Incompetent Cervix

[donegalfairy]

What a scary story OP! Imagine if you wouldnt have the economy for those extra tests! My heart is aching for all those not being able to pay for private tests! Thank god you did!

 

[LuluBee]

Selina22, when I spoke to my consultant after I had Alex they recommended I come for preconception advice and counselling if we ever wanted another one. I'd speak to your doctor about it and see what they can recommend?

 

[selina22]

Hi thanks for that but i have seen my doc i then got appointement with the consultant which was pointless really he just said ok ill get your notes come back when ur pregnant and we'll take it from there he just saught of brushed me off like im not pregnant so go away saught of thing so i have gone away not reassured or anything i thought they may do some cervical test etc to make sure its ok but no just told to come back when preg so i have decided for my piece of mind to wait till jan when my daughter starts school
though id love to try now lol
thanks
xx

 

[lizziedripping]

Rensben - sorry I didn't reply sooner, only just seen your msg hun

The cervical stitch causes all manner of bizarre sensations, and as your uterus gets bigger and puts more natural strain on your cervix, you'll feel it pull. I've got a shirodkar stitch which is sewn into the bladder, uterine ligaments and in and out of my cervix. I have all kinds of discomfort as a result.

It is essentially a foreign body which shouldn't be there, so expect your body to be uncomfortable with it. Don't worry darlin', if the stitch was tearing against your cervix you would bleed.

You sound as tho you are doing really well. If you have gone this far and your cervix had remained closed, all the signs are really good. You're almost past the point where the cervix is an issue anyway. The stitch does create a generalised "tension" throughout your cervix which reinforces it.

Well done you - and pleased to hear that so far all us IC ladies are doing so well - much love xxx

 

[JadeyB]

Hi all i havent been on for a while and so much happening congrats to every1 holding on i know how stressed and bored you can get i am planning another baby when my 2yr old starts nursery in jan so i have more rest time im worried of not being able to run around after my 2yr old and might go and see a doc about having the stich pre pregnancy in the stomach any one had that if so was it ok my last i had a vaginal stich and it worked but i think was due to strict bed rest i didnt move at all unless i needed a toilet or for hospital appointments thanks
good luck all
x

Hi Selina,

I've had an abdominal stitch (TAC) placed pre-pregnancy. I've got very little cervix left as I had to have most of it removed and I've had a failed vaginal stitch (TVC) - so considered a candidate for a TAC.

I had my TAC placed in August and I fell pregnant in October. A properly placed TAC should eliminate the need for bed-rest. I am 24 weeks tomorrow (eek) and so far so good. I'm still very very nervous, and resting when I can. I don't think this is necessary, but having lost a baby, I'm not willing to take any chances.

The operation itself is considered (by some surgeons) as invasive but I didn't find it too bad at all. I have a scar a very simlar length and position as a c-section scar and I wasn't in too much pain at all. I found my TVC worse because I couldn't take strong painkillers (as I was pregnant at the time).

I could go on all day, but if you want to know anymore - please shout. I am a member of a website called Abbyloopers and the ladies on there are amazing and so strong.

xx

 

[ellahstruts]

lizziedripping i am also from leicester and have a shirodkar stitch in place i am 30 +3 weeks i see we are due on the same day too lol thats so strange.....are you at the royal or general? i am under Dr singhal at the general, small world hey xxx

 

[selina22]

hi thanks for your advice and so happy for you that its working for you jadeyb but im not sure it will work for me i dont like the idea of csection or operations and TVC worked really well for me with my daughter and that preg they were not sure y i lost my son in first preg so were just keeping an eye on me then i started funelling so they did TVC at 18 weeks with funelling once it was in it didnt change a bit the whole preg and she was born full term so i am hoping that now we know its defo IC i will have TVC earlier before any funelling etc so i am happy to stick with that i will just rest as much as possible i have know come off contraception cerrezzete so that i can get normal cylces heard it takes long lol and just pray it all works out
thanks for your info fingers crossed for all
xx

 

[lizziedripping]

Hi my lovelies

Just wondering how we're all still doing? You're always in my thoughts........

