Incompetent Cervix

[Bec L]

That'd be great, thanks xx

 

[Blessed1]

JadeyB - Interesting you should mention swimming. I asked about whether it was ok when I was at the hospital and they said yes (althouth they also said sex was fine and I'm erring on the side of caution with that one and abstaining!)

It's the only exercise I get (swimming I mean ) other than walking - is it only in 'extreme' cases that they advise against it? xx

JadeyB: I also asked the dr. if I could swim and resume walking for exercise and he said I should not walk more than 20 mins (not sure why??) and he said I could resume swimming as long as it is not vigorous. I was worried about infection with swimming but it wasn't a concern in my case...so maybe in extreme cases only like was mentioned above.

 

[4everhopefull]

i just jumped in to send as many hugs and best wishes as is humanly possible ladys XXXXXX

 

[JadeyB]

Hi Bec,

How are you doing hon?

I messaged my friend on facebook and this is what she came back with:

"Umm....I was never told I couldnt do anything......my consultant said swimming and sex was fine - we didnt attempt either though ha ha.

My cervix (from memory) to start with was 1.6 but stretched throughout. I have the whole of my cervix, but just badly damaged. Although this damage will be why I gave birth at 34+4 (ish)....just say to take it easy the last few weeks."

Hope this helps.
xxx

 

[JadeyB]

JadeyB - Interesting you should mention swimming. I asked about whether it was ok when I was at the hospital and they said yes (althouth they also said sex was fine and I'm erring on the side of caution with that one and abstaining!)

It's the only exercise I get (swimming I mean ) other than walking - is it only in 'extreme' cases that they advise against it? xx

JadeyB: I also asked the dr. if I could swim and resume walking for exercise and he said I should not walk more than 20 mins (not sure why??) and he said I could resume swimming as long as it is not vigorous. I was worried about infection with swimming but it wasn't a concern in my case...so maybe in extreme cases only like was mentioned above.

Hi there,

I'd not heard about the not walking for longer than 20 mins thing before. They all seem to have different ideas.

I'm not doing much more than walking from the house to the car and the car to work at the moment.

Its good advice though. I'd rather play it safe.
xxx

 

[Bec L]

Thanks JadeyB. I think I will try and continue with my swimming. It's only once a week for about 20 minutes so hopefully it's safe.

Still trying to get in touch with my consultant to push for another cervical scan at my 20 week scan. If I hear nothing I will just refuse to leave on the day till they do one xx

 

[JadeyB]

Thanks JadeyB. I think I will try and continue with my swimming. It's only once a week for about 20 minutes so hopefully it's safe.

Still trying to get in touch with my consultant to push for another cervical scan at my 20 week scan. If I hear nothing I will just refuse to leave on the day till they do one xx

Good luck hon - I would be the same. We're putting our foot down with my consultant and although I felt really stupid and like I am wasting his time, he has agreed to give me weekly vaginal u/s for the next 2 weeks in a row. I'm dreading going there on Fri, but I'm just going to suck it up and know that I'm doing all I can.

I don't think that it is too much to ask. xx

 

[Bec L]

I've been getting period type pains since last night. Basically a dull ache right in my pelvis/bladder area. Seeing the midwife today anyway so can check for any water infection, but could it be a sign of anything worse do you think??

 

[lizziedripping]

Hi Bec, just come across your message love - how's the aching now?

You're entering a very scary stage in your pregnancy where every ache and pain makes you worry. All I can say is that I have had tightenings, period aches, intense lower abdo pressure on and off since around 15wks and none of it has amounted to anything.

I found that there were several "spurts" of growth throughout my pregnancy, which caused a stretchy, achey feeling low down in my uterus. Atleast this is what I put it down to. They happened at 18/25 and 28wks - it scared me, (as everything does with my IC) but amounted to nothing.

Of course I am no expert, and it is always worth mentioning to someone who is, but you'll probably be fine. As I've said before, when you've been thru pregnancy complications, and your cervix is a potential issue, everything rings alarm bells.

