Incompetent Cervix - stitch/cerclage - threatened labour

[firsttimer123]

What is life like after the stitch? Do most people have to do bed rest?

 

[stormcloud96]

Unfortunately since I didn't get it, I'm not sure, I think it's only rest for a week or so for recovery, but I'm sure one of the ladies whose had one can tell you more.

So miracles do happen, it appears my cervix closed, and is back to 1.8 cm! I cannot believe it. The sonographer said it does happen, but the nurse said she never heard of it. I don't want to get my hopes up, but I can't help it, either way it's good/safer for bub. It would be so fantastic to go home on bedrest instead of here. So here's hoping... Doctor in charge knows, just waiting on word. Fingers/toes crossed all! I am expecting at least a few more days, and probably another ultrasound to be sure, but all good.

 

[SooniA]

Great news Storm! I hope it stays stable now. How far along are you?

 

[stormcloud96]

I am 29 weeks + 1 had a steroid shot Friday and Saturday. I know I need to make it a few more weeks, all the people's stories on here have been very encouraging so know I can do it, especially with today's scan. I only told hubby, as I am really in shock, and still a little nervous that she was wrong today, but I saw it on the screen myself... I just can't believe! Meet with doctor tomorrow, so hopefully be good news from him. (They took my shower privileges away on Saturday, so maybe I can at least get those back) been washing myself with baby wipes

 

[SooniA]

Storm we are almost at the same gestational age, I am 28.6 today I hope your OB have some great news for you & I sincerely hope & pray that we get to keep our babies cooking until much further. At this point my short term goal is to make it to 30 then 32 - 34 & my long term goal is to make it to 35-37 hopefully god willing.

 

[Fliss]

Oh Storm there's only like 3 days in our pregnanies I shall keep everything crossed that our babies stay put for a good few more weeks eh?

 

[chistiana]

Storm that's awesome news!! Hope you get your privileges back n then go home!!

First timer it really depends..with dd1 I was put on strict bed rest before the stitch (13w stitch at 17w) n stayed on it until 35w that I delivered. With dd2 I stayed on bed rest from 13w to 18 weeks (stitch in at w15) and then resumed normal activities. I worked ft and cared for my 2 kids until 38+6 and delivered at 39+1. Stitch came out at 37+6!

 

[SooniA]

I am having sharp shooting pains in my vaginal area which makes me very uncomfortable since past 2 days. I have to keep my body pillow in between my thighs & press it really hard for to pain to go away. I called Labor & Delivery & they said its normal if not accompanied by lower back pain, periods like cramping. Do you girls have any idea if it's anything to do with cervical change and/or dialation? Please let me know, this cervix shortening had made me extremely anxious & I get scared of each & everything.

 

[LeahLou]

What is life like after the stitch? Do most people have to do bed rest?

No one answered this question for me. But after the stitch, I was very sore and crampy for a few days. Some people have spotting, I only did the same day and nothing else. I was also super tired cause they gave me indomethacin to avoid contractions and pain killer for 1 day after.
They'll check your cervix a few days after to see if it's improved. Mine didn't get better so I'm on modified bed rest till January. I'm allowed to sit/stand at my comfort which is maybe 15 minutes before I feel pressure. No grocery trips or shopping or extended drives.

Hoping all goes well!!

 

[LeahLou]

I am having sharp shooting pains in my vaginal area which makes me very uncomfortable since past 2 days. I have to keep my body pillow in between my thighs & press it really hard for to pain to go away. I called Labor & Delivery & they said its normal if not accompanied by lower back pain, periods like cramping. Do you girls have any idea if it's anything to do with cervical change and/or dialation? Please let me know, this cervix shortening had made me extremely anxious & I get scared of each & everything.

I'm having the same. Every little ping or pain makes me paranoid. But my doctor told me that as long as there is no spotting, you should be ok. But the cervix is also "silent" so it may be changing whether we know or not. Do you have a stitch in??

 

[chistiana]

I had the exact same pain ladies..like someone is pinching you with something really pointy and sharp up/down there..was so scared it was my cervix shortening..it neve did..search for "lightening crotch" lol!!!

 

[SooniA]

LeahLou - no my cervix length was fine all along, at the 27th week growth scan they found out that my length is down at 2.6 cm (4.9 at 19 weeks & 3.6 at 23 weeks) my doctor isn't concerned about it but I obviously am really concerned. I called my pre term labor watch nurse too after calling L & D & she said the same that without lower backache, menstrual cramping or pressure it probably is fine.

 

[stormcloud96]

Wow yes we're all so close in Gestational age! I think a few more weeks will be cruisy for all of us for sure.

I got the blood thinning shot last night to avoid blood clots, and wow did they do something to bub cause she has been stirring like crazy since! Last night and this morning. I am actually seeing her movements from the outside now, totally freaky and cool.

I am just waiting for breakie and then hopefully doctor will come in and have a good chat about the good news, I fear he is overly cautious.

I also have gestational diabetes so tracked that for the first time, was bit over this morning.

I almost forgot, I never had the pain, but had the air pocket feeling if anyone knows what I am talking about?

I don't think I want to ever hear the words "man up" ever again after what we're all going through.

 

[firsttimer123]

Sorry to keep asking so many questions but am just so worried.... I am 14 weeks now have the confirmation us on Friday to confirm the 2cm measurement. Did you guys have symptoms prior to the ultrasound? Did you get a measurement around my gestation? If so, what was it?? I don't have any symptoms, haven't had spotting or cramping. Do you think measurement could be wrong? My us was abdominal and my Friday appt is transvaginal, could this make difference?? Thanks for your help!!

 

[LeahLou]

I bled for 3 weeks in early pregnancy but they couldn't find a reason originally. I had zero symptoms of any cervix issues. So we were pretty shocked and scared when they said something was wrong!

 

[stormcloud96]

Firstimer, 2 is short for 14 weeks, but you're probably lucky they caught it this early as it's safe for the stitch. Also yes the transvaginal does make a difference in the measuring, it's more accurate, so that's good.

 

[Beankeeper]

Hi, just looking for some support. I'm 19+2 and had my second cervical scan late on yesterday. At my first scan (14+1) my cervix measured 36mm, which was fine. This time it was 7mm, so I'm having a stitch at some point today (I've to go in at 8am, in 4 hours time, U.K. Time).
Everything I'm reading suggests that 7mm is late to put a stitch in & therefore the success rate is lower.
Does anyone have experience of this?
Baby is looking perfect, I just hope that my body can keep them safe.
I had a previous second tri loss & suspected IC, but I guess this confirms it 😔

 

[stormcloud96]

I think if you get the stitch combined with bedrest (something I didn't believe in til forced and now my cervix actually came back) you'll probably make it... maybe not to 40, but at least to safety.

 

[chistiana]

Beankeeper I m really sorry you re going through this. At 19weeks it's no longer a preventative stitch but I ve heard stitch being put it later on and with a smaller length so hopefully you ll be ok if you combine it with bed test as storm said. Good luck today let us know how it goes.

First timer abdominal us are not accurate at all the transvaginal one is way more accurate. Really hope the last one was just wrong

 

[Beankeeper]

It was a transvaginal scan 😕
I asked my consultant & he said that it was difficult to get an accurate reading on screen.