Incompetent Cervix - stitch/cerclage - threatened labour

[ccb725]

vasu: Congratulations! your baby is beautiful. So sorry for all your nursing issues. Breast milk, cabbage and lanolin are all great options. Hope that they're working for you. I nursed both my boys. 1 for 1.5 years & the 2nd for 3.5yrs (yes i know a loooong time but he had down syndrome & leukemia). I can honestly say, once they latch on correctly, the pain goes away.

Mich: I'm still hanging on here!

gracie: I'm at 37 wks and I came to this board @ 22 wks, 1.5 cm dilated and funneling. I was given so little hope by all of my drs. I stayed on complete bed rest until week 35. There is hope and the support here is priceless!

My update....37 wks 2 cm dilated, no longer funneling and cervix looks long and hard! Looks like we'll make it to our section date of March 7.

 

[berryblue290]

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

My doctor would not put it in after 24 weeks, but I dont know about others. I think they don't do it very late because of infection risk.
i went to my 34 week appt today she is measuring 5lbs3oz so right on track, her head was very far down and they couldn't get a cervix measurement but I guess it doesnt matter at this far anyways!

 

[Susanah]

Lizzie - Thank you. xx your words, along with Helen and others, have kept me going and been such a support during this time. I don't know how to express how much it has helped.

Mommy's Angel - Being terrified at 6 weeks is normal once you have had a loss. It will continue throughout the pregnancy to an extent but you must try to take comfort from the many experiences shared on this forum and see that we can get through this challenging time in our lives. As mentioned above, I was in a real state when I first found this place, absolutely terrified. But each day gets easier and each day gets closer to the dream. Times that i found the most difficult are anniversaries, dates connected to previous pregnancy etc

There are a few different types of stitch, main difference being cervical vs abdominal. im not the best to advise as I have only had macdonald stitches, which is around the neck of the cervix closing it all up so it cannot dilate. I have, however, had two. I had cervical incompetence diagnosed on my first pregnancy and had a stitch put it at 15 ish weeks once i already had changes. I had also been on long term antibiotics and was very thin, working very hard and generally run down. I carried on working afterwards and got swine flu, probably from a patient. (I work on intensive care). This was about week 18/19. I then got candida (yeast) in my blood and this infected the cervical suture and membranes and the baby died about week 21/22. my body was not able to fight the infections.

Before this pregnancy I took fluconazole (anti-yeast) every time I got my period, and when the stitch was placed. I have also placed anti-fungal pessaries vaginally every week since the stitch and made my other half take oral fluconazole every week. this cannot be taken in the first trimester but can cautiously in second. I waited til 14 weeks,rather than 12/13 for my stitch for this reason.

GBS is group B strep which is a commensal in 30% pregnant women, meaning its part of the natural bacteria in the gut and vaginal tract. It can cause some problems, usually normally at delivery. If there is a foreign body in the cervix - like a stitch - it can flare up and cause preterm labour. For this reason I have had antibiotics at time of stitch and also at week 18 when I started with contractions in this pregnancy. I had 24 hours of iv antibiotics and things settled. Since then, as I said, have had braxton hicks contractions daily.

I believe it is vital to be cleared of any infection before they put a stitch in you. You will prob be offered a Macdonald if this is your first stitch and its a singleton pregnancy but they do things a bit differently in the states versus the UK.
Make sure they swab you frequently and give you the appropriate cover, be it antibiotics/antifungals or whatever, around time of stitch.

my personal opinion is that your loss of the mucus plug is unrelated to the erratic driving described but its impossible to say. They usually go for a reason, based on hormonal changes and it can be a sign that baby is distressed or on its way out.

Risks of cerclarge - infection, failure, bleeding, risks associated with anaesthesia.

Every pregnancy is different and every management plan is different... try to read as much of this forum as you can, as it is really helpful. The women on here have often experienced the great sadness that you have and its incredibly comforting to see their successful journeys and ways of coping with the fear.
ask as many questions as you wish and good luck.

Susanah

 

[Mommy's Angel]

Lizzie - Thank you. xx your words, along with Helen and others, have kept me going and been such a support during this time. I don't know how to express how much it has helped.

