Incompetent Cervix - stitch/cerclage - threatened labour

[lizziedripping]

Sorry to hear the bleeding has returned Kate, will be Thinking of you tonight

 

[book.fish2011]

Hope everyone is doing fine. Thanks for all the kind words for me and words of encouragement.

I returned home from the hospital after cerclage surgery, after I stayed there overnight. Surgery was on Sunday afternoon sometime. I preferred general Anastasia and as per the doctor, it went well. I had a catheter placed till monday morning and I was lying down all the while. After catheter was removed I started using toilet for passing urine.

However since monday evening, noticed an slightly spotting. Am at home, lying on the bed but whenever I get up to use washroom, I notice the slight blood which which seems to be mixed with water and looks dilute. The blood is frightening me actually.

I had a scan on Monday morning, the babies are fine. The doctor also asked the tech to do a transvaginal us. That hurt a bit. But she found everything fine.

Am hoping this bleeding will stop and pregnancy will continue 'normally'. After losing my baby last time around, I really don't know what 'normal' means

I hope everyone else here doing okay and the bubs are doing well. Waiting to hear from you all.

 

[JimmyJam]

Oh nooo Kate, so sorry to hear you've been admitted. I hope everything is okay - it's horrible but at least you're in the best place.

Sending you the most positive vibes back. Please keep us posted.

JimmyJam x

 

[JimmyJam]

Hey Bookfish,

I was wondering how you'd got on. I'm so glad the procedure went well & it's a really good thing they kept you in overnight - I had scary contractions the next day & had to be rushed in by ambulance to stay overnight anyway! It sounds like they did a good job.

Some bleeding after the cerclage is completely normal and differs from woman to woman. There are some ladies on here for whom it took a week plus to subside - I was lucky, it had stopped within three or four days.

You're going to feel a whole host of symptoms that'll freak you out - some cramping, pulling, tugging. I felt sore & weak - unusual for me after a procedure - for about 5 days & felt/feel sure I could feel the stitch. You'll panic it's coming undone or something's wrong. Everyone on here will tell you that's unlikely. The stitch has proven very successful.

After what you've been through it's natural to feel paranoid & to worry at every twinge. I've found this thread invaluable for the advice & support offered so just post if something's bothering you & it'll get answered. As you can see I've really got in the swing of it!

You've done the hard bit, now the stitch is in. It's a good thing. Like LaRockera said to me: drink tons of water & a pot of yoghurt every day, and I'd add cranberry juice & remember to pee as soon as you need to go rather than hold it in - that'll help avoid infection.

Best of luck lovely & well done.

JimmyJam x

 

[lizziedripping]

Hi Bookf, to echo JJ bleeding post-cerclage is normal. I'm surprised your doc didn't mention it would happen. It lasts usually for a few days and is inevitable considering you've had surgery. Don't fret chick, you've done absolutely the best thing for the pregnancy and now your cervix has been reinforced to support the huge weight you'll be carrying

LR - sorry Hun, hadn't realised your lo had fluctuated in weight/growth by so much. I would say that if your docs aren't concerned, then you shouldn't be. Unlike IC, clinicians are usually very pro active regarding growth issues so I am certain if there had been an issue they would have addressed it. They also check placental blood flow in these circumstances, and if it is good, and sufficient nutrients are getting through, then there is less concern. As you say, scans are inaccurate and everyone measures differently, so it could be explained away by that alone. Take care xxx

 

[book.fish2011]

Hey Bookfish,

I was wondering how you'd got on. I'm so glad the procedure went well & it's a really good thing they kept you in overnight - I had scary contractions the next day & had to be rushed in by ambulance to stay overnight anyway! It sounds like they did a good job.

Some bleeding after the cerclage is completely normal and differs from woman to woman. There are some ladies on here for whom it took a week plus to subside - I was lucky, it had stopped within three or four days.

You're going to feel a whole host of symptoms that'll freak you out - some cramping, pulling, tugging. I felt sore & weak - unusual for me after a procedure - for about 5 days & felt/feel sure I could feel the stitch. You'll panic it's coming undone or something's wrong. Everyone on here will tell you that's unlikely. The stitch has proven very successful.

After what you've been through it's natural to feel paranoid & to worry at every twinge. I've found this thread invaluable for the advice & support offered so just post if something's bothering you & it'll get answered. As you can see I've really got in the swing of it!

You've done the hard bit, now the stitch is in. It's a good thing. Like LaRockera said to me: drink tons of water & a pot of yoghurt every day, and I'd add cranberry juice & remember to pee as soon as you need to go rather than hold it in - that'll help avoid infection.

Best of luck lovely & well done.

JimmyJam x

Hi JJ: you had to go by ambulance due to contractions! Poor you. Am so glad everything was okay.

