Incompetent Cervix - stitch/cerclage - threatened labour

[millieboo1111]

Hello and welcome Currituckgirl so sorry to hear your story and to find you here. I cannot say what will happen and we have to remember if the doc has said there is no telling what will happen there is still hope to hold on to. From my experience staying positive and hopeful will help you and baby more than fear. I know its easier said than done but i read reams of this thread when i found it and got lots of hope from the ladies here. im not saying its not hard because it is and we all get scared i was so so scared.

I was admitted onto hospital bedrest at 10mm at 20wks and was told that it isnt the length of the cervix but in how quickly it changes which is the problem. after 2 weeks of complete bed rest with only toilet breaks and a very short shower every other day my cervix is now nearly 27mm and ive still got a way to go!!

No one can say for sure what will happen in any of our cases not even the best consultant in the world. so my advice to you would be to stay hopeful and let no one take that from you also pray like youve never prayed before this was the advice i was given. They probably told the parents of the baby born at 21 weeks there was no hope but baby survived so why cant you be one of these medical miracles too??

Im sorry i cant be of more assistance but you are welcome to ask me anything you like and i keep you in my prayers. take one day at a time honey xxx ellie xxx

 

[book.fish2011]

HI! I am new to this forum, I posted earlier and was directed over to this thread... Can anyone please help??
I have been diagnosed with an incompetent cervix. I am 20 weeks My cervix length is only 1 mm!!! I am so scared. I cannot find anything on the internet with woman that had the same problem so early with only 1 mm left. I have tried searching this site but to no success. I am on bed rest and taking prometrium vaginally. I was told that the "stitch" would be very dangerous since my water bag is right on the other side. Is there any hope, has anyone had this happen and still gone on to have a healthy baby. PLEASE!! Even if it is bad news, I would rather hear the truth. My doctor said that there is no telling how this will work out, but that of course doesn't help me. Any help or experience is very much needed. I have had three miscarriages and this is the furthest I have ever been. I am so scared.

Lizzie will be able to give you the proper advice as she's an expert in this matter; but from what I know I can say this much. I live in Dubai and a few weeks ago, came across a woman who was 2 cm dilated at 24 weeks. Most docs refused but one doc agreed to place a rescue cerclage and she went till 27 weeks. Her baby is doing fine now.

Another case is from my own OB. There was another woman pg with twins; her bags were bulging so my OB put a rescue cerclage at 25 weeks! She's around 33 weeks now and going strong.

I wish you get all the support you need from the docs and go all the way and deliver your healthy baby

 

[Van1116]

Did anyone get less fetal movement in the few days after the steroid shot for the lungs...she didn't move alot before then...maybe 2 to 3 times daily...but now rarely. she has had those days before so I'm not paranoid, but now that I can feel her movements a lot better (when she is flipping) I am getting a little worried.

 

[lizziedripping]

Hi ladies,

Just a quick update that my surgery went well. Cervix had shortened to about 1.5cm so the stitch isn't as high as the doctor wanted it to be. She mentioned something like she left the stitch slightly loose to make easier in future to remove? I thought the stitch is supposed to be tight? She didn't mentioned about funnelling but she did say "the neck of the womb has opened"(?). Do any of you know what that means? Maybe she was referring to the shortened cervix.

She didn't say that I need bed rest; in fact she said life goes on as usual. Only no sex and to remember to continue my progesterone twice daily through my 'back passage'

13 weeks tomorrow. 24 weeks to stitch removal!

Hi Hun, leaving the stitch slightly loose simply means tying it tight, knotting it and leaving a thread hanging so that it can be easily accessed on removal day. Perfectly normal and happens with all stitches.

As for the neck of your womb being open, this is the same thing as funneling. It means that your cervix is shortening and open at the top part. This isn't a huge concern, except to say that you did need the stitch, and that your cervix is definitely incompetent. So long as there is closed cervix remaining below the stitch, then that's all that matters now hun.

Tho they didn't manage to get a high placement, the stitch will have drawn together the closed part, and in some cases adds an overall tension to the whole cervix, thus encouraging the funneled part to close up also. Even if it doesn't, it should prevent further funneling.