Mommy's Angel - Being terrified at 6 weeks is normal once you have had a loss. It will continue throughout the pregnancy to an extent but you must try to take comfort from the many experiences shared on this forum and see that we can get through this challenging time in our lives. As mentioned above, I was in a real state when I first found this place, absolutely terrified. But each day gets easier and each day gets closer to the dream. Times that i found the most difficult are anniversaries, dates connected to previous pregnancy etc

There are a few different types of stitch, main difference being cervical vs abdominal. im not the best to advise as I have only had macdonald stitches, which is around the neck of the cervix closing it all up so it cannot dilate. I have, however, had two. I had cervical incompetence diagnosed on my first pregnancy and had a stitch put it at 15 ish weeks once i already had changes. I had also been on long term antibiotics and was very thin, working very hard and generally run down. I carried on working afterwards and got swine flu, probably from a patient. (I work on intensive care). This was about week 18/19. I then got candida (yeast) in my blood and this infected the cervical suture and membranes and the baby died about week 21/22. my body was not able to fight the infections.

Before this pregnancy I took fluconazole (anti-yeast) every time I got my period, and when the stitch was placed. I have also placed anti-fungal pessaries vaginally every week since the stitch and made my other half take oral fluconazole every week. this cannot be taken in the first trimester but can cautiously in second. I waited til 14 weeks,rather than 12/13 for my stitch for this reason.

GBS is group B strep which is a commensal in 30% pregnant women, meaning its part of the natural bacteria in the gut and vaginal tract. It can cause some problems, usually normally at delivery. If there is a foreign body in the cervix - like a stitch - it can flare up and cause preterm labour. For this reason I have had antibiotics at time of stitch and also at week 18 when I started with contractions in this pregnancy. I had 24 hours of iv antibiotics and things settled. Since then, as I said, have had braxton hicks contractions daily.

I believe it is vital to be cleared of any infection before they put a stitch in you. You will prob be offered a Macdonald if this is your first stitch and its a singleton pregnancy but they do things a bit differently in the states versus the UK.
Make sure they swab you frequently and give you the appropriate cover, be it antibiotics/antifungals or whatever, around time of stitch.

my personal opinion is that your loss of the mucus plug is unrelated to the erratic driving described but its impossible to say. They usually go for a reason, based on hormonal changes and it can be a sign that baby is distressed or on its way out.

Risks of cerclarge - infection, failure, bleeding, risks associated with anaesthesia.

Every pregnancy is different and every management plan is different... try to read as much of this forum as you can, as it is really helpful. The women on here have often experienced the great sadness that you have and its incredibly comforting to see their successful journeys and ways of coping with the fear.
ask as many questions as you wish and good luck.

Susanah

Funny you mention infection...went to my appointment today and guess what?! I have bacterial vaginosis AGAIN this pregnancy. I'm freaked out and just praying anything foreign in my body would be gone and that I would have a healthy uneventful pregnancy with healthy baby(ies) in October.

Since I can't have flagyl until second trimester, I've been prescribed clindamycin during pregnancy which seems to have no birth defects while using. It's had studies for a long period of time so that puts my mind at ease. Also, my OB's office said their on the ball with my past medical history concerning Jackson and since we know already they are able to get it early.

Monday I go in for another beta and I'm thinking maybe Thursday they'll let me have my first sonogram so we can see how many are in there and make sure we hear heartbeats.

I bet your right about the Mcdonald cerclage. That is if there is only one in there. So it looks as though I have to share with them that I need meds for both bv AND yi BEFORE having the cerclage right?! This all looks so complicated but I'm willing to do anything to keep this pregnancy and this baby(ies) safe.


Here we go... I'm a wreak and just pray I get through this. I don't know if I could handle another second or even first trimester loss. It would absolutely put me over the edge I'm trying to trust solely in God here since I can't control the outcome. God is good. When I am weak, HE is strong and to HIM be the glory.

Thank you so much for responding. Finding this thread means so much to me.

 

[gracie1214]

Hi to Mommy'sAngel, JakenElliesMa, and Chockie and any other newbie I may have missed.
My name is Laurie and I am also new....I just introduced myself a couple of pages back. I am at about 23 weeks now (will be on Sunday)....and was found to have a shortened cervix with funneling...I am going to the doc today for an update measurement and I am SUPER nervous right now....fingers crossed I don't get hospitalized like two weeks ago. No cerclage for me...just bedrest and progesterone...berryblue...i am gad to hear you made it without the stitch, it gives me hope.

