Incompetent Cervix - stitch/cerclage - threatened labour

[KrystalDawn]

Hi Everyone,

Im 18 weeks tomorrow with my preventative stitch. My one issue that i cannot seem to escape from is being plagued with thrush! I take creams and pessarys but i just feel like its still there or keeps coming back. Could this infect my stitch? Anxious times x

 

[Mommy's Angel]

Hi Krystal. I'm so unfamiliar with all this myself that I don't know the answer but wanted to share a hug with you. I KNOW there are others on here that are so much more knowledgeable and will come by to post an answer for you. I pray that your infection would heal quickly.


Lizzie. I'm such a basketcase. Can you believe I'm already thinking ahead?? Goodness I have to put it on the backburner and focus on THIS child first. I just want to thank you for your comment. The responses from all you women have given me such courage and backbone that I wasn't afraid to be firm at the recent perinatologists appointment. I was courteous yet FIRM. I said thank you but I will also be getting a second opinion.

Tomorrow is the second opinion and already I'm starting to feel a WHOLE lot better! I found myself on the phone with the rude records keeper for the hospital who said she'd send the records tomorrow sometime. I told her that my appointment was in the morning and If I hadn't gotten them I'd go DIRECTLY to the CEO of the hospital ONCE AGAIN since it was THEIR neglegence that caused the death of my son!! Needless to say, her sharp attitude changed to a nice one and I assured her I would be calling in the morning to be sure the records get to the office since I'm driving 2 hours away for my second opinion.

I also had my 1st appointment with the Dula today at our home. 2 hours later and I feel confident that I have someone who will advocate for the kind of care we want while also helping us through the emotional aspect of the birth and delivery of this new little one. She's going to meet with us a few more times prenatally as she said she is going to try to help me find some comfort and JOY with my new little one. I've kept such a distance that I'm afraid I haven't bonded as much as I did with Jackson. My heart hurts and I'm also afraid that upon birth not only will I be crying for this new baby, but all the feelings from the loss of my Jackson will come up. I'm concerned about post pardum depression, which she says she's going to watch closely post pardum and also help us through now and then. SO worth the money for the sanity. She said she'll be sure if we decide to stay with our local hospital that we won't have the same room and the new room will have a lamp, nice blankets and a few other details to make it feel like "Home". SUCH a relief I feel as though I can BREATHE with just a bit of comfort in all this. Tomorrows appointment will help me with a plan and hopefully set me at total peace so I am able to move forward and not only find JOY but also bond with my little one.

Lizzie. Thanks again about the mucus explanation. It's been one I keep watching for in the toilet as I've had a small amount and I've kept reminding myself it's normal. Your insight shows me all is well up there right now and praise God that I have no infection right now. What a relief since having the clindamycin at the 4th wk.

Love and to you all!!

 

[nkbapbt]

Hi ladies,

I hope everyone is doing well..sorry I haven't been around much, thank you for everyone who was asking how I was or sending out good vibes!

Sherri....where are you? How are you?

to everyone, needed or not! :wink:

Here is a link to my new blog if you are curious what's up with us....Blog

We have had a bumpy road. But baby girl is still hanging in there, by a thread! he he...I know I shouldn't joke, but you need to laugh some times too.

 

[Sherri81]

Hey everyone.

I am still here. Just got released from hospital yesterday, so I've been trying to just take it easy and esae back into a 'normal' routine. I'm just so exhausted at this point as sleeping in a maternity ward is not the best place at any time, but almost 3 weeks of it.... Whoa! Little to no sleep most times... And even just adjusting to regular food and regular amounts of food is something strange. Everything, no matter how little the portion size, makes my stomach feel streched. I am so used to eating on THEIR time schedule, what they fed, their portion sizes and lukewarm. So now pretty much everything makes me sick...

I had an ultrasound on Sunday afternoon. It was external, and on a very tiny screen, but she says it appears as though my cervix is still about 2.5cms long. She said even if she is out a bit (she was getting readings from 2.4-4, and we know there is no chance of a 4), there is still 'quite a bit of lenght' for someone like me. It is definatly over 1.5cm, there doesn't appear to be beaking or funnelling or dipping of membranes. She made me bear down a bit (which made me so nervous so I didn't do it hard at all), and she said there was no changes with that.