Good luck - let me know

 

[Bec L]

Thanks hun, that's good to know. I am just a bit worried I over did it yesterday - went on a longish walk and was shattered in the afternoon. Then these pains came along.

Spoke to the midwife this morning - definitely not a urine infection, but she said similar to you. It's normal to worry about stuff that bit more than normal after what has happened previously. I actually ended up on antibiotics at almost exactly the same stage with Poppy as I was convinced I had some sort of infection (I didn't) and was going on holiday, so they gave me the tablets as a precaution. So I guess it is just usual for this stage of pregnancy really.

This is just more of an ache than a need to go to the loo as it was previously though, and I now I have abdominal pain too (could just be wind??!) Will just see how things go over the weekend and ring the hospital if it gets worse.

Good news is, my consultant has agreed to me having an additional cervical scan at 20 week though
xxx
PS How are you feeling?
PPS Is it safe to have a (home made) not too hot curry tonight?!?

 

[JadeyB]

Hi Bec, just come across your message love - how's the aching now?

You're entering a very scary stage in your pregnancy where every ache and pain makes you worry. All I can say is that I have had tightenings, period aches, intense lower abdo pressure on and off since around 15wks and none of it has amounted to anything.

I found that there were several "spurts" of growth throughout my pregnancy, which caused a stretchy, achey feeling low down in my uterus. Atleast this is what I put it down to. They happened at 18/25 and 28wks - it scared me, (as everything does with my IC) but amounted to nothing.

Of course I am no expert, and it is always worth mentioning to someone who is, but you'll probably be fine. As I've said before, when you've been thru pregnancy complications, and your cervix is a potential issue, everything rings alarm bells.

Good luck - let me know

Well said - thats exactly what I would have said and exactly what I've been experiencing. I've also got what I think is the start of SPD - I hope it doesn't get too bad. I get episodes of quite bad pain with it, but it comes and goes so its manageable. I also (and always have had in episodes) have IBS and get quite bad bowel pain.

I find it really hard to distinguish between bowel and period pain at the best of times especially when there is alot riding on it!

I had a positive scan again today - cervix is closed and measuring long. He didn't tell me the measurements but said it hadn't really changed since last time. My consultant was a lot nicer to me this time, either my midwive has had a word or he got out of the bed the wrong side when I last went to see him. I am seeing him again next Friday, praying I make it there as this will be the stage that my waters broke in my first pregnancy. I feel sad that I couldn't keep her safe and she didn't make it.

Bec - good news about your scan hon, I hope everything looks well.
I'm not sure about the curry, I've had a couple of mild ones and didn't really think anything until after I'd eaten the last one!
Poppy is gorgeous!!

Lizziedripping - How are you doing hon?

4everhopeful - Hi - how are you doing hon?

xxx

 

[Bec L]

Thanks JadeyB. I get IBS too so I can understand what you mean about confusing pain.

That's great news from your scan though. Must be an emotional time for you given everything you have been through. It all sounds very positive for you this time though and I'll keep everything crossed for you.

Guess i'll chance it with the curry and leave the chillies out of my portion
xx

 

[lizziedripping]

Hey girls.

Bec, hope you've enjoyed a delicious curry by the time you get this It's fine to have curry. IC is very different to preterm labour - things like curry will only trigger labour if your body is ready to go into labour. Having said that, I too have hesitated over eating curries! I think we are all a bag of nerves - take it from me reaching 28wks relly helps to chill you out.

Can I tell you, when pregnant with my first, I distinctly remember going for walks and from 23wks felt like he was gonna fall out. I had to get home and sit down quick due to that sensation. Difference is, I never worried about it, just assumed it was normal in pregnancy. I went to term with no problems at all. Since my daughter, I am totally paranoid!

I can't even walk upstairs without pelvic pain, pressure and aching - it is probably normal due to sheer size of the bump, and the fact that I am immobile most of the time, but I worry, worry, worry............

