Incompetent Cervix - stitch/cerclage - threatened labour

[chistiana]

Kate really sorry you re feeling so crappy today...i know how you feel both about the uti and the strep...i ve already taken 4 courses of antibiotics (and still have a long way to go) and have been diagnosed with strep b. i know it s annoying but dont worry about the strep b..even if it doesnt clear up before birth it wont affect your baby...just make sure to let them know as soon as your water breaks or labor begins so they can hook you up on iv antibiotics. That s what the doc told me cause i was so scared it will affect my baby. Hope you re feeling better soon.xo

 

[nhood]

Hi everyone,

I'm back from my cerclage procedure. I wanted to give you the pros, cons and fears.

The epidural wasn't as bad I thought it would be. The numbness felt weird, but it didn't bother me much. I feel relieved that I got the cerclage, because although my cervix length was 4cm, the doctor told me during the procedure that my cervix was opening.

The cons: I felt them stitching me alittle and it was painful. Afterwards I was major crampy, becase my bladder and rectum was full. I also was and have been constipated. Also I vomited 4 times afterwards and had to stay the night.

The fears: I am nervous that the vomiting, which put pressure on my abdomen caused the babies to be in distress. Also, the pain medication knocked me out so quickly and deeply, I know this couldn't have been OK for the babies. The pain killer was given through iv and started with a "d".
Also I feel so heavy and tight when I walk. Lying down I feel better.

Lizzie, Idon't know how this is possible, but both doctors were there and they did both the shirodka and the mcdonald on th lower end on the cervix. My doctor believes since I have two, higher up and lowerd that this will hold. I am so worried that I put my babies through alot of stress though with the vomiting and the pain killer.

 

[LaRockera]

Kate-thanks for Jimmy's updates hon. So glad to hear her baby is doing well. As for you, chances are you've got nothing. I was giving antibiotics by the NHS so many times that the last time I refused to take them. Chances are, your urge to pee is the most common symptom at your stage, and your lady bits hurt because the baby is now lower down again. I bet you and bubba will be absolutely fine.

Nhood- no need to worry about the stitch, hon. Cramping is very normal post-cerclage, and as for vomiting, the epidural can do that to you.

Sending my love to everyone else.

 

[liven1980]

Hello everyone,
The doc used tvu and speculum today. She found everything was closed and that it is still a bit of cervix between sticht and babys head. That is good news, but of course anything can happen anyway. Doc said that if everything is ok next week we will plan the c-cection day. She was thinking between week 37 and 38, i think it was 37+5 days. What do you ladies think? I thought it was a bit early, what do you think? Well, its three weeks ahead anyway, so it might not be my choice anywy, baby might want to pop out earlier... The blood threads i got yesterday obviously had to be irritation fom cervix, and wet pantys must have been discharge and not AF. So far so good

Kate: thanks for update about Jj. Im sorry bout bad day..u must be very tired now after so many weeks with different worries. The antibiotics is no fun, but u are getting the type that is well tested and safe to use in preg. I have had 2 turns in my preg. I dont know much bout strep infection, but I have heard that the most important thing is that the docs knows about it, so they can take the precautions that are necessary.

Jj: thank you fo updating us through Kate

Nhood: i threw up twice after sticht was set in. I was very worried it would affect my sticht, but doc said it was nothing to worry about. its a strong thread.

All the best to everyone.

 

[chistiana]

Liven- That's great news hun!!!! Everything seems to be going perfectly!!! I dont think 37+5 is early...babies are considered full term at 37 weeks so at nearly 38 your bub will be perfectly baked!!!! My doc thinks that as soon as we take the stitch out i ll give birth and that will be at 37 weeks the most....i m just praying i ll make it there!!!!!!

Nhood- i didnt vomit hun but i had very strong contractions and they gave me two shots of painkillers....i doubt they would give you anything if it wasnt safe. Hope you re feeling much better soon!