As far as she can tell there is good fluid volume, tons of movements etc... She said she couldn't be happier at how things are going. Of course, even though I have reached viability (which I don't talk about as its still not good enough), we are hoping for a bit longer. With every day I get nervous though because I don't know how to be pregnant after 25 weeks. Will I have the same signs of labour that I did with Devon and Greg? Will there be time to ship me out to a larger center? I don't know what to expect anymore...

So its just a confusing, worrisome time right now, even though I made it over the 24 week hump. I'm still worried and my main fears are that I won't know what early labour is now, and that I will miss a sign, and that the baby will be born up here without a chance of survival. So that is my main fear right now.

As for thrush/yeast infection... I have been suffering for almost 3 weeks now, as they decided to treat me aggressively at the hospital for PPROM, even though I obviously didn't have that. So for the first 48 hours that included 2 grams of ampicillin and 2 grams of erythromyacin by IV per day. After 48 hours, I had no more veins left and had blown too many, so they switched me to oral, 1 gram ampicillin and 1 gram erythromyacin a day. That is aLOT of antibiotics!! After the first 4 days, I was given diflucan by the on call OB, Dr Gill, as Dr Johnson was in Hawaii. It got rid of the major itch and burn, but you could tell it was on the backburner, still festering. He assured me it wouldn't harm the baby or cause preterm labour, it would just be uncomfortable for me. When Dr Johnson did come back I reported the yeast infection as it was getting worse again. She didn't agree with the Diflucan treatment, so she didn't repeat it, although she said she doubted his one time treatment at 150mg would have harmed me or the baby. She once again suggested a 1 day treatment of Monistat or Canestan. 1 day only, as she is worried about the transmission of other bacteria into my vagina if I went for the 3 or 7 day treatment.

I had used the 1 day Monistat ovule at about 19 weeks. It burned like someone had poured acid on and into my vagina. I honestly thought I had killed the baby or something as it hurt that bad. It did end up clearing up, but the pain was intense.

After being released from hospital yesterday, I purchased the one day Canestan tablet. Once again, I DID NOT use the applicator, I just used my finger to insert it a little ways in. I made sure to wash my hands very well, dry them with a hair dryer, and my pants and underwear were already down and the package was open before I washed my hands, so once I washed the only thing my hands touched was the sterile pill and my vagina. Transmission of anything would be very low. It never burned, and I didn't get much discharge like with the Monistat, so I honestly though it wasn't working. But today, I feel SOOOO much better. No itching or burning and minimal dicharge, and the discharge is just little crumbles of the remaining pill coming out. So I think the Canestan was way better for me.

I also eat Activia yogurt daily, although it hasn't been proven to help with yeast infections. I know it is helping my guts, which are pretty much devoid of bacteria after all those antibiotics. I also use a probiotic called RePhresh Pro B. It is supposed to help colonize the vagina with good bacteria. I don't see how the passage would be from intestines to vagina, unless some of the bacteria exits the rectum through wiping etc, and then lives on the skin and progresses into the vagina. I don't know... But it hasn't hurt and it makes me feel like I am helping.

I also don't wash with any soap when cleaning my genitals, just water. I then forgo the towel dry and just use a hairdryer on low to blow dry my genitals. I figure the less moisture there is down there, the better. And lets face it, a towel can be a hot bed for bacteria, AND you won't get it completely dry anyways. I have also switched to washing ALL of my clothes, and towels in a non scented, dye free detergent, with no fabric softener or Bounce sheets. As soon as I feel even a teensy bit of discharge, which, lets face it, we all get, I change my underwear instantly, so I'm not sitting in a moist environment. I weat cotten underwear only, no liners or pads, and when I am sitting at home, loose clothes and I make sure to leave my legs open as oppsed to crossed etc, to increase air flow.

It sounds silly the measures I have taken, but before they put me on that massive regime of antibiotics, I wasn't getting ANY signs of yeast, which I get lots of just on a general basis. So maybe one thing was working, or maybe it was the whole combo, I don't know. But it did help, and I have every reason to believe that now that I am just on 250mg of Erythromyacin daily, that I will get things under control again.

So good luck on that.

MA good luck on the 2nd opinion tomorrow.

Hello to everyone else!

I will be travelling to Vancouver from April 11-13 for all of my heart workups. Much later than we had hoped, as I have never been that pregnant before, but what can you do. The first day, I have 3 appts at St Pauls to check my heart. The next day I have 2 appts at BC Women's, one for a detailed ultrasound of the baby, and an echocardiogram of his heart. Third day is an MFM appt at BC Women's.