Here I am, never dreaming I'd get this far - and all is well. Cervix is short, and funneled since 25wks, but it looks like I may make it anyway. Take heart from that ladies - and remember I have a combined baby weight of 6lbs already, and that's excluding the weight of 2 placentas and amniotic sacs! I have a fab bump pic - if I'm brave enough, I'll post it.

Believe me, if my floppy cervix can sustain my mammoth tum - then there's hope for everyone. xxx

 

[4everhopefull]

Jadeyb, hi babes, becl, and lizzie how are you doing?
god i feel like a stalker on this thread as im not actually pregnant again yet but i do have my strange reasons for being here if you get me?

i love reading that all of you are doing fine and are ok, and in turn it makes the fear go away when im ttc. i know this time i am having the stich and im terrefied you guys wont be here when (god willing) that happens.....cos i hope you all are in mummy bliss and up to your necks in nappys!!!!

sigh....if this made any sense whatsoever, then thanks for listening, and ladies, thanks for letting me potter about XXX

best wishes 4everhopefull

 

[Bec L]

I'll still be here hun, when I get the time Not that I am quite as knowledgeable as JadeyB and Lizzie who seem to know such a lot, but I'll help if I can Good luck with TTC xx

 

[rensben]

Hi everyone,

FIrst of all I want to thank you all esp Lizzed' for all of the info/advice. Although I am on bedrest I am not on here often as my internet connection is not the best. I am now at 25 weeks and 2 days and still on bed rest. I have to say that I am surprised by how much you all seem to be able to do. I had a cerclage put in at 20 weeks and my cervix is now 2.5cm but I am not allowed to do anything nevermind walking or swimming. I spend the entire day on the sofa and my husband/friends bring me my meals. I still get lots o f bh contractions but I never went into pre-term labour. Do you think perhaps my doc is overdoing it with the bed rest?

hope everyone is doing well!!

 

[JadeyB]

Jadeyb, hi babes, becl, and lizzie how are you doing?
god i feel like a stalker on this thread as im not actually pregnant again yet but i do have my strange reasons for being here if you get me?

i love reading that all of you are doing fine and are ok, and in turn it makes the fear go away when im ttc. i know this time i am having the stich and im terrefied you guys wont be here when (god willing) that happens.....cos i hope you all are in mummy bliss and up to your necks in nappys!!!!

sigh....if this made any sense whatsoever, then thanks for listening, and ladies, thanks for letting me potter about XXX

best wishes 4everhopefull

Hi there,

I think its good to do some research in advance of getting pregnant if you know that you have an IC.

I hope that you get a BFP soon. I'm sure we will still be checking in now and again and you could always send us a PM if you need any advice. I'm praying I get to move onto the parenting section in this pregnancy. Sorry I'm sounding negative at the moment but I'm just approaching the time in my pregnancy that I lost my little girl in my first. Providing everything goes well I'm sure I will be posting much more positively in the next few weeks.

Sending lots of baby dust your way hon.
xx

 

[JadeyB]

Hi everyone,

FIrst of all I want to thank you all esp Lizzed' for all of the info/advice. Although I am on bedrest I am not on here often as my internet connection is not the best. I am now at 25 weeks and 2 days and still on bed rest. I have to say that I am surprised by how much you all seem to be able to do. I had a cerclage put in at 20 weeks and my cervix is now 2.5cm but I am not allowed to do anything nevermind walking or swimming. I spend the entire day on the sofa and my husband/friends bring me my meals. I still get lots o f bh contractions but I never went into pre-term labour. Do you think perhaps my doc is overdoing it with the bed rest?

hope everyone is doing well!!

Hey hon,

Congrats for making it past 25 weeks that is fab news! I don't think that your doc is overdoing it.

I think that vaginal stitches have a good success rate but I'm going to have a slightly more negative opinion on them because mine failed me at 23 weeks. I've heard that the earlier they are put in the better, mine was put in at 19 weeks. I don't want to say this to scare you but I think the bedrest is definitely doing its job and I certainly wouldn't stop it. JMO.

