Incompetent Cervix - stitch/cerclage - threatened labour

[shanny]

Day l- ovely pics

sunny - all good news

Faibel - I would speak to someone gp/mw/old consultanat/ I hate it when I do not see my consultant.......how can they treat you if they don't want to touch you?? Is your sticth gonnas take itself out!!

katyb - bestwishes hope they come up with a reassuring plan

 

[jessiemum]

Awwwww da6 your boys are just too gorgeous x

 

[faibel]

Day l- ovely pics

sunny - all good news

Faibel - I would speak to someone gp/mw/old consultanat/ I hate it when I do not see my consultant.......how can they treat you if they don't want to touch you?? Is your sticth gonnas take itself out!!

katyb - bestwishes hope they come up with a reassuring plan

I've left a message with my old consultants secretary and she was horrified, so it will hopefully get sorted out. Some doctors need to improve their bedside manner or even general social skills!

 

[Twinkle 3]

I'm just wondering if anyone knows the answer to my question, lizzie I'd be grateful if you could answer aswel.

My stitch was placed before any changes to the cervix was made at 14weeks, every time my cervix has been checked by scan or speculum it's always been long and closed which is obviously a good sign but now I'm starting to think about getting to the end of my pregnancy and stitch removals in 4weeks time.

Does any one know if my cervix will be shortening and softening towards the end of my pregnancy like it would in a normal pregnancy or will mine still be long and closed at 37weeks asthe stitch is holding it closed? Will this make my pregnancy longer as then once the stitch is removed my cervix has to start changing?

I'm quite confused and really don't want to go over due as I am in a lot of pain as it is, I can't wait for my baby to be here so I can stop all the worrying I am doing

Any knowledge will be great

 

[jadey_fae]

Totally agree Fabiel, most docs need to have a better manner and more tact! Glad your scan was good.

Day, beautiful boys!

Sunny, u must be so pleased your little man is doing so well. Love the name btw. The nicu is tough but keep coming on here if u need to vent. Looking forward to your updates. How are u? Recovered from your Csection?

Lizzie, What is the IC worry zone? Does it refer too when baby is still small enough to 'slip' out?

 

[jadey_fae]

Good question twinkle. I can't help and I am at the opposite end to your situation. I had hardly any cervix left and was expected to funnel down to the stitch quite quickly. We need Lizzie!

 

[Twinkle 3]

Also faibel you have the right to choose the care and care provider you want, I have refused certain ultrasound techs, midwives and registrars due to very bad experiences I had with them. Now I only see and listen to one midwife, my consultant and one ultrasound tech, so I'm not been passed about and having lots of different peoples opinions. There is some medical staff that arnt even caring and I have no idea why they are in the proffesion they are in.You need people you trust and whi genuinly care, I felt bad at first refusing people but I think I'm doing the best for my baby by making sure I get the best care

 

[Twinkle 3]

Jadey The stitch must be very very strong as my cervix hant even budged a little. I can really see myself going over due. I should have really asked my consultant when I saw him but now next time I see him will be stitch removal

 

[jadey_fae]

Aaaahhhhhhh. Thats such an exciting thought! I'm getting nervous about having it removed now. Only 7 weeks for me. Even less for you!

 

[jadey_fae]

Or maybe at the same time (ish) mines coming out at 36 weeks

 

[Twinkle 3]

I'm getting really excited about stitch removal but also really impatient lol. I know pregnancy is 40weeks long and I'm so grateful for making it this far but I feel like I have been pregnant for ever, I'm not moaning.. Honest lol. I just want to meet my little boy. It is nice to know though Pregnancy is coming to an end soon, especially after we sat worrying about getting past 24weeks

 

[shanny]

I have no idea what my cervix is doing but out of my pregnancies those with the earliest stitch lastest longer term and 5 over due but I never have contract on own but waters go and then have to be induced

but I guess everyones cervix will behave differently

 

[lizziedripping]