Hopefully things work out.

 

[Mommy's Angel]

NK, glad to hear baby girl is still doing well. I love the blog so far.

Sherri, I've been wondering how you were doing. My BV is gone now, I've had a little itching on the vaginal lips and started using monistat itching wipes and it's been working REALLY well. I go to bed in the buff to air it out and make sure no moisture gets in there. So far so good.

Please keep us posted with your appointments in the next few weeks. I've been praying over the heart issue as well as the bed rest you were doing. Hoping all will be well and quiet for the rest of your pregnancy.

 

[kimbotrav]

hi ladys i had vag and uterine sep resected august 2010 im now 14w5d and had my
first cervical scan 2day...im a little concerned as they said there is a line
of maybe liquid to the right going through my cervix but there not sure if its
funneling or not...i saw a doc not my specialist as she was away and he said to
come back in a week and we will see whats happened then and if its the same or
worse ill have to a a stitch...this is exsactly what sonographer wrote in my
notes...overall length approx 3.96cm initial assesment possible dynamic changes
noticed with an area of fluid approx 1.88cm extending from the internal os. this
may represent early funneling. if this is the case remaining cervical length
approx 2.08cm.

i am now worried as to weather i should be ok waiting to be seen in another week
and was wondering what ure thoghts were also if i do have to have a stitch do u
know what it involves thank you for reading im very confused and worried thanks
x

 

[lizziedripping]

Hi Kim. Do you have options open to you before your next scan? I.e, can you get a further scan before then, or push for a stitch in that time? Personally, if my cervix had funneled and shortened to 20mm by 15 wks I would be pushing for the stitch to go in sooner rather than later. Having said that, your clinician sounds very thorough, and not entirely certain that this is the case.

If it helps, at my 21wk scan with the twins, it appeared at first glance like my cervix had dilated entirely thru the stitch due an area of "gunk" (consultants words), cervical mucous which appears on scan like a big black hole - mimicking an open cervix. On further inspection and after a very tense few minutes, she realised she had got it wrong, and in fact could see a very thin, long closed line running thru this black space. That was my closed cervix. On scan the cervix is a thin line, when it funnels the top of the line is a v-shaped black space, much like the letter Y. Funneling is very clear, cervical mucuos can make the whole area unclear.

I think to see you again in a week is very good. There will still be time to get a stitch in at that point before dilation has occured. It is very rare for a lady with IC to dilate fully so early. If your cervix is beginning to show changes, then it is in its early stages. If you can request more action before then, then it can never hurt. If you can't then try not to stress too much - there's still time hun. In the meantime rest with your feet up as much as you can. I'm still not convinced your cervix is funneling chick - to do so at 14wks would be unusual xxx

 

[kimbotrav]

Hi Kim. Do you have options open to you before your next scan? I.e, can you get a further scan before then, or push for a stitch in that time? Personally, if my cervix had funneled and shortened to 20mm by 15 wks I would be pushing for the stitch to go in sooner rather than later. Having said that, your clinician sounds very thorough, and not entirely certain that this is the case.

If it helps, at my 21wk scan with the twins, it appeared at first glance like my cervix had dilated entirely thru the stitch due an area of "gunk" (consultants words), cervical mucous which appears on scan like a big black hole - mimicking an open cervix. On further inspection and after a very tense few minutes, she realised she had got it wrong, and in fact could see a very thin, long closed line running thru this black space. That was my closed cervix. On scan the cervix is a thin line, when it funnels the top of the line is a v-shaped black space, much like the letter Y. Funneling is very clear, cervical mucuos can make the whole area unclear.

I think to see you again in a week is very good. There will still be time to get a stitch in at that point before dilation has occured. It is very rare for a lady with IC to dilate fully so early. If your cervix is beginning to show changes, then it is in its early stages. If you can request more action before then, then it can never hurt. If you can't then try not to stress too much - there's still time hun. In the meantime rest with your feet up as much as you can. I'm still not convinced your cervix is funneling chick - to do so at 14wks would be unusual xxx

thnak you so much for ure reply i have been worrying all afternoon....they did say it was hard to tell the difference between maybe gunk or funneling so because they wernt sure and it didnt look to much of a risk they said to leave and see what the nxt scan shows and hopefully if there is a risk or its got worse they can place a stitch ill be 15w5d so he said enough time to fit the stitch im praying i go back tough and they say it all looks fine thnak you for replying tough u have set my mind at ease a little xxxx

 

[nkbapbt]

They also thought my cervix was actually wide open from the stitch up on my last scan, however I had a cyst which was mimicking funneling. I do have some funneling but not nearly as bad as first glance. I was told fluid, cysts and such (gunk) were often mistaken for funneling a lot.