I have had a pre-pregnancy abdominal stitch put in in this pregnancy. It is put in via an incision in the tummy (like a c-section cut). It is placed a lot higher up than a vaginal stitch and is thought to give the cervix more strength than a TVC. Providing that it is placed my an experienced surgeon and depending on surgeon it is thought to be between 90% and 100% effective. This still doesn't stop me worrying and I am on my own version of bedrest at the moment. When I'm not at work (which is a desk job) I am constantly laying on the sofa. I can only imagine that full time bed rest would drive you crazy.

I am taking the week off next week to take me through and past when we lost our little girl so will be laying on the sofa all day. I have offered to work from home though so that Jeremy Kyle (Jerry Springer like UK show) doesn't drive me too crazy - lol!!

Just to add a bit of positivity to my post, My consultant said to me at my last scan that statistically babies born after 25 weeks do very well. Every week after 25 weeks the chance of disability decreases a little and my 32 weeks the chances of long term problems are very slim. Obviously I'm aiming for my c-section date of 38/39 weeks.

Its amazing the difference between 24 and 25 weeks. Lizzie - I'm sure that you know much more about this than me. I can only go by the research that I did at the time. I'm holding on to positive stories like yours over the next few weeks, while I pass this huge milestone.

Big hugs to you all!!

 

[lizziedripping]

Hi Jadey, Rensben, Bec and 4ever

Wow, I don't come here for 2 days, and there are a million messages. Great to get updated on you all.

Jadey - 22weeks. I so feel for you love - my worst time was around 24/25/26 weeks I was a nervous wreck, particularly considering I was plagued by BH contractions. I'm sure it was the stress of worrying about giving birth.

There is nothing I can say to make it easier, only when you reach the magical 28wks, do you feel the burden lift a bit hun. All I can say is that I had a floppy cervix at 12wks which was worse consultant had ever seen at that early stage - I have 2 monster babies on board, my bump measures at full term, yet my cervix is still holding.

You have the best stitch there is, and all is looking good now - so I have every confidence you'll make it.

As for the differences in 24 to 25 weeks, they are huge. There are always differences from baby to baby, no matter what their gestation, but each day at that stage can make the world of difference. A crucial element is getting the steroid injections before birth, it really helped Evie I'm sure. 27wks is also a turning point, and every week thereafter a bonus.

It is true that the cervix becomes less of an issue after 27 weeks, when baby moves more into the pelvis. Preterm labour is always a threat, but a quite seperate issue. If you haven't had PROM or preterm labour before, then you're at no more risk than any other pregnant lady.

Rensben - you are doing absolutely the right thing in resting. You cannot overdo bed rest when it has been proven that your cervix was already changing love. Let the BH dictate how much rest you take. Probably because I'm carrying twins, I have had no choice but to rest. If I move around beyond a point I feel real discomfort, aching and BH - this has forced me to take it easy. You're already at 25wks, another month and you could maybe begin to move around a little more? If you're still getting the BH, I'd continue to have total bed rest tho - it will be so worth it to get safely thru your pregnancy. You've done a great job far - I failed to notice anything was wrong in my second pregnancy, was moving furniture, racing around and look what happened - don't risk it

4ever - of course you can lurk with intent - that's what we're here for. Anything you wanna ask, feel free. The IC journey is a long and stressfull one - what better than to talk to ladies with first hand experience

Bec - you still ok love? Taking things easy? Glad to see you've got your TVU at 20wks x

Good luck to us all - and remember don't go it alone

 

[Bumpin77]

Hi- I lost my first preg to IC at 22 weeks. My second preg I had a cerlage and delivered a healthy baby girl. My 3rd preg I was told "I most likely won't need it" but then I lost that preg at 21 weeks. This pregnancy I will be getting a cerclage as I know for certain I have an IC. Don't take chances.