 

[LaRockera]

Liven - I had my c-section at 38+4 due to low amniotic fluid levels. For me, the closer you get to 40 weeks the better, but like Christiana said, after 37 weeks your baby is considered full-term, so there's nothing to worry about.

 

[HelenGee]

Kate- thanks for updating us all about JJ, it sounds like little bubs is doing well, which is a massive relief. As for the strep B, as long as the delivery staff know to give you iv antibiotics, your baby will be fine. I had strep had the time of delivery with Oliver, I didn't know until after delivery as the results didn't come back until a day after he was born. Anyway, my labour turned into a high risk one, water broke but no contractions, so I was sent home to see if labour progressed. It didn't, so I was induced, by which time my temp was creeping up. I was hooked up to antibiotics as a precaution for the entire duration of the delivery. The next night a midwife came and told me that I had tested positive for strep B a few days earlier. I completely freaked out, many tearful phone calls to my poor hubby ensued, but because I had been given the antibiotics, all was fine. I think i would take the meds, just in case you do go into labour in the next few days, but as long as you are given the iv antibiotics during labour if strep is an issue, you will both be fine. Take care and rest up sweetie x

 

[HelenGee]

Hi Christiana- thanks for asking about the dreaded school, it's marvellous at the moment as I've just finished for the Easter holidays. Lol. I'm going to spend a few days looking at alternatives whilst I get the chance, wish me luck! X

 

[chistiana]

Helen GOOD LUCK!!! Yyayayayayaya Easter holidays already!!!! I really reeeeeaaaallllllyyyyyy wish you ll find that special something where you ll be so much more respected, appreciated and be happy and relaxed with!!!!! Do your homework girl!

 

[lizziedripping]

Hi all

Nhood, it's brilliant that they placed two stitches in surgery hun. Usually when this happens they use two Macdonald cerclages, but to have a shirodkar as well is superb. Its also a very good sign that even tho your cervix had begun to open, it wasn't open enough not to be able to place the shirodkar. It has to be placed high up the cervix which wouldn't have been possible had you funneled by more than a mm or so. All positive signs.

As for the pain relief, it sounds as tho you were given diamorphine, a common drug given during labour to manage pain - harmless to the babies chick Similarly don't worry about the vomiting either, your babies are very well protected inside their amniotic sacs - for them it would have felt like a ride on a slightly bumpy road lol.

Be prepared to feel lots of tightening and pressure for at least a few weeks yet Hun. I did, and was never sure if it was stitch or twin related. The shirodkar placement alone is a very invasive procedure which takes a while to recover from and I felt physically ill for some time afterwards. Rest assured tho that it is absolutely the best option for keeping those babies locked up for the duration, and even tho you might not feel like it most of the time, it is very good at 'suring up' the weakest of cervixes.

If your body feels better lying down, then lie down my lovely. All twin ladies would benefit from taking more rest, especially those with additional complications. Take care, and if you feel 'wobbly' at all, day or night pop back here for some support and reassurance

Lovely Kate, so sorry you are down You have had such a stressful pregnancy you really must be longing for the end now.

I have never heard of anyone with strep actually having open sores down below, and would be really surprised if this were a symptom and sign you had it. Even if by chance you have, as the others have said, the key point is being aware and getting preventative meds at delivery. It's usually when a woman doesn't know she has it that problems arise. Even then many thousands of women carry the bug, are oblivious, but still deliver very healthy babies most of the time. I'm not convinced you have it, but of course time will tell.

I had a couple of weird spots on my nether regions too. It was a result of the increased blood flow, extra warmth and moist environment (yuck, sorry ), and the 'spots' were just that - gross but essentially harmless. What us ladies have to endure eh? Hoping that this is just 'something and nothing' honey. Thinking of you

Liven - glad all went well today sweet. Whilst a baby's lungs are considered fully developed at 37wks, and your lo will likely be absolutely fine at that gestation, I'd ask for an extra week before the section if you don't feel comfortable with 37+5. The current guidelines actually recommend 39wks for a section as long as baby is doing well and happy to stay put so you're not being unreasonable in asking Hun.