I hope this helps.

 

[Mommy's Angel]

Well, the appointment with the second opinion proved to be disappointing. They looked at the records and basically said word for word what the current perinatologist said.

Though they don't know without a shadow of a doubt if it truly ISN'T Incompetant Cervix they say they KNOW without a shadow of a doubt that it IS Pre Term Labor and refuse to give me an early cerclage because they say it can disect the uterus if I start contracting with cerclage from PTL. I left pretty much in tears as I suspected much of this area's perinatologists agree with one another. There are no more options for me for other perinatologists.

I'm having a hard time bonding with my baby because I'm afraid I'll lose this one too. I'm afraid to love this baby. I DO love this baby SO much but this waiting to see what happens makes me want to put a wall up so I don't have to feel the same pain again. I don't even want to have the party this weekend for the family to even tell them. I just want to hide in the house until 36 wks if I can make it that far.

I have to trust in THE Great Physician, My Lord and Savior. The one who created me, loves me and created the child inside of me. We've done all we can and now it's just a matter of trustin Him now.

So, my next appointment with our current perinatologist is Friday. I should be having a cervical length scan then and every two weeks prior to that. At wk 16 they'll prescribe 17P shots to calm the uterus and I think I'll just put myself on bed rest with light duty for the remainder of my pregnancy.

I hope I will be able to get the compounded drug 17P as the pharmaceutical company has put a cease and desist letter to many local compound pharamcists so that they can release the drug which was usually 10.00 a dose to a now 5000.00 a dose and I'll need 20 doses. It's about 30k. If you watched NBC nightly news, you saw the drug first hand. Without this drug, the perinatologists will do nothing further to prevent what happend last time in any other way.

I feel so helpless and without safe choices. I'm at the beckon call of the physicians with the same fears of cerclaging.

 

[Sherri81]

Okay, so are they talking about rupturing your uterus if you go into Preterm Labour with a stitch in place? If that's the case, then they really only need to worry about that one with the Transabdominal or the Cervico Isthmic Cerclage. Both of those are placed at the highest point of the cervix, where the uterus ends and the cervical neck begins.

If you have PTL, what will happen is your cervix will not be able to dilate, and there will be no outlet for the pressure building up inside your uterus, because naturally, the pressure would find a release through the dilating cervix. So without a release, they fear that the uterus would rupture.

That was why I ended up shying away from both of those surgeries in the end.

But as you may remember, I had the McDonald stitch in place throughout my entire labour and delivery with Devon. The stitch was NOT removed until after she had delivered, and after she had died. I reminded them it was in there, which was when they chose to remove it. I still have an intact uterus, as you may have figured by now. My labour proceeded normally, but as contractions got worse and worse, I just tore a hole beside my natural cervical opening, and the stitch, and therefore my natural cervix, were pushed to the side. I did not rupture my uterus. I simply tore a new hole. Obviously not an ideal situation still, but its not a ruptured uterus by any means.

Now I have a modified Sharodkur, which is halfway up, and is done with Mercilene tape. They said they baby CAN'T come out through this, HOWEVER, if I do go into labour early with it in, it will tear when it comes down to it. The stitch itself may not break, but since it is only about 1.5 cms up, it can easily tear that much tissue if need be. That is way less than the 3.2cms I would have to tear through if I had the TAC or Cervico Isthmic. So yes, if it comes down to it, it will tear through instead of rupturing my uterus. But before it even comes close to that, I will be in extreme pain and I will be bleeding TONS!

So I'm not really sure why they are refusing the cerclage still...

And as almost anyone will tell you, its very hard to distinguish between true PTL and IC. Which comes first?? Does the cervix shorten and start dilating first without people noticing and then all of a sudden, at around 3cms dilation you start contracting, which is when people notice and they say you have PTL. Or do you start contracting first which causes the cervix to shorten and then dilate?

It seems like there is great confusion between the two, which is why it is hard to say for certain which is which, which is why it seems alot of people get treated for both.