JakenElliesMa...it sounds like we are a the same week and in the same situation....hopefully we can keep each other company.. How did your appointment go with the MFM...as I said above, mine is today. Hope you get some answers about bedrest.

Chockie...How different is the prescribed treatment. My cervix is about the sam e as yours and they said you could keep working and no bedrest. I was told immediately no working and complete bedrest (I do get up to use the restroom)...I was told no stitch after 24 weeks, but maybe your doc has a different approach.

Mommy's angel...just wanted to answer your mucus plug question. That is actually how we found my short cervix...i lost part of my mucus plug went in and they found my shortened cervix. They said not to worry because the mucus plug can regenerate...Not sure if that helps.

Susanah...Congrats on making it to 34 weeks...you are my inspiration!

Sorry if I missed anyone, but I want to start getting ready for the doctor-which takes for ever as I have to do everything laying in bed.....
Happy Friday.
Laurie

 

[gracie1214]

CCB
Sorry I missed you....thanks so much for the encouragement! Congrats on making it full term.....I hope I can do it too.
laurie

 

[ejsmom]

Susanah - Congratulations on making it to 34 weeks.

Gracie - Good Luck today.. I hope it hasn't changed..

BerryBlue - Congratulations on your baby weighing over 5 lbs.. that's excellent.. She's in a good in a good place..

Myself- doing okay..bored already. I can't stand seeing something that needs to be done and needing to wait for someone else to do it.. I will adjust.. End goal!

 

[lizziedripping]

Mommy's Angel - I had BV at 22wks in the twin pregnancy, had antibiotics 3wks after diagnosis (due to an admin error), and it didn't cause any problems at all. It was explained to me that they're not yet sure if BV itself causes preterm labour, or is a possible complicating factor only after the cervix has begun to dilate - chicken and egg. It is felt that the latter is the case - the infection is harmless unless it travels north into the uterus once the cervix is open and the barrier to infection gone. Try not to worry hun - I was a nervous wreck throughout my pregnancy, and really wish now I had been able to relax and enjoy it................hindsight is a wonderful thing, benefit from my positive experience x

Stitching after 24wks is deemed less important, because if you have made it that far and the cervix is still "holding" then it is likely that you will continue to do so. After 25/26wks the baby is larger, and IC less of a threat. If the cervix does dilate without contracting (true IC), then it will only open to 3cms. To open further it has to be under the influence of strong, regular contractions (labour).

Besides the infection risk of an open cervix and its associated problems, baby cannot easily slip thru a 3cm dilated cervix as it can before 25wks so IC is no longer a risk to the baby after this point. Stitching therefore is considered unneccesary and not beneficial.

Going into labour after 25wks is a seperate issue related to other complications in pregnancy, and is risk (albeit a small one) to ALL pregnant ladies. Apart from my weak cervix, I had no other complicating factors, so once that was sorted my pregnancies were straight forward (it didn't feel like that at the time tho ).

The "good" thing about IC, is that it is strictly a mechanical problem, and as such can be fixed. PROM, and preterm labour are more difficult to predict and manage, and sometimes no one knows why it keeps happening to some women

MommyA - I had a shirodkar stitch which is sewn thru the vaginal walls and bladder, and is positioned much higher up the cervix. It was brilliant, and held in a total of 16Ibs of baby! It is crucial in women with IC and carrying twins, or those with IC which presents itself very early on in pregnancy i.e. before 18wks, but generally the Macdonal, placed electively is good enough. That and plenty of rest and relaxation of course xxx

 

[Mommy's Angel]

Mommy's Angel - I had BV at 22wks in the twin pregnancy, had antibiotics 3wks after diagnosis (due to an admin error), and it didn't cause any problems at all. It was explained to me that they're not yet sure if BV itself causes preterm labour, or is a possible complicating factor only after the cervix has begun to dilate - chicken and egg. It is felt that the latter is the case - the infection is harmless unless it travels north into the uterus once the cervix is open and the barrier to infection gone. Try not to worry hun - I was a nervous wreck throughout my pregnancy, and really wish now I had been able to relax and enjoy it................hindsight is a wonderful thing, benefit from my positive experience x

Stitching after 24wks is deemed less important, because if you have made it that far and the cervix is still "holding" then it is likely that you will continue to do so. After 25/26wks the baby is larger, and IC less of a threat. If the cervix does dilate without contracting (true IC), then it will only open to 3cms. To open further it has to be under the influence of strong, regular contractions (labour).