I would advise resting for atleast a few weeks, and as many weeks after that as you can manage. Your cervix was showing change very early on, so I'd recommend giving it as much help as possible over coming months. Good luck darlin', glad you've now got the stitch

 

[lizziedripping]

HI! I am new to this forum, I posted earlier and was directed over to this thread... Can anyone please help??
I have been diagnosed with an incompetent cervix. I am 20 weeks My cervix length is only 1 mm!!! I am so scared. I cannot find anything on the internet with woman that had the same problem so early with only 1 mm left. I have tried searching this site but to no success. I am on bed rest and taking prometrium vaginally. I was told that the "stitch" would be very dangerous since my water bag is right on the other side. Is there any hope, has anyone had this happen and still gone on to have a healthy baby. PLEASE!! Even if it is bad news, I would rather hear the truth. My doctor said that there is no telling how this will work out, but that of course doesn't help me. Any help or experience is very much needed. I have had three miscarriages and this is the furthest I have ever been. I am so scared.

Hi hun, I am so sorry you had such upsetting news, the sudden and unexpected appearance of IC is such a shock in an otherwise healthy pregnancy

If the 1mm measurement is correct, then it would definitely seem as though your cervix has thinned out to its limit, and could now begin to slowly open up. There is little stitch-wise which can be done, but there is the potential of regaining closure and length to a weak cervix with complete bed rest.

Have you been having anything like contractions, back aches or mild cramps? If not then the cervical changes are purely as a result of baby weight and uterine stretching, changes which you can remedy by taking the weight off your cervix. If you have had some symptoms, then it mgiht be an indication that contractions have begun which can forcibly dilate your cervix despite rest. Unfortunately, less can be done if that is the case.

There is no way of predicting which way this will go sweet, BUT if this is purely a mechanical issue, then I have seen women in the same predicament surprise everyone and go atleast to 30wks on bed rest alone. Now that your cervix has changed so significantly, there is a chance of contractions being triggered, but it isnt a foregone conclusion.

Ptl happens for a whole host of reasons that no one really understands fully, but what is known is that cervical changes are only one small part of the process. If your body hasnt begun the process of labour, and this is a weak cervix giving way under pressure, then there is still hope that the process can be reversed.

Have your team mentioned progesterone shots to you? Some centres still dont use it, but so far it has shown very good results in women with IC, and is often used as an alternative to stitching. It is thought to strengthen the cervix, and is one of the hormones responsible for doing so naturally in pregnancy. Cant hurt to ask, and it certainly won't do any harm.

thinking of you and sending lots of thoughts and prayers your way darlin'. Please get back to us if you need anything xxxxxxx

 

[book.fish2011]

Did anyone get less fetal movement in the few days after the steroid shot for the lungs...she didn't move alot before then...maybe 2 to 3 times daily...but now rarely. she has had those days before so I'm not paranoid, but now that I can feel her movements a lot better (when she is flipping) I am getting a little worried.

Hi Van: I had my second set of steroid shot (just one shot this time) on Saturday night; my babies were less active on the next day. Their CTG was fine however. I too was worried but after 24 hours they were their normal self.

 

[FoxMommy]

My daughter was not a big mover but the two days of the steroid shots I didn't feel her AT ALL. Terrifying, but in our case totally fine.

 

[Nurse1980]

Hi ladies.

I've been in hospital this week with pre term labour symptoms. They checked my cervix and it was closed.

I paid for a private cervical length scan today and my cervix is 4cm at 20 weeks tomorrow. This ok? I'm finding conflicting advice on the Internet.

 

[chistiana]

Nurse-hi, 4cm is a very good cervix length, i think i was about 3.7 at that point and my doc was very very happy about it!

 

[Currituckgirl]

Thank you ladies so much!!! I am definitely praying all the ladies on here.

Lizzie ~ I am on progesterone, not the shots but a suppository, and strict bed rest. I have not started contractions and I am not in pain. I am just hoping that the meds and the bed rest will be enough.

Thank you ladies again for all of your help and words of encouragement. You have really given me hope.

 

[JJEE]

Hello Ladies,

I hope you are all well?