If your baby is ok, and there is no other reason to deliver at 37/38wks, then it can't hurt to ask for a date nearer 39/40. I get the feeling that your docs have always been skeptical that you'll make it to term anyway, so have probably booked you in far beyond where they expect you to get. So far you have proved them wrong, and if your instinct is telling you to wait, then don't be afraid to ask.

There is nothing wrong with delivering at 37wks chick (and many babies are born healthily at less), but why do so when baby could theoretically remain in utero for another week or so if left to his/her own devices. Just a thought, please do whatever makes you feel comfortable tho

Happy holidays Helen, enjoy those babies darlin'
Xxx

 

[JessiBear]

Hey again.
So after a long two weeks I just had my ultrasound and am currently in the waiting room to see the doctor/OB.
My cervix has opened even more and they probably going to admit me into hospital. They seemed quite worried about it in the ultrasound.
I'm going to need to start taking steroids the midwife briefly told me.
Does this mean it's going to happen sooner than later?
I am so nervous.
I am 25+6 wks.

Jessi x

 

[lizziedripping]

Hi JB - did they mention how dilated your cervix is, or how short it is? There have been some women who have still gone on for several more weeks despite funneling/dilation, but if you are still having cramps regularly, and if you've dilated significantly, then the chances are your baby will deliver sooner rather than later. The steroids are usually given twice 24hrs apart, and need to be on board at least a day before baby arrives in order to have an effect on his lungs.

I know you must be scared hun, I have been where you are and remember that fear, but your lo is almost 26wks, and although not ideal has a pretty good chance of making it unscathed. My little girl was born 2wks earlier than him, and look at her in my avatar pic - completely healthy and fine at 7yrs old

Your baby could still stay inside for a few more weeks yet (you have already shocked everyone by remaining pregnant for this long after your cervix had begun to change). Worst case scenario, he is born within a few days and will need special care for several weeks - but still has a very good chance of long term good health. Thinking of you and sending positive vibes your way chicken

 

[chistiana]

Jessi- so sorry you have to be admitted hun. Just wanted to say that the steroid shots dont necessarily mean you will deliver soon.. with ds i had them at 32 weeks and went on to deliver at 38w4d! Good luck, i ll be thinking of you, please update us as soon as you can!

 

[sunkiss]

hiya ladies,
all went well yesterday !! a mcdonald stitch was done and it took about 30 mins to do. the doc said all went well and there was no funneling!! the worst part is recovery for me, the spinal hardly hurt i was expecting the worst...i can relate to some of the same things nhood, i felt a lil bit of discomfort when they were stitching as well but it wasnt long or unbearable, the numbness was weird for me too and took 4eva to wear off in my bum area, i also was in some pain because my bladder was so full, when i was finally able to get up and pee and pass gas i felt so much better. i was able to go home after i emptied my bladder yay!! i had some discomforts in my lower belly yesterday but that has passed now, i still have some back pain n a lil soreness, barely had any spotting yesterday and that seems to have stopped. i am taking indomethacin 25 mg every six hrs for 72 hrs...that has been helping a bit with pain. the only thing that is bothering me right (TMI sorry) now is this constant need to have a bowel movement...i usually only go once a day and yesterday i went 4 times and still have the feeling today..i cant really go now cause there is nothing there but i still have the desire to want too, i have to pee every hr but that is not bothering me really, it doesnt feel like a stomach virus either...i hope this bowel thing passes soon, perhaps it is a side effect of anesthesia or meds. was this normal for anyone else? all in all i am so happy i did this and would do it all over again, i feel like i will do just fine with it and all is well !! thank u so much for ur advice and encouragement ladies and best wishes to everyone

 

[chistiana]

Heu sunkiss! So happy everything went smoothly, you sound very well and happy!! I m not sure what the med they ve given you is but everytime i am on antibiotics i have the same side effect as you mentioned! Hope it goes away soon!!! A happy and healthy remaining full term pg!