Besides the infection risk of an open cervix and its associated problems, baby cannot easily slip thru a 3cm dilated cervix as it can before 25wks so IC is no longer a risk to the baby after this point. Stitching therefore is considered unneccesary and not beneficial.

Going into labour after 25wks is a seperate issue related to other complications in pregnancy, and is risk (albeit a small one) to ALL pregnant ladies. Apart from my weak cervix, I had no other complicating factors, so once that was sorted my pregnancies were straight forward (it didn't feel like that at the time tho ).

The "good" thing about IC, is that it is strictly a mechanical problem, and as such can be fixed. PROM, and preterm labour are more difficult to predict and manage, and sometimes no one knows why it keeps happening to some women

MommyA - I had a shirodkar stitch which is sewn thru the vaginal walls and bladder, and is positioned much higher up the cervix. It was brilliant, and held in a total of 16Ibs of baby! It is crucial in women with IC and carrying twins, or those with IC which presents itself very early on in pregnancy i.e. before 18wks, but generally the Macdonal, placed electively is good enough. That and plenty of rest and relaxation of course xxx

Thank you for all this information. We're supposed to have our first ultrasound next week. I was on injectables and had three mature follies when I finally got pregnant. I'm told I "could" have multiples. I'm kinda wondering as I had a positive test around cd11, my boobs were big and I already felt my belly getting harder as well as the nausia. NONE of which I had until much later with my son. Though I hear that it can happen quicker after the first pregnancy. While I'd be excited to have multiples, that will make me even more of a high risk so I'm just taking things day by day and crossing that bridge when we get there.

The wealth of information I've gotten here with you all so far has been such a blessing! I don't know what I'd do if I haven't found this thread. It's helping me understand BEFORE it all takes place and equipping me with questions and information that I may not have had before. In fact, Susanah brought up her significant other having to take meds for infection. I NEVER thought of that, but my husband has been itchy and adding cream and powder. Here I am taking meds for BV and is it even possible he can get BV and Yeast Infection and we're just passing it on to each other?! So now I have to wait until monday to bring this up to my OB. Will THEY write him a prescription or will he have to have HIS dr. write one, and for which issue?!

CRAZY. I never really knew that would be an issue. Had I NOT been lurking in here, I don't think this would have caught my attention.

Lizzie, I hear you about finding JOY in the pregnancy. I've actually been keeping myself distant from being excited. It's just AWFUL. The fear has really paralyzed me and I KNOW this is not a spirit from God. This is another gift and I'm supposed to find the joy and RELAX. I think once I finally LET go and know that I can't control this outcome only God can, it may get easier to deal with. I feel so hard-headed at the moment. It really is frustrating.


Thank you again everyone for the warm welcome and the awesome information you've shared.

 

[lizziedripping]

Hi MA. Your fear is understandable and tho it is easy for me to say relax, it is impossible for you to feel it!!

I too spent my pregnancy in a state of terror - each night in the second/early third trimester I cried, absolutely convinced my boys were going to come early. I just could not imagine another NICU journey like the last, nor face the thought of losing them It was a living nightmare...............you do not need to explain your feelings my sweet.

I know only too well that the journey you are about to embark on is frightening, uncertain and will test your resolve to its limits. All I can say is that when you do make it (and you will), the reward is incredibley therapeutic, and for us IC ladies a gift beyond measure that helps to ease the tremendous pain of our previous experiences and losses. I only hope that by sharing my story, it might serve to reassure and help you and others to relax at least in part, so that you get to enjoy your pregnancy as you so deserve.

Having twins has been the best thing that ever happened to me and my family MA. I was anxious that my IC would mean losing them early on, but with the Shirodkar, and almost total bed rest I didn't. THey were huge for twins, but still the stitch worked. I felt every day from stitch placement like I was going into labour, but was told this is normal with twins - and apparently it was.