For instance, with Greg, we are almost certain it was true IC. I started spotting at 24+0 exactly. It was light, so I didn't make much of it, but by 24
+2, it became bright red and there were membranes in it. I went for a scan and was just over 1 cm left in cervical lenght. Nothing like this had been noticed on my 21 week scan. I was in NO pain, however. So I had no idea why they were shipping me out so quickly. I had no pain in fact for the first 2.5 days that I was in Victoria. It wasn't until the 3rd day or so that I was there, that I started getting severe back pain and bleeding. But they never did check me again. It wasn't until the 4th day, I believe, that I had an ultrasound where they saw no fluid left and I was 2cm dilated, which was when the pain picked up dramatically. So really, all of the shortening and initial dilation, caused almost no problems whatsoever. NOW, if I had have just showed up at 24+6 when I really started having pain etc... they would never have had a number of scans showing how my cervix had changed, so they would have just said PTL. But because I went in when there was spotting, and because they performed ultrasounds, they realized I was shortening and dilating with no pain and little symptoms, just bleeding and mucous discharge.

Obviously, with Devon, the pathway was much different, with a severe infection causing contractions to begin which caused my cervix to change. Very different, and hopefully a one time only, situation.

So really, I don't know why they are being so strict in their classification of you. As for the P17 shots, have you ever thought about just using the Progesterone suppositories? I initially wanted the P17 injections as well, and I do qualify for them, however, they are only just being re tested in Canada, so there are only certain centers in which you can get them, with Edmonton and Vancouver being those places I think. I don't live in either, so I wasn unable to get them. Instead, I am using Prometrium suppositories, 100mg, 2x a day, inserted rectally. So far they have seemed to work for me, and for a 1 month dose, 60 pills, its about 90 bucks. So if the shots don't seem feasable, maybe look into this.

 

[Mommy's Angel]

Thank you Sherri.

I don't think they're just worried about rupturing alone. I know they both said something about the preventative MacDonald stitch Risks puncturing the rectum and or the bladder as well as in conjunction with the rupturing. As far as risk during labor would be tearing of tissue or amputation of the cervix from the contractions.

Whatever the case, I fought for the stitches and even asked them what the issue would be to give the stupid 17p injections in conjunction with the Macdonald stitch and then if it's really a big deal and I start feeling contractions to take the darn thing out? She said by the time I figured out I was having contractions and it was tearing through I may not get to the hospital in time and could possibly amputate part of my own cervix.

There is no possible way any of them will fold! Now I just have to have my cervix measured and hope if it truely IS IC, that they catch it in time. They're putting all they're flippin eggs in one basket thinking the 17P will stop EVERYTHING and will bring on a natural pregnancy.

I'm honestly scared, but the mere fact they all seem to be firm with no budging to my concern and need to have prevention with cerclage, I must fully trust that God will help us through. I'm SO frustrated with medical here. If I could get to NYC 5 hours there and 5 hours back, if I could filter through the Dr.'s that believe in preventative cerclages here....Now I sit here and wait. If anything, I'll put myself on limited daily skills and later on bedrest if they plan to only do the 17P.

Do any of you know anyone who had made it through on bedrest and 17p injections? I'm praying for a happy ending experience from someone.

My husband and I have decided that we're going to save our money and I think we're moving out of New York in the next two years. We're going to take some vacations and find a good hospital for him to work at, while also looking a good family locations as well as excellent prenatal and high risk care. In the meantime, I have to work with what I've been given right now. I'm going to try to get rid of this sour attitude and focus on loving my baby and pray that somehow we'll make it through this situation with a healthy, beautiful baby carried to term in October.

Also, You've given me hopefully an option I can use in the case the 17p becomes nonexhistant. We have to compound pharmacies that are carrying it but it's only a matter of time before they too receive the cease and desist letters from the dumb Makena pharmaceutical company. Did anyone see the NBC National News? Makena was actually on it. Hopefully the media will bring spotlight to it and they will work this issue out.