I'm off for my 31wk twin/internal scan today - it's no longer as scary as it once was, but I still feel a tad apprehensive

I'm hoping all will be well, and you ladies can take heart from my positive experience given how the odds were totally stacked against me.

After today, I will have fortnightly scans to ensure the stitch isn't tearing my cervix, which is more and more likely as I progress - then at 34 it will be taken out

I'm also gonna discuss the whole section vs natural birth - not sure what to do, would love natural, but with it being twins I don't dare risk their health. After all we have been thru, I just want them out safely.

Much love to you all, and I'll write later all being well

 

[rensben]

Hi all

Good luck today Lizzie! I hope you get good news. I've got everything crossed for you!

I'm so happy to see that we are all still hanging in there. I'm at 27 weeks today!! 3rd trimester!! I've come a long way since 20 weeks and it's gone by fairly quickly. The bed rest is still tough but not as bad as I thought it would be. I made a really quick trip to the grocery store just beside my apartment yesterday because I needed a few things and I figured it would be ok because my doc said I could start moving around a little more. I was only gone for 10 minutes but I was sooo nervous. I felt like I was escaping from prison or something! I told my husband when he got home and he thought it was risky..he told me he was going to put a padlock on the door if I tried that again...he was joking...I think lol!

Looking forward to all your updates!

 

[lanaross]

Girlies thanks so much for all the support!! Just like you have predicted I've made it to FULL TERM TODAY! After all this crazy bed rest, no stitch, funneling, I am 1cm dilated since 35 weeks. Having all kinds of pains and pulls but I am guessing this is very normal and it's almost the finish line for me. I wouldn't be able to keep my sanity, if it weren't for you xxxx

To ALL BED REST Mommies -- you can make it, just take it one day at a time, it will be over before you know it xxxxx

 

[lanaross]

Hi all

Good luck today Lizzie! I hope you get good news. I've got everything crossed for you!

I'm so happy to see that we are all still hanging in there. I'm at 27 weeks today!! 3rd trimester!! I've come a long way since 20 weeks and it's gone by fairly quickly. The bed rest is still tough but not as bad as I thought it would be. I made a really quick trip to the grocery store just beside my apartment yesterday because I needed a few things and I figured it would be ok because my doc said I could start moving around a little more. I was only gone for 10 minutes but I was sooo nervous. I felt like I was escaping from prison or something! I told my husband when he got home and he thought it was risky..he told me he was going to put a padlock on the door if I tried that again...he was joking...I think lol!

Looking forward to all your updates!

Hi hun, congratulations on making it to third trimester I would still take it easy for now, I was diagnosed with this at around 27 weeks and was put on strict bed rest. I only started to relax a bit at 34 weeks. Ask your hubby to do grocery shopping for you and rest Not very long to go now.

 

[Bec L]

Lanaross - that's brilliant, congratulations!!!

Best of luck today Lizzie, hope all's ok hun xx

 

[selina22]

Hi all this forum is great and it is so positive to know that your all doing well it helps people like us with ic to see positives especially when your on bedrest when i get my bfp i will defo be on here for support you are all fantastic and a great support network when i was preg with megan i didnt know of anywhere like this i got bored witless lol so am happy to know ur all here to go through same experiances together okay stop blabbing lol its just know one in my family understands how hard it is they just think im stupid for wanting another one lol but i got my hubby my daughter and all of you guys how happy does that make me feel

good luck to all and fingers crossed your all doing fantastic xxx

 

[JadeyB]

Hi ladies,

Really pleased that we all have positive news.

I have to admit the last 2 weeks has been absolute hell - just emotionally had no problems physically. I'm really pleased that I have now officially made it further than I did in my first pregnancy as my daughter was delivered at 24+2!!

Lanaross - Congrats on making it to full-term. I'm really really happy for you. Its funny as it seems like only yesterday that you posted saying you were 35 weeks but 2 weeks in my pregnancy seems like years ago!

Lizziedripping - I hope that your scan went well hon and that you have positive news.

Rensben - congratulations on 27 weeks today!! That is fab news, you are doing really well. Obviously we don't want bubba to come until fully cooked, but even if born now your little one has a very good chance.

Bec - How are you doing hon? How many weeks are you now?