I must warn you tho, twins was like nothing I had ever experienced before with my singletons, and unfortunately the pregnancy mimicked my daughters untimely arrival at 24wks with the constant pressure, cramps and BH contractions The extra weight of twins has all kinds of weird physical effects, and for someone convinced they are gonna have another preemie, only serves to fuel the paranoia. That said, you have me as a reference piont, and I can assure you, the stitches do work, especially when placed electively and bed rest is also key in helping to take the pressure off the cervix.

However many babies you find you are carrying hun, we are here to help and reassure, and to tell you that you CAN do this, and a yr from now you will be holding your healthy baby/ies safe in your arms. xxx

PS - symtpom wise, I didn't have more pregnancy symptoms than with my singleton son, and actually had less than with my singleton daughter - with her I was sick day and night. My pregnany test was positive 8dpo, but it had been with my singletons too. Really there were no clues it was twins, except from 8wks I had LOTS of pressure in my tail bone, and everything felt really heavy down below. Even from then I couldn't walk very far without feeling like the babies were falling out!!! That was unusual, and I thought a sign that my cervix was even more incompetent. In fact it was because there were two on board xxx

 

[gracie1214]

just got home from the doc...and it went as well as it could go...no significant changes. So, cervix essentially same length, no dilation, no change. My doc said he couldn't be happier. So i guess i will be happy too...
I did get some info to pass on...my doc agrees with lizzie that an incompetent cervix is really only a concern until 25 weeks...after that, pre term labor is the main concern--which would be a concern with anyone who is pregnant.
Also, he quoted a recent study in which 60% of women with incompetent cervix who had no treatment (no cerclage, no progesterone, etc) made it to term. He basically said that he just went to the annual MFM conference and a huge part of the conference was talking about how basically they don't know that much about how an incompetent cervix works...they feel like it can't all be about weight of baby because women with quads can have a long cervix the whole pregnancy...
Also, for anyone in the states, my docs office just found out today that now that the progesterone shot is fda approved the shot has gone from $20 a shot to $1,040 AND it now can no longer be administered at home...luckily i bought a bottle that should last me awhile so i won't have to worry, but if you are about to get a prescription for the shot...keep the new info in mind.
Anyway, hope you guys are doing well!
laurie

 

[Mommy's Angel]

just got home from the doc...and it went as well as it could go...no significant changes. So, cervix essentially same length, no dilation, no change. My doc said he couldn't be happier. So i guess i will be happy too...
I did get some info to pass on...my doc agrees with lizzie that an incompetent cervix is really only a concern until 25 weeks...after that, pre term labor is the main concern--which would be a concern with anyone who is pregnant.
Also, he quoted a recent study in which 60% of women with incompetent cervix who had no treatment (no cerclage, no progesterone, etc) made it to term. He basically said that he just went to the annual MFM conference and a huge part of the conference was talking about how basically they don't know that much about how an incompetent cervix works...they feel like it can't all be about weight of baby because women with quads can have a long cervix the whole pregnancy...
Also, for anyone in the states, my docs office just found out today that now that the progesterone shot is fda approved the shot has gone from $20 a shot to $1,040 AND it now can no longer be administered at home...luckily i bought a bottle that should last me awhile so i won't have to worry, but if you are about to get a prescription for the shot...keep the new info in mind.
Anyway, hope you guys are doing well!
laurie

Are you speaking of the progesterone in oil shot? That's been around a LONG time, I wonder why now they raised the price?!

Luckily my husband is an RN at the only high risk hospital here. While my last visit with our son wasn't a positive one with night staff, the blessing of it all is that all my healthcare is taken care of. If I need to spend time in the hospital it's free, any labs done there or procedures done there are free as well. We use employee pharmacy and I couldn't imagine how much the PIO would be. Usually with top range it's around 20.00 to 25.00. Knowing what you have said makes me wonder and I'll probably call the pharmacy on monday just to ask so we know in case we actually need it.