Am suspecting my spotting is the blood perhaps left over from surgery? I can see only when I wipe after passing urine. First day after surgery, I didn't bleed at all because I was lying down all the while with a catheter. So perhaps the blood after surgery accumulated and now finding its way down whenever I use toilet? Dunno if am making sense.

You are right. This thread with lovely ladies is godsend.

 

[book.fish2011]

Hi Bookf, to echo JJ bleeding post-cerclage is normal. I'm surprised your doc didn't mention it would happen. It lasts usually for a few days and is inevitable considering you've had surgery. Don't fret chick, you've done absolutely the best thing for the pregnancy and now your cervix has been reinforced to support the huge weight you'll be carrying

LR - sorry Hun, hadn't realised your lo had fluctuated in weight/growth by so much. I would say that if your docs aren't concerned, then you shouldn't be. Unlike IC, clinicians are usually very pro active regarding growth issues so I am certain if there had been an issue they would have addressed it. They also check placental blood flow in these circumstances, and if it is good, and sufficient nutrients are getting through, then there is less concern. As you say, scans are inaccurate and everyone measures differently, so it could be explained away by that alone. Take care xxx

Thanks Lizzie your words are reassuring. Hopefully this will subside soon. x

 

[book.fish2011]

Hey guys,

we went to the doctor this morning. I copy and paste my journal post, hope you don't mind me being such a lazy arse:

The doctor said it all looked absolutely fine, apart from my AFI that seemed to be on the lowest side of normal. I checked his measurements, it's around 8ish, which is better than 5 I suppose, but it still puts me on the 10th centile. I got a steroid injection in the bump and need to have another three every 12 hours just in case Xanthe needs to come early (meaning at 37 weeks I think), in case her fluid levels decrease more.

I didn't worry excessively about this as my levels have always been steady on the 10th centile. What got me worried is that his ultrasound showed an EFW same (and even a teeny weeny less) than the UK obgyn's a week ago. I know obviously the baby could not have shrunk, and that different ultrasounds may give different measurements, but why hasn't she gained? In the u/s she seemed to date one to two weeks behind. I asked my doctor about it and he said my baby is not small at all, she's normal, but I still worry with these measurements. At the moment she seems to be 2.122-2.145gr, which is slightly more than 4lbs. I hope she reaches at least 2,500 (about 5lbs) before she decides to make her exit.

Luckily she's kicking like crazy, and also, heartbeat was very good.

In any case I'm kinda glad I came back. We've heard that there was heavy snow in the UK only two days after our departure, and that half the flights had to be cancelled.

LR: I know a woman whose bub turned out weighing much more than what ultrasound predicted. But in any case, current weight of your bub is not bad at all. My cousin delivered a baby weighing 2200 gms, she was perfect when born and is a beautiful kid now. Wishing you enjoy your final few weeks of pregnancy x

 

[lizziedripping]

BF - I drank atleast a glss of water every hour with the twins. With two amniotic sacs your body is replenshing the equivalent of 2/3 cups of water per hour for that alone, then there are your own fluid requirements to consider! My pee was literally ike sludge if I didnt consume this amount every day - sorry fro tmi lol xxx

 

[lizziedripping]

ooo ladies, wondered if I might go slightly off topic and ask some advice. for those of you who have had a confirmed thrush infection, (LR I think you have?) how did you treat it when ttc and/or pregnant? I have been plagued with mild to severe thrush since Christmas - I treated it with Canesten internal cream initially which cleared it up, it returned and I took the flucanazole pill just before we went on hols - it worked after 3 days. Last night I felt it returning

We are ttc again at the moment and I am reluctant to take another pill whilst I'm ovulating and prefer to try a natural alternative. I have cut down the sugar intake, and upped my water consumption. The increased 'bumpy cuddles' are I suspect behind the new infection lol, and I dont want to apply cream for fear it might neutralize dh's swimmers. At the same time, if it gets bad it is really miserable and makes me feel grotty, so I would like to 'fend it off at the pass' as it were. A real dilemma, and typical that this should happen at an important time of the month.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated, and genuinely natural cures which work will be gratefully received xxx

 

[book.fish2011]

BF - I drank atleast a glss of water every hour with the twins. With two amniotic sacs your body is replenshing the equivalent of 2/3 cups of water per hour for that alone, then there are your own fluid requirements to consider! My pee was literally ike sludge if I didnt consume this amount every day - sorry fro tmi lol xxx

Lizzie, today I have been drinking less water as am scared to look at the blood every time I pee. But I have UTI and am on antibiotics. Water is so so important...I know. Will have to risk seeing blood ( drinking more water)

 

[lizziedripping]

Awww sweetie, please don't be scared to pee The blood is totally normal, and your fear just goes to show how much pregnancy loss and complication screws with the mind of its victim I lived in terror in the twin pregnancy, and only wish now looking back that I hadn't because in the end things turned out better than I could have hoped. The same will happen to you hun, and this nightmare will soon be behind you.