 

[nhood]

Sunkiss,

I am so happy everything went well. We both will get through. I have such a good feeling now that my pregnany will go well.

Thanks so much everyone!!! I went in scared, came out a little less scared and after reading everone's replied, I feel confidant. I will keep everone posted on my OB appt. on Wednesday. Wish me luck!

 

[sunkiss]

thanks ladies !! glad ur procedures went well also, yay we have some added security now !! she didnt put me on antibiotics but i heard them using it during procedure, i heard her tell nurse to mix it, perhaps that can be it, hopefully it will wear off soon, my back is feeling so much better n i do not have any bleeding or cramping yay!! were gonna do this ladies

 

[nhood]

thanks ladies !! glad ur procedures went well also, yay we have some added security now !! she didnt put me on antibiotics but i heard them using it during procedure, i heard her tell nurse to mix it, perhaps that can be it, hopefully it will wear off soon, my back is feeling so much better n i do not have any bleeding or cramping yay!! were gonna do this ladies

Sunkiss,
How do you feel today? I feel better, no pain, but heavy at times. Like lizzie said, it could be because Iam carrying twins. How long will you be on bedrest?

 

[lizziedripping]

Hi sun kiss So glad your procedure went well hun, it's such a relief to finally get the stitch in place.

Indomethecin is given routinely after stitching, and is a powerful drug which stops the uterus from contracting. After the surgery your uterus can be irritable and Indo works brilliantly to stop it - each time it wears off tho you will feel the discomfort returning. I had one suppository immediately after the surgery, and another 12hrs later then no more after that. They've given you quite a long dose, but all the better really to help settle things down.

Is your feeling of needing to have a bowel movement similar to that churny sensation you have with diarrhoea? If so it might be a reaction to the meds. After the twins were delivered I had shocking diarrhoea which caught me short on several occasions (tmi), it was awful. It was a combination of my bowel moving back into place after being squashed into a tiny corner of my abdomen for 6mths, and the pain relief I took after the section.

It can be normal and a generalised reaction to the surgery, meds and uterine contractions, but if you still feel it tomorrow I'd put in a call to your team and run it by them chick. I'm sure it's fine, but it never hurts to check Please rest up for the next few days SK - you need to give your body time to recover from the procedure, and to get used to the new foreign body now in place

Olga love, you ok? Starting to freak out a touch now sweetie x

Love to all our ladies Kate, Liven, C, LR, bf, and JJ (JJ, thinking of you and your lo still honey) xxx

 

[sunkiss]

thanks ladies !! glad ur procedures went well also, yay we have some added security now !! she didnt put me on antibiotics but i heard them using it during procedure, i heard her tell nurse to mix it, perhaps that can be it, hopefully it will wear off soon, my back is feeling so much better n i do not have any bleeding or cramping yay!! were gonna do this ladies

Sunkiss,
How do you feel today? I feel better, no pain, but heavy at times. Like lizzie said, it could be because Iam carrying twins. How long will you be on bedrest?

im feeling quite well today, this morn i still had a bit of the back ache, mostly on the right side, must be my nerve, i have back issues anyways but OH rubbed me with some stuff and i felt much better there, my soreness in abdomen went away also, been getting rest n staying in bed mostly, my mom came to live with me a bit so when OH is working she will be here to care for me, i am so grateful for their support. i did have heaviness before the procedure and was on bedrest for a few days but i dont feel that anymore, it may have been her position at the time, her head was facing down n may have been adding pressure, i think she moved now. they have me on bedrest just until monday when i can return to work. thankfully i have a desk job and its not very stressful. how long will u be on bedrest?