I'm glad you found the thread Currituckgirl, and I hope with rest and progesterone that your cervix is able to gain length, maybe your doctor will be able to place a stitch then? I too am on progesterone suppositories, initially I was being told to insert them rectally..(sorry) But actually while having my stitch placed, I was told they work better being placed nearer to the cervix...not sure if this is correct but I have been doing them vaginally since and my cervix length and funneling have improved!

Congratulations Millie on your improving cervix Long may it continue!

Hi Lizzie, I am NEARLY 24weeks..Sunday is my first milestone! I will be placing my second 28wk milestone as soon as I make it to Sunday! I have been getting a sharp pain inside me..it feels like it is deep inside my lady bits, but more on the right side..there doesn't seem to be any pattern to it, and it doesn't happen everyday, but it does make me limp a little when I get up..do you have any idea what it could be?

I hope everybody else is well, I am finding it a huge relief to see Bookfish and Chistianas tickers going up daily...not long now ladies!

xxx

 

[yellowyamyam]

Hello Ladies,

I hope you are all well?

I'm glad you found the thread Currituckgirl, and I hope with rest and progesterone that your cervix is able to gain length, maybe your doctor will be able to place a stitch then? I too am on progesterone suppositories, initially I was being told to insert them rectally..(sorry) But actually while having my stitch placed, I was told they work better being placed nearer to the cervix...not sure if this is correct but I have been doing them vaginally since and my cervix length and funneling have improved!

Congratulations Millie on your improving cervix Long may it continue!

Hi Lizzie, I am NEARLY 24weeks..Sunday is my first milestone! I will be placing my second 28wk milestone as soon as I make it to Sunday! I have been getting a sharp pain inside me..it feels like it is deep inside my lady bits, but more on the right side..there doesn't seem to be any pattern to it, and it doesn't happen everyday, but it does make me limp a little when I get up..do you have any idea what it could be?

I hope everybody else is well, I am finding it a huge relief to see Bookfish and Chistianas tickers going up daily...not long now ladies!

xxx

Hi JJEE,

I'm on progesterone suppositories too and rectally too! I mentioned to my consultant that it gives me diarrhoea and he said I can do it vaginally. I have been curious about that. How far up do you insert it? Is it like inserting tampon? I just had my stitch in 2 days ago and I don't know how far up to insert the suppository.

 

[JJEE]

Hi Yellowyamyam,

The things we have to do...dignity is most definitely left behind when Pregnant and giving birth!
I insert them to about the same place a tampon would sit, I find any lower and it almost feels like it will fall out...sorry, to much info! Be prepared for a HUGE amount of discharge..it is a little worrying at first, but apparently very normal!
Good luck..I hope you are feeling ok after your stitch?

xxx

 

[lizziedripping]

Hi ladies, JJE - the pain deep inside could be ligament pain or pelvic separation, both normal as pregnancy progresses. Ligament pain takes your breath away and usually happens if you get up too quickly. I had it from about 15wks in all my pregnancies.

It could alo be stitch related, because I had constant discomfort down in my bladder area and attributed it to the presence of the stitch. It was particularly bad for me when emptying my bladder. Again, it was harmless and never affected my cervix.

Because it is mainly on one side, I'm inclined to thinkits more ligament related than anything else tho. Your uterus is suspended inside your pelvis by huge elastic band-like ligaments which stretch as it grows. They hurt quite badly as things get heavier. Nothing to worry about, normal pregnancy/stich related aches and pains x

Yellow, pessarie is placed quite high near the cervix, but be gentle when inserting and make sure your hands are thoroughly washed beforehand. If you lie on your back with knees bent, you'll be able to feel how high is high enough. They simply won't go any further once you reach your cervix x

Progesterone should theoretically work well placed back or front x

 

[bluestarlight]