 

[kimbotrav]

hi i wrote on here yesterday the docs saisd i may have the beginings of funneling in the cervix but they wernt sure so i have another scan on wednesday but they said if i have any pain in the mean time to go up to meternity ward...well yesterday i had some uncomfy cramps and bit of pain in my back but it down to the internal scan but this morning im getting a pressure kind of aches and fullness along with some cramping im thinking maybe its because i may need a poo so i am waiting to go to see if it eases it but if it doesnt do u think i should go up the hospital?????? thanks just really dnt know what to do xxxxx

 

[lizziedripping]

Kim - always get checked if you have ANY doubts hun. That said, there are many pregnancy symtpoms which are normal, and most women don't even notice. Us IC ladies understandabley tend to micro manage every twinge, imagining it to be a sign of threatened labour or cervical dilation If nothing but to put you rmind at ease, why not go in? Remember tho hun, I was in tears daily, convinced I was experiencing PTL, and it never came to anything, nor were the symptoms affecting my cervix. Take care x

MA - I am dumbfounded hun. The extreme complications your docs talk about are rare, and virtually unheard of. PTL is a risk for us all, and after having the stitch placed, we all have to be aware for a few days of the slight risk of miscarriage. IF it does happen, the stitch can be removed before any tearing or rupturing. The biggest risk is tearing thru the cervix - this would leave you with lacerations which may compound the IC issue. As soon as preterm labour shows itself, then you get to hospital and the stitch is removed. As Sherri says tho, the stitch usually holds, and the cervix dilates above and below - it rarely tears thru.

I laboured for a week after the emergency stitch went in, I bled and had massive contractions. My daughter even pushed her foot thru the stitch. It still held firm, and had to be cut to deliver her head. There was no damage at all to my cervix - in fact the only damage which had occured happened during the "normal" full term delivery of my large first child. A much more common reason for damaging the cervix.

Damage to the cervix can happen for a myriad of different reasons, but it is rare. Having a cervical stitch placed electively is low down on the list of causes. There is a generally held belief that sutures often don't address the real issues for PTL, and so are a waste of time and resources at best, and at worst increase the threat of complications. I don't share this belief!

In my twin pregnancy, the threat of PTL was high for issues other than my IC, but that doesn't mean dealing with the IC was a waste of time - it eliminated at least one of those risks. Thankfully I had a doc who shared that belief.

I am so sorry you cannot get thru to your clinicians love. They seem resolute that your problems last time did not lie with IC. At this point I guess you have to move forward chick, and try to restore your faith in this pregnancy. Easier said than done I know.

The fortnightly scans are good, they will diagnose any potential issues in time to place a stitch, if it is necessary. After that, I cannot stress enough how valuable resting is - I am certain that's what got me thru to term. Sending you a big hug sweetheart. I know how terrified you are, but I also know that I have been proven wrong when my instincts were telling me I would loose my babies. Despite the stitch I was utterly convinced I wouldn't make it, but did. Keep in touch hun, we are here to help and support xxx

 

[kimbotrav]

Kim - always get checked if you have ANY doubts hun. That said, there are many pregnancy symtpoms which are normal, and most women don't even notice. Us IC ladies understandabley tend to micro manage every twinge, imagining it to be a sign of threatened labour or cervical dilation If nothing but to put you rmind at ease, why not go in? Remember tho hun, I was in tears daily, convinced I was experiencing PTL, and it never came to anything, nor were the symptoms affecting my cervix. Take care x

MA - I am dumbfounded hun. The extreme complications your docs talk about are rare, and virtually unheard of. PTL is a risk for us all, and after having the stitch placed, we all have to be aware for a few days of the slight risk of miscarriage. IF it does happen, the stitch can be removed before any tearing or rupturing. The biggest risk is tearing thru the cervix - this would leave you with lacerations which may compound the IC issue. As soon as preterm labour shows itself, then you get to hospital and the stitch is removed. As Sherri says tho, the stitch usually holds, and the cervix dilates above and below - it rarely tears thru.

I laboured for a week after the emergency stitch went in, I bled and had massive contractions. My daughter even pushed her foot thru the stitch. It still held firm, and had to be cut to deliver her head. There was no damage at all to my cervix - in fact the only damage which had occured happened during the "normal" full term delivery of my large first child. A much more common reason for damaging the cervix.

Damage to the cervix can happen for a myriad of different reasons, but it is rare. Having a cervical stitch placed electively is low down on the list of causes. There is a generally held belief that sutures often don't address the real issues for PTL, and so are a waste of time and resources at best, and at worst increase the threat of complications. I don't share this belief!

In my twin pregnancy, the threat of PTL was high for issues other than my IC, but that doesn't mean dealing with the IC was a waste of time - it eliminated at least one of those risks. Thankfully I had a doc who shared that belief.