Lizzie, thanks again for kindly sharing your own story. This is so helpful to me and puts my mind at ease even with multiples. I kept saying I'd love them, but thought it was already a downward spiral. It's good to know that there are good chances to come through safely with healthy babies if indeed we find we have more than a singleton in there. One or more than one, it doesn't matter because all we want is a healthy baby to hold and care for.

Our due date is 9 days before our son Jacksons birth and angelversary. I thought it would be hard, but in fact, I think it will bring more joy. I try to look at things as though with our son we're going to see him again. He's in the garden with Jesus running around waiting for us. We'll one day have an eternity to hold him and love on him.

Also October is our favorite month. Here in Central NY the leaves turn just beautiful around here. We love apple picking time and pumpkin picking time. Fall is just our favorite month.

Interesting you also mention the lower back pressure. I had that with Jackson and I REALLY have it now. I feel as though I have to poo all the time. (sorry for the tmi) Or it feels as though I have a poll up my bum. By any chance, do you have a tipped uterus? I was told I have a tipped uterus and that may be one of the many reasons it took us 8 years to conceive. It may even be the reason I never literally saw a period very often. I just wonder if there may be a correlation between a tipped uterus and IC. It really IS the weirdest thing. I had 23 hours of back labor with Jackson Jeffrey. The difference this time around is not only am I feeling the odd back pressure, but I also feel the pulling in the front pelvic area which I hadn't felt at all in my first pregnancy. None of it really makes sense to me.

The annoying part about me is I'm a "gotta know" kinda person. I want to know WHY these things happen and WHAT is happening. I guess I want to "know it all". Realistically I don't know, may not know and am NOT in control of everything. So this is where I'm finally just giving it a rest, leaving it all with God and I thank Him for bringing me across this thread because instead of googling which can lead to becoming a crazed crying maniac, I have women who've actually been there and can honestly share their stories while helping me through.

I'm feeling a bit of a safety net. It brings me great peace to know I can relax.

I look forward to getting to know you all and once again thank you for sharing your own stories with me.

 

[mich1365]

ccb...You did it! Its been a long road I know and you can be relieved, finally. I wish you a quick, easy birth and a healthy little one. Will be anxiously awaiting the news!!!
Laurie...very interesting post. Glad it was a main conference topic, as it deserves a lot of attention for sure. All my peri's kept saying how little is understood about cervical issues.
Jen/Rainbow Gift...Hoping for an update on the twins and how you are doing

So many new members here since I gave birth Jan 7th, all experiencing the fear and frustrations...I wish you all the best and think you will have it, given the stats here, just regret that you are all in for the same dreadful pregnancy I experienced. I imagine the answer to almost every question you have had or will have is in this thread somewhere, since we all had them too. Be strong knowing so many have done it!!!

 

[lizziedripping]

MA - I do have a tipped (retroverted) uterus as it happens, but my first two children took a month to conceive, and the twins just a few months, so can safely say it never affected my fertility. Also, I had my first child at full term (39wks) weighing over 9Ibs. It was his traumatic birth which tore and subsequently weakened my cervix. WHen the stitch was placed in the twin pregnancy, the consultant said it was very floppy despite it being long and closed at that point (12wks). It should of course be firm like the tip of a nose at that stage in pregnancy, and explains why it "gives way" as the pregnancy progresses. It is felt that it was left damaged by the cervical tear (it is comprised of muscle after all) and can no longer support a pregnancy without assitance.

Gracie hun, Your consultant mentions that IC may not be entirely to do with the weight of a pregnancy because some women carry quads succesfully. I'm not sure what he means by that because it is true that in the majority of women, the weight of a pregnancy (even multiples) does not affect the cervix, and it is labour which softens and effaces it. Those women do not have IC however, and their cervix behaves as it should. The point about IC women is that their cervix is often atonal and weak, thus not withstanding the weight of a growing baby, and therin lies the problem.

Twins are more commonly born prem due to the body going into premature labour, and NOT IC. Prem labour is triggered in multiple pregnancy for other reasons related to the body "thinking" it is time to give birth due to increased uterine size etc. Any woman with IC is at risk of prematurity - with twins and more the loss would likely occur earlier on in the pregnancy (16wks vs 24wks).