Ellastruts - Congrats on 30 weeks that is fab.

Selina - Really sorry that you struggle with operations. As TVC and bedrest has worked for you in the past I'm sure it will again. Like you say I've heard that the earlier placed the better. I've lost count of the amount of anaesthetics and gynae operations I have had in the last 3 years. Its crazy but I think I'm getting more fearful with each one!

When have you ladies started buying things for your little one. We are not planning on buying anything until 28 weeks, but going to start doing a little research and making a list over the next couple of weeks.

xxx

 

[selina22]

Hi all
jadeyb when i was pregnant with megan i waited until about 28 weeks for little bits and at 30 weeks got all big things when i lost my first i got everything and lost him at 23 so i held on purely because i was scared i think this time round i may start to shop at 27 weeks for all things im so happy for you to reach this point its a relief when you reach the point u lost ur last baby like me when i was preg with meg i hit 23 weeks then 24 came i slowly became more positive i will start to get easier as every day goes by ur bubba is growing more and more good luck
have fun baby shopping
xx

 

[SugarKisses]

Have just found this thread.

I had my 1st born-my daughter at 24 weeks and 2 days, she sadly died at birth...... i had arrived at hosp with 'back pains'-I didnt realize they were contractions and I was told I was fully dilated ...I went into prem labour for no known reason-Sophie was perfect and there was no sign of infection or anything. It was put down to 'one of those things' and I was just extremely unlucky

My next pregnancy went really well. I was having scans quite often and I had a cervical scan at 17 weeks which showed my cervix was long and closed....I was really pleased. Then at 23 weeks I went into prem labour again....I arrived at hospital to be told I was 3-4cm dilated They managed to stop the labour and I held on for a week-complete bedrest. They tried to give me a stitch, but Luke was lying funny and his feet were in the way I gave birth at exactly 24 weeks via c-section and my little man held on for 2 days

I have not been told as such that I have a weak cervix....but because ive went into prem labour twice now for no known reason....well it sends alarm bells ringing.

Can I ask if it hurts to have a stitch? x x x

 

[AP]

Did any of you ask for a stitch? I worry that if we TTC in a few years that if i do fall pregnant again, no-one would monitor or look after me. I had Alex at 27+4, no reason why.

Can I ask if it hurts to have a stitch? x x x

babe!

Just found this too, and i wanted to know that too, good question.

 

[JadeyB]

Have just found this thread.

I had my 1st born-my daughter at 24 weeks and 2 days, she sadly died at birth...... i had arrived at hosp with 'back pains'-I didnt realize they were contractions and I was told I was fully dilated ...I went into prem labour for no known reason-Sophie was perfect and there was no sign of infection or anything. It was put down to 'one of those things' and I was just extremely unlucky

My next pregnancy went really well. I was having scans quite often and I had a cervical scan at 17 weeks which showed my cervix was long and closed....I was really pleased. Then at 23 weeks I went into prem labour again....I arrived at hospital to be told I was 3-4cm dilated They managed to stop the labour and I held on for a week-complete bedrest. They tried to give me a stitch, but Luke was lying funny and his feet were in the way I gave birth at exactly 24 weeks via c-section and my little man held on for 2 days

I have not been told as such that I have a weak cervix....but because ive went into prem labour twice now for no known reason....well it sends alarm bells ringing.

Can I ask if it hurts to have a stitch? x x x

Hey honey,

I am so sorry you have had to experience losing a baby, I can't believe it has happened to you twice.

I'm not sure if you have an IC but when I read your story, it sent alarm bells ringing in my head too. I definitely think it is worth investigating.

I am a member of a website called Abbyloopers - it is US based www.abbyloopers.org. There are lots of ladies on there from all over the world and they are fab (just like the ladies on bnb). I think that it may be helpful to you. Most of the ladies on there have an abdominal stitches (TAC) placed but some ladies who want to have abdominal or vaginal stitches post asking for advice. The ladies on there are truly inspirational, many have lost 2 or more children before being diagnosed with IC - between 16 and 25 weeks.