I am so sorry you cannot get thru to your clinicians love. They seem resolute that your problems last time did not lie with IC. At this point I guess you have to move forward chick, and try to restore your faith in this pregnancy. Easier said than done I know.

The fortnightly scans are good, they will diagnose any potential issues in time to place a stitch, if it is necessary. After that, I cannot stress enough how valuable resting is - I am certain that's what got me thru to term. Sending you a big hug sweetheart. I know how terrified you are, but I also know that I have been proven wrong when my instincts were telling me I would loose my babies. Despite the stitch I was utterly convinced I wouldn't make it, but did. Keep in touch hun, we are here to help and support xxx

thnak you so much for ure reply i went and i have a bad uti so at least its easily treated xxxxx

 

[Mommy's Angel]

Thank you lizzie. I'll keep everyone posted as time goes on. It's time to "rest" as you've mentioned and just keep watch as they measure every two weeks. Thank you for ALL your encouragement and advice. Though I couldn't change their minds, it really all makes sense to me and I'm quite disappointed it didn't work out in our favor.

 

[berryblue290]

Well I am 2 Days away from being overdue, Bed rest really works!

 

[HelenGee]

Hi,

I've just noticed in the news that Kym Marsh (British actress) has had a baby girl at 35 weeks. All is well, apparently she was diagnosed with ic after the loss of her baby a few years ago. I just find it interesting to hear about others , especially in the media, who have this terrifying complication, hopefully it will help to prevent others losing their babies by raising awareness.

She was also put on bed rest, and has commented that she didn't feel comfortable preparing for the baby's arrival as she was scared at what might happen.

Well done Kym, it just goes to show how important bed rest is for us ic ladies.
Xx

Berry blue - that's fantastic news, you can go for that run around the block now!

MommyA - I just don't get what your docs are so afraid of. However, Michelle did make it through with progesterone pessaries and bed rest. It does work. I just wish they would do the stitch to give you more peace of mind x

Sherrie- you're doing brilliantly, big big hugs to you xx

 

[Mommy's Angel]

Yes, me too dear friend. I've just decided to put myself on bedrest once I start taking the shots in 3 wks. They've started the cervix measuring today. I was perterbed with the scan tech as she did a quick scan on the belly and our scan pic looks like a cloud. No baby in site. She refused to give us a clearer shot while she did the internal scan. The OB met with her and gave her a talking to. I was in tears as this is my means of finding joy just SEEING the baby and KNOWING the baby is alright. I was devistated with what the tech did today.

Luckily I have an anatomy scan in two weeks in a totally different facility so I'm praising God for this.

My husband and I are saving our money. We've decided enough is enough. We moved back here to CNY a few years ago and we're just not happy hear. The medical community is tough here, the taxes are high,and it's making it hard to grow here further than we already have.

So we're going to take a few vacations once the baby is born to different areas and my husband is going to check out cardiac hospitals he'll fit in with to work at, while I'll be searching for good prenatal hospitals and excellent perinatologists who will be more agressive with their approaches. We're also hoping to find a nice location to raise a family and settle down to buy an affordable house. We figure we'll finish things up here over the next two years, take our vacations to find the best fit for US and move.

I'm so glad to know there are those who've made it with bed rest and 17p injections alone. It DOES give me some hope. I just wish for that extra protection. ((sigh))

Love to you all sweet friends.

 

[dippy]

Hi ladies. Hope u r all well.

Lizzie i need advice or anyone who had the cerclage/preterm babies and got to near enough term.

Firstly id b happy to announce im 30 weeks preggo whoooo hooo the most pregnant iv ever been. lol iM luving it at this point i dont even care about spd and all my other crappy problems i just want more days and more weeks. i have so much more faith that ill get to much nearer term-hopefully. I just want that feeling of bringing baby home with me without the neonatal unit in site.

Anyway i needed advice on what u done in pregnancy. i mean iv been on bed rest since wk 20 but now with a 10 month old preemie toddler i really dont want to burden my mum and sisters anymore so wanted to do abit more for myself.

at the moment i jus shower/use toilet and thats it. Im wondering what ur limits were. i mean did u get up at all-cook-go up and down stairs-wash up- anything. Or did u do complete bed rest? just a bit of advice wanted 2 c how I can start helping myself and my baby and my parents. I wont overdo it but im sure that little bit will help.

I just dont know how to start-i start worrying that if i do abit and then get contarctions and end up in hospital then ill blame the fact that im not on pure bed rest.

What would you ladies recommend. ?