrong last time I also feel pressure and have achey hips and thighs, not to mention backache stomache.. The list goes on lol

I feel heavy at the front in my lower tummy and every little twinge panics me!! Heres hoping we both continue onwards and upwards and make it to V-day!! My next hurdle for being at home is a bowel movement - im normally quite constipated and very nervous to go, im not gonna strain im just gonna wait....Sorry if thats tmi! xx

 

[Twinkle 3]

Pink sparkle i have been constipated quite a lot during this pregnancy, I'm struggling at the minute and I darnt push, I'm paranoid of pushing too hard and causing something to happen. I think incompetent cervix makes you so paranoid about every little thing.vaster my stitch placement I didn't go to the toilet until I loaded up on fibre just to ensure I wouldn't be straining

Every day I wake up and I'm analaysing every little pain or ache. Sometimes I have to just tell myself to relax and it's normal to feel aches as my whole body is changing. The pressure And heavy feeling you describe makes me feel like I darnt get up off the sofa.

Hopefully we will reach vday and we can relax a little