I have had both a TAC and a TVC (vaginal stitch) and i have to say that the pain wasn't bad at all. Especially as I had my TAC placed pre-pregnancy (so was allowed lots of painkillers). It was put in through an incision in my tummy - just like a c-section cut. I will have to give birth by c-section now.

Please message me with any questions. Where are you based?
xxx

 

[selina22]

Have just found this thread.

I had my 1st born-my daughter at 24 weeks and 2 days, she sadly died at birth...... i had arrived at hosp with 'back pains'-I didnt realize they were contractions and I was told I was fully dilated ...I went into prem labour for no known reason-Sophie was perfect and there was no sign of infection or anything. It was put down to 'one of those things' and I was just extremely unlucky

My next pregnancy went really well. I was having scans quite often and I had a cervical scan at 17 weeks which showed my cervix was long and closed....I was really pleased. Then at 23 weeks I went into prem labour again....I arrived at hospital to be told I was 3-4cm dilated They managed to stop the labour and I held on for a week-complete bedrest. They tried to give me a stitch, but Luke was lying funny and his feet were in the way I gave birth at exactly 24 weeks via c-section and my little man held on for 2 days

I have not been told as such that I have a weak cervix....but because ive went into prem labour twice now for no known reason....well it sends alarm bells ringing.

Can I ask if it hurts to have a stitch? x x x

Hi and so sorry for your losses i to am new to this thread but find it very helpfull i lost my son josh at 23 weeks he only lived an hour i fell preg straight after and was moniterd every 2 weeks i started funelling at 18 weeks so i had the stitch placed i must say i didnt feel a thing and after had no pain and only bled tiny bit after removeing it hurts a little more but wasnt to bad my daughter went full term with the stitch i think it affects us all differently but i would research into what you feel is right for you also not sure if you had been given steroids but i think this is a must for us ic ladies hope all is well dont hesitate to message me

lots of hugs

 

[lizziedripping]

Hey everyone, and especially Sugarkisses and Selina - OMG my loves you have really been thru it

You must be absolutely drained emotionally. It seems uncertain as to why you lost your little ones - except to say that a classic feature of IC is that there are no symptoms as such, and you certainly don't experience pain or contractions.

I could be wrong Sugarkisses, but it sounds more likely that you experienced preterm labour. This is a seperate issue, and has to be treated differently. There is some suggestion that giving progesterone supplements to women in your position is very effective in preventing it, and it is beginning to be used in the UK more and more.

That said, a cervical cerclage is also an option since no one can ever be certain of an IC diagnosis vs incompetent cervix. In your position, I would be inclined to push for one hun.

Sb22, a birth at 27wks is less likely to be due to IC, because a weakness of the cervix tends to show itself by the 26th week. If you've made it to 27, then the cervix has already proven itself strong enough to take the weight of a baby without opening. Again tho, if your baby came without contractions, then it is possible and I'd push for a stitch.

Stitches don't hurt when going in btw. They do them under a spinal anaesthetic. Afterwards I had lots of bizarre tightenings and aches for about 3wks tho. It wasn't painful, but a bit scary due to my constant fear of losing the pregnancy

The stitch has worked well for me, but I do have confirmed IC. Please take heart from our success stories here. My cervix had zero tone in it at 12wks when the stitch was placed - the consultant really thought I wouldn't possibly be able to carry twins. Now here I am at 31wks, with 2 huge boys making the pressure on my cervix equivalent to that of a 45wk singleton pregnancy, and I only have mild funnelling which hasn't worsened in 6wks.

It can be done but it has been a terrifying journey. Jadey B, you are coming thru the worst nit psychologically hun - I too found the 20s hellish. No one can understand til they've been there. Every week seems like an eternity, and when you reach every "goal", you aren't satisfied and just want to get to the next...........even now, grateful as I am to be here, I won't fully relax til 34wks.

Well done Lanaross - let's hope you've set the standard for us all to aim for.

As for buying baby stuff - I only accepeted I might bring home 2 healthy babies this week - so have sent Mum out with a shopping list cos I'm in confinement. I am sorry to be missing out on what every other pregnant woman takes for granted, but it will be worth it to get to 37wks.

Bec, how you doing hun? You getting your cervix measured next week?

Love to you all xxx