Thanks for replying.
I think one of the main things I find hard to deal with is that I didn't have any major symptoms last time. It was all a bit vauge I keep saying to OH.H that at least if I'd had a mega bleed or my waters had gone in M&S I'd know what I was looking for! I had a bit of genereal discomfort and was carrying very low compared to this time but no heaviness or inclease in discharge or leakage of waters or any normal classic IC stuff. I started having contractions about 2 days before I went in to established labour but they were all in my back ( a bit like bad period pain coming and going) but as I couldn't feel any tightenings I just thought it was normal (first pregnancy) However when I was in labour it was obvious that that is what they were as even though they increased in strength they stayed in the same place throughout the labour. Also the day before I had them I lost my plug, which is what prompted me to go to MAU to get checked out. I think this is why my consultant doesn't think it was "Classic IC"
Oh well will have to hold out till tomorrow and see what they say, ATM I feel as physically as fine as it is possible to be when pregnant with twins and for the past 3 weeks have put myself on sort of modified bed rest (lots of lying on sofa and napping and not venuturing out for more than 2 hours a day)

Hey hun. I don't really understand your doc's statement that this is not 'classic IC'. Losing the mucus plug is inevitable with a silently dilating cervix as it is when it dilates in established labour. This happened at the end of a relatively short process of shortening and dilating, and your minimal symptoms were a greater indication of IC than anything else.

For some reason I can't really fathom, docs are so reluctant to acknowledge IC as a diagnosis, partly because it is very difficult to be definite about it as a condition, and because I suspect they are reluctant to treat it with a stitch - they lack in confidence about it as an effective treatment. Problem is, until it becomes a first line treatment option, proof of it's efficacy will never be established. Sooo annoying.

This time, it could be that your increased vigilance, rest and monitoring have been enough to make the difference. How did your appt go? Hooe you're ok xxx

 

[lizziedripping]

I've just had a nightmare appt at the hospital! Couldn't get parked close, so had a 15 min walk...start of my panic! Then a 2hr wait in an extremely hot waiting room, only to get a complete 'cow' of a registrar making me feel stupid for a) even bothering to try again after a loss b) for having a stitch with twins...apparently it doesn't work! and I got told I won't be seeing my consultant anymore as twin clinic trumps preterm, so I'll be seeing them from now on...what??! They are scared to touch me (due to stitch) and can't answer any questions I have regarding it!!!!!! Then to top it off got another 'lovely' sonographer who spent 10 mins scanning bubs in silence, so I was in a complete panic, to be told all was ok!! My heart was in my mouth to say the least! Sorry rant over but I'm fuming! Feel like complaining!

Furious on your behalf Faibel The reg was wrong!! Stitches do bloody work with twins, and I am living proof of that. This is an ill judged, inexperienced opinion held by many specialists who believe that twins are born prem for a whole host of reasons which a stitch alone cannot solve. My consultant agreed but said that eliminating the mechanical issue which an incompetent cervix presents at least takes that out of the equation as an issue. No it doesn't prevent prom or early labour for other reasons, but it does help to sure up the cervix under the enormous strain of two babies!! Rant over, stay strong sweetie

 

[lizziedripping]

I'm just wondering if anyone knows the answer to my question, lizzie I'd be grateful if you could answer aswel.

My stitch was placed before any changes to the cervix was made at 14weeks, every time my cervix has been checked by scan or speculum it's always been long and closed which is obviously a good sign but now I'm starting to think about getting to the end of my pregnancy and stitch removals in 4weeks time.

Does any one know if my cervix will be shortening and softening towards the end of my pregnancy like it would in a normal pregnancy or will mine still be long and closed at 37weeks asthe stitch is holding it closed? Will this make my pregnancy longer as then once the stitch is removed my cervix has to start changing?

I'm quite confused and really don't want to go over due as I am in a lot of pain as it is, I can't wait for my baby to be here so I can stop all the worrying I am doing

Any knowledge will be great

Hey Twinkle, hang in there hun, not long to go now

Your cervix will do everything it is supposed to do in late pregnancy despite the stitch. There are lots of processes in pregnancy which induce labour at the correct time and the only reason yours has a tendency to change early on is mechanical - opens under the weight of the growing baby. The stitch can prevent that from happening, but can't stop hormonal influences from your body and that of the baby. As you approach term your cervix should soften and shorten in prep for labour. When this happens is down to your physiology (and is different in every woman and every pregnancy).