A shirodkar stitch incidentally offers an overall tension to a weak cervix, and as in my case gave it the tone it previously lacked. It then behaved more like a "Normal" cervix. Glad everything is looking good for you Gracie - rest hun and you'll see your cervix gain length overnight - literally xxx

 

[HelenGee]

Hi all,
Just a quick one - ej's mum, I totally understand your vent and was feeling the same way about not having any more children. I thought I was being a bit selfish, but couldn't help feeling that I didn't want someone o tell me that I wouldn't be able to carry another baby. I don't think I could go through that trauma again, but my one concern with the horrible labour and prolapse I now have is that my cervix is irrevocably weak, even more than a cerclage and progesterone could strengthen. That makes me feel worried that I will be told that another child is a no go, even though I think we're done. It's a bit irrational of me, ut I really really felt your anger xx

Laurie -glad all was stable for you, keep hanging on. What your doc said was interesting, but ic is different for each lady treated for it, and is further complicated by the separate issue of prem labour. Trouble is no one really knows what they're dealing with until it's either being treated or the pregnancy is over.

Mommy's angel - I don't ave a tipped uterus, not according to early scans anyway, but I felt that rectal pressure from about 8 weeks, like I constantly needed a poo or something was pushing on my back and bowels. I struggled to walk some days and this coincided with a mucousy bleed, which I now know to be my plug as my cervix gradually gave out under the growing pressure. This pressure continued on and off until week 20 when the problem was finally noticed. I always felt less pressure when I had a huge blob of discharge come out, it was probably the pressure easing as my cervix gradually shortened ad gave way. I had no trouble conceiving, in fact Bella wasn't planned! However, I was convinced that this pressure was due to a tipped uterus until the scan showed otherwise. I really hope you make it, the ladies on here are simply amazing and got me through the worst, darkest days. I'm lucky to have found this support. Xx

Sherri - I wouldn't waste your time at the local hospital. Go with your ob on this one, they will treat you without delay and you will have more confidence that they will look after you properly. You have done so much to make sure you get the correct treatment, i would go to the best hospital as it's a short term stay in the grand scheme of things . Goid luck, been thinking of you lots and hoping that it's all going smoothly for you. I hope you're right and the heart problem is nothing serious xx

 

[berryblue290]

Mommy's Angel - I though it might be something with uterus' and IC too because I have a bicornuate uterus, meaning it is heart shaped, so interesting to see other women have abnormal uterus'

 

[Lucy28]

Sorry to invade this thread but I was wondering if anyone could help. I have had 2 miscarriages so I am very paranoid. I have been having this sensation in my cervix that is sort of like sexual arousal, but for no reason. It feels like it does when I am at my most "horny" during my cycle. I am worried this could indicate a problem with my cervix. Does anyone here have any advice?

Thank you!!

 

[Mommy's Angel]

Sorry to invade this thread but I was wondering if anyone could help. I have had 2 miscarriages so I am very paranoid. I have been having this sensation in my cervix that is sort of like sexual arousal, but for no reason. It feels like it does when I am at my most "horny" during my cycle. I am worried this could indicate a problem with my cervix. Does anyone here have any advice?

Thank you!!

Funny you mentioned this. I just read in Dr. Oz's book You having your baby, and he mentions that sex can sometimes cause contractions. Maybe that's what your feeling?? I'm sure others will come along and share their own knowledge with you, but since I came across this in my reading, I thought I'd let you know. I think I remember it saying that it can happen druing sexual arousal and will go away. That to me may be an indicater NOT to have sex if your having it. Just my opinion though.

 

[Mommy's Angel]

Mommy's Angel - I though it might be something with uterus' and IC too because I have a bicornuate uterus, meaning it is heart shaped, so interesting to see other women have abnormal uterus'

It is quite interesting.

 

[lizziedripping]

Lucy hun - don'r worry. Increased sexual arousal is very normal in pregnancy, and not necessarily an indicator of a changing cervix. Increased pressure, like the feeling if LO head bearing down, and bulging is the main symptom of IC. It is sometimes advised that women with IC refrain from orgasm and sex during pregnancy, but this is not proven to prevent IC, nor is it a direct cause of premature labour. In your case, it probably just hormones and increased blood flow to the area, all normal. If your miscarriages were first trimester, then that has nothing to do with IC hun - relax x