The problem with carrying two is that all the usual pregnancy symptoms are more intense and sometimes mimic the symptoms of preterm labour. Rest assured tho hun that more often than not, it isn't anything to worry about and all the pressure, pain and tightenings that you'll likely feel are felt by most other pregnant ladies, only for us they take on an added dimension. Keep talking to us, and never be afraid to ask (again and again if necessary) for reassurance. Twin pregnancy is different to a singleton, and I've had first hand experience, so use that fact

 

[LaRockera]

Lizzie - my thrush was never, ever confirmed, they would just say one thing to me and then nothing would come back. But what I did was to get the rephresh gel applicators (you can find them in amazon for instance) and use one a week. I also used daktarin suppositories when (mis-)diagnosed with thrush as they tend to kill more bacteria, although I don't think you can find them in the UK. Eating a pot of yogurt a day or taking probiotic tablets may help. Also, my Greek obgyn suggested internal douching with a cup of chamomile and two spoonfuls of baking soda, although I've never done that. Not too keen on douching you see. :/

Kate- Booooo! Again in triage, just when you decided to take a breath. Please update us, okay? I'm thinking of you. Gah- this sucks so bad, I wish you would be granted a break eventually!

Bookfish - bleeding after cerclage is absolutely normal, I had it for almost a week.

Jimmy and everyone else, thank you for the encouragement, my lovelies.

And a bit of a nice update for me. Today I went and did the placental doppler ultrasound Lizzie mentioned and it all came back within absolutely normal ranges. Not only that, but they tried to estimate Xanthe's weight again, and today it was 2,460grams! . So she's steady on the 35th centile like three weeks ago. My doctor reassured me she is absolutely within the normal range and there is nothing to worry about. They also told me my fluids are normal, and even though they keep an eye on them, they don't want me back for two weeks, which is also reassuring. Stitch-wise, it will be removed either the Friday after this one (at 36+3) or at some point the week after. So all is good my side, and thank you ever so much for your wonderful support and advice, it was much needed, and immensely appreciated.

 

[lizziedripping]

Thanks LR - so did you have the immense itching/pain/soreness, swelling and sticky discharge typical of thrush? If not thrush, did they identify a cause?

As for doppler results - brilliant!! there you go, a perfectly healthy, chubby baby on board xxx

 

[JimmyJam]

Hey BF, if you have a UTI sweetie all the more reason to drink loads of water to flush it out. Don't be afraid of the bleeding, you've had an operation & the two go hand-in-hand. The cervix is quite tender & some women even get bleeding during sex, when they're neither pregnant nor trying to conceive or anything. Imagine a felt bag with a drawstring: the doctor has literally 'stitched' a thread through your sensitive membranes & pulled it tight like an old-fashioned felt purse. You'd bleed if he did that to your tongue - so of course your cervix will experience some bleeding as it's even more sensitive. The best thing you can do is drink lots of water, pee & rest. It will settle. We've all had bleeding.

Lizzie - I had thrush twice at the beginning of my pregnancy, I actually believe it was down to being pregnant (before I even knew it) as I haven't had it for years. Thrush can thrive due to increased glycogen caused by the hormonal changes. I too used canesten which was kind of effective, though it did come back a second time. I don't think it's contra-indicated but if you don't want to use medicine there's always yoghurt?! But messy though. Sorry I can't be more useful but you're usually the font of all knowledge!

I have three general questions myself:

1. My amniotic fluid is in the 97th percentile. I don't know what this means. Please can someone explain what the significance is of percentiles in pregnancy for me, I hear the term used a lot.

2. I am finding that, with this excess fluid thing, I wake up feeling okay-ish but as soon as I eat I start to feel uncomfortable & bloated & also a bit out of breath. It gets worse as the day goes on and by the time I have my evening meal I'm having a panic attack b/c I can't breathe & everything feels so cramped. Anyone else get this at only 5 months? And are bloating/water retention a problem at this stage in pregnancy or is it the excess fluid? I look 6 months

3. Finally what week I'm in. My LMP was Thurs 9 Sept so going from that I'd be 22 weks this Thurs. but during my early scans the sonograoher measured the baby being conceived four days later, on the Sunday - meaning by that measurement I won't be 22 weeks til Sunday this week. Even the doctors seem to vary in what stage they put me at. Can anyone shed any light on this? I know it's only four days' difference and a question of numbers but, psychologically, at this stage ecery day counts!

In garden freezing butt off & trying to absorb vit C.

LaRock - any news gorg?
Kate - how are you?

Love to all.