Some IC ladies with already short funneled cervixes find that they labour quickly after stitch removal because those physiological changes have already induced the early labour process. Because no one is certain exactly why or how this happens in some women and not others, it's impossible to predict which you'll be. More often than not stitch removal does not affect this complex process and women usually go on to term - even if they are partially dilated.

The only time labour gets delayed because of IC is if there is cervical scarring
As a result of previous surgeries. It is then difficult for the cervix to dilate (ironically) even under the influence of strong contractions.

All in all you're likely to progress normally after stitch removal, unless you experience changes or labour symptoms before that point. With the IC taken care of you are at no real risk of early labour any more than other lady. I totally understand your need to get to the end sweet - IC pregnancy is long and arduous and leaves you wrecked!

That said, I'd aim to make at least 36/37wks mainly because babies are pretty much guaranteed to need zero NICU time after that point and brain development is now thought to be complete. My breech twin had a breathing issue at delivery which would have been a serious problem before 37wks but as it turned out required an hr of minimal oxygen at 38wks. Those extra few days in the womb really can make the difference. Lots of love xxxxx

 

[lizziedripping]

Totally agree Fabiel, most docs need to have a better manner and more tact! Glad your scan was good.

Day, beautiful boys!

Sunny, u must be so pleased your little man is doing so well. Love the name btw. The nicu is tough but keep coming on here if u need to vent. Looking forward to your updates. How are u? Recovered from your Csection?

Lizzie, What is the IC worry zone? Does it refer too when baby is still small enough to 'slip' out?

Yes honey, and when IC seems to present itself - i.e. if your cervix holds up through 18-25wks it is likely to continue doing so xxx

 

[lizziedripping]

Jadey - your cervix might well fully dilate at stitch removal (to 3cms that is) but this doesn't necessarily mean you'll labour immediately. Your body still needs to induce labour via the steps mentioned above to Twinkle. This is no more likely for you than anyone else unless of course the process is triggered in part by the dilation before or after removal. Wow, hope this is all making sense, hard to explain xxx

 

[HollyGo77]

Hello ladies, I have read through this thread from the beginning and would appreciate any advice or support.

I had a procedure on my cervix in 1996, plus 2 D&C procedures for lost pregnancies.

I started CL scans at week 14 where I had a measurement of 3.2, they were happy with is and told me to come back for the next at my 20 week scan. I was not happy with this and got an earlier appointment at 18 weeks- the measurement had gone down to 2.7 no funnelling.

Over the next week I was having feelings of pressure in my pelvis and a constant need to go to the loo, I went to EPU and insisted on being checked, as it was night time, they admitted me for a scan in the morning.

The scan showed 2.7 and very slight funnelling, the consultants offered me a stitch, monitoring, or progesterone and plastic pessary. They were not overly concerned but I was!!

We decided to place the stitch which happened that afternoon, and am now a week in and have been resting bed or sofa.

I have so many worries and concerns, any bleeding has gone now, and no pain, although the feeling of pressure is still there sometimes if I stand up for too long.

I am due to go back to work on Monday, I have a desk job so will be off my feet all day except to drive to work and back.

I seem to have lots of discharge and am scared that it is amniotic fluid, how can I find out?

Sorry for the massive post

 

[sunnylove]

Baby is doing so good! He is on high flow oxygen now (I believe it is the most unassisted oxygen support - but I could be wrong?) and barring some bachycardia, he's doing wonderful. He was under a blue light for jaundice for two days, but has since come off. I got to hold him yesterday for an hour while he fed and he was on room air the whole time. His brain scan also came back great! He is feeding now every 3 hours and really has had no problems! He's at 2lbs 1oz now but I know he'll put some weight back on soon enough. We are so blessed he is doing so well.

I have recovered well from surgery. Still on pain meds and still walking pretty slow, but I've recovered well.

I'm considering getting the transabdominal cerclage now that I've already had a c-section anyway. The doctors think if they put a regular cerclage in at 12 weeks, that I'll be fine, but I honestly question that since my cervix was SO SHORT. If it was short, but still between 1-2cm, I would probably be ok with a normal stitch. But since my cervix was so bad, I don't think placing it at 12 weeks would make a huge difference honestly. So I think the transabdominal could definitely be in my future...

 

[geordiemammy]

Sooo pleased he is doing so well little fighter x