Hi ladies, thank you so much for the encouragement. It really means a lot to me. I don't want things to get worse. Even being on modified bed rest for the past week or so with my DD has been a strain on us. My husband has been cranky about the extra work when I was just starting to feel better from morning sickness and doing more. Sigh. We had a heart to heart yesterday morning and he is also strained because he hasn't been working much and its hurting us financially, plus he has yet to sell his truck. And now he has to do a lot more to care for our 11 month old, plus everything he was handling before and now the worry about the baby. He also told me he was having nightmares too which I didn't know. It helped relieve some of our tension. He is going to be more committed to helping me rest so nothing gets worse. Also I got a call and the progesterone should arrive today by mail. Hoping on that one. I have been researching like crazy, trying to find statistics of cervical length vs preterm labor studies, bed rest studies. Also emailing the crap out of my HR manager about different types of leave and such, just to be prepared and have one less thing to get worried about. Thank you so much again, it really means a lot to me to write out my anxieties about everything here, helps get it all out of my head so I can try and relax and breath a bit.
Oh one random question...I usually drink coffee in the mornings...its this bad for cervix? I never really thought about it til now. I don't drink much coffee but probably about a third of my mom's extra large dunkin donuts coffee.

 

[lizziedripping]

Hey blue - coffee wont directly affect your cervix, but it's wise to keep caffeine to a minimum in pregnancy anyway

Hang in there hun, bed rest is tough on the whole family, but by talking to each other regularly and sharing your feelings, you'll work through it. You sound like a close and loving family who will be all the stronger for this experience in the end (tho it probably doesn't feel that way at the moment)

 

[yellowyamyam]

Hi,

It's me again. I have a question for ladies who had cerclage done. Today is my 3rd day after the surgery and about an hour ago, I started to bleed. I have been spotting after the surgery but everywhere I read, it is stated that it would slowly go off by the 3rd day. There is also slight pain in my hoo-hoo like sharp pain which I didn't really notice that much since the surgery until this afternoon. But now, the blood is bright red and if I stand up, it drips off me, Not continuous like a leaky tap but 1-2 dots if I relax myself down there.

Is it possible to reject the stitch? Or indications that something is wrong? I am not hemorrhaging; I just want to know what to look for if something is wrong. I have been resting horizontally as much as I can except toilet trips, making simple meals for lunch and dinner and shower.

 

[Van1116]

Hi everyone...

I was wondering what anyone recommends for constipation while on bedrest. Between the bedrest, nifedipine, hormones, and prenatals (when I rarely take them) I get constipated and have a lot of uncomfortable pressure down there and contractions.


Anyone do any special exercises while lying down maybe. I take a stool softener sometimes, but not everyday. I also eat a container of yogurt now every morning.

I really want to get back on the prenatal, but it's the only one I can slack up on out of my "problems".

 

[chistiana]

Hey ladies!!! I guess that was it for me!!! 6 pm i went to get my son s gift (2 on the 18/05) and i got a really sharp pain. I thought natalia was trying to turn as the pain lasted for about half an hour. Went home to receive our guests but as they kept coming i kept feeling worse. So i called the doc who said she was probably trying to turn but advised to meet him at the hospital just in case. Left my house at 7.. By 7:30 contractions were coming two minutes apart and baby was still feet down. So my gorgeous natalia was born by c section at 9:10pm weighting 2180g! She s in the monitoring unit so i havent been able to see her except through pictures but the doc said if everything remains stable she ll be out tomorrow night! Cant wait to hold her and kiss her!!
I m in pretty much a lot of pain right now and cant sleep but i dont care! Thank you so much ladies for being there for me and supporting medir so long! I will get back to you as soon as things have eased off!! Again thank you and i guess i wish a happy and healthy remaining to all preggos!!!

Ps: yellow i doubt it us anything to worry about but i would definitely call my doc and let him know!

 

[book.fish2011]

Omg Chris!!!! You have made it!!! So happy for you. Congratulations! That's really awesome and I was least expecting you'll deliver her so soon. After Kate's experience I'd imagined you'll go to 40 weeks too. Fantastic fantastic news.

She will come to you soon, she seems to be doing wonderful. Good weight too.

Surgery pain will go away quickly, pls take enough painkillers during first day. You'll be up on your feet soon if you aren't already.

Waiting for further updates from you about little Natalia
-------------
Yellow: I had similar bleeding due to a clot trapped in my vagina after cerclage. I would suggest you go and get examined by your doc. My OB removed the clot and bleeding went away.