JimmyJam x

 

[JimmyJam]

Sorry meant Vit D not C.

LaRock - yay! That is fantastic news! So pleased. And jealous. You're on the final straight hon. How wonderful x

 

[lizziedripping]

hi JJ - Being in the 97th centile means that at your gestation, 97% of women have less amniotic fluid than you, and 3% have more. It's basically where you fall on the curve. Hope that explains it? Effectively, you are still within the normal range when looking at the general population of women in pregnancy - albeit at the top end of normal.

As for the bloated. breathless feeling - with the maximum fluid on board there is a chance it causing you to be breathless and squishing your diapraghm, but remembering that you are still only 22wks, even with max fluid it is not likely to be the sole cause of your symptoms. It is probably a combination of baby getting bigger and the fluid which is making you feel bloated. this can actually be normal for most women after the 20th week since baby is now up and away from your pelvis and sitting higher up in your abdomen, supported by your hips. Ironically this will ease pressure on your cervix, but increase your other worries due to the huge, uncomfortable, bloated feeling.

Because you are at the upper end of normal for fluid, you will be bigger than 'miss average', almost like you are carrying weight equivalent to a woman who is 28wks.

regarding the date discrepancy on scan, this is genuinely nothing to worry about hun. I was always a few days ahead according to lmp compared with scan. A few days is negligable. What counts is that baby is following the growth curve and not moving drastically up or down it. Hope that helps x

 

[JimmyJam]

Ah Lizzie you are a superstar, thank you so much.

As always explained simply and succunctly. Really useful.

Don't suppose you've thought of taking it up as a profession (?)!

I have my back-to-back scan at the clinic tmrw to check on my cervix & fluid levels. Wish me luck everybody - I've had a tormented week & I really need good news!

Will keep you posted. Hope everyone's doing okay.

JimmyJam xx

 

[chistiana]

Kate- so sorry you had to have this scare again hun but hopefully it is nothing major to worry about. What did the doc say? Sending you lots of positive vibes xx

Lizzie- hey...how come you are so knowledgeable really? you do sound like a professional, it s so reassuring to know we can talk to someone like you! Now as for the thrush...with ds i got thrush quite early on and used dactarin cream which took care of it. But if you really want to go all natural i m another one to suggest messy yet effective yogurt!!!

Larockera- so glad everything is working out babe, i was sure it was just a stupid flunctuation of the u/s and nothing more! You are at your final stage..yayyayayayyayyya!!

Bookfish- i know everyone's said so already but dont worry about the bleeding hun, i had it for like 3 days after the cerclage, the cervix is very sensitive so it is normal to bleed from where it was stitched!

Jimmyjam- i really dont know whether it could have something to do your extra amniotic fluid but i just wanted to say that i feel the exact same way too. I am bloated and feel as if i ve got a whole roast meal stuck somewhere between my throat and my stomach even when i wake up in the morning. Did you mention your symptom/feeling to your doc? Hope everything goes well tomorrow and you re back with some good news!

afm- a little update from me too..i couldnt wait for next week's scan cause i was completely freaking out that i am leaking amniotic fluid and that the stitch has already failed so i called my doc last night at 10. He told me to go in this morning for a quick scan and so i did. Thank God everything is still in place and no waters leaking. One thing he did mention which i meant to ask you ladies if you think is normal is that he said he'll be taking a vaginal swab every month to make sure i dont get an infection. Is it not dangerous to have a swab so often, especially with a cerclage in place (or does it not touch the cervix??)?

 

[LaRockera]

Lizzie - I had none of the above. Which is why I suppose nothing was ever found growing in there. I doubt it I ever had thrush, it's just that my discharge tended to change from watery to thin milky to somewhat more thick milky at times. Not really itching either. I suffer from vulvodynia though, which is a burning sensation on vulva that lasts about two hours (especially if I travel by car, I think it's the rubbing that makes it worse?) every now and again, and it somewhat subsides if I put some cold water on. I do recommend the rephresh thing, they keep the vaginal walls clean and my obgyn recommended them.

Jimmy - Lizzie is a superstar indeed! I think she covered it all, and do know, you'll be where I am in no time. Ask the girls, it felt only yesterday that I was at your GA and worrying myself crazy. It will all be fine, I promise.

Oh. I need to say this. I feel really bad for moaning for my DH's granny a page or two ago. We went to see her today and she was absolutely wonderful and lovely. I think the poor woman was only trying to help me and my insecurity stroke back big time. But she advised me the way she advised her granddaughter that recently gave birth, and she treats me like family, and loves my DH to bits. Anyhow, I needed to say this as I'm a bit ashamed of myself for being so oversensitive. My DH's family have been nothing but nice to be and I'm so happy by baby girl will have such a loving family that will adore her.