Incompetent Cervix

[Bec L]

HI ladies
Just to update you on my situation - and to ask for some advice.

Had my scan at almost 10 weeks and saw doctor afterwards who seemed in too much of a rush to spend much time with me discussing my situation but passed Poppy's premature birth off as a 'one off' with reassurances that there was no reason why I could not go full term with this baby.

How she knows that exactly I have NO idea?! The only extra scan I will have is a cervical scan at 16 weeks. What does this involve? Is it painful and do you get to see the baby?? I asked what would happen after that and she said if there were no changes I would most likey go to term. She would not discuss what would happen if there were changes as she said I had enough to worry about already! Helpful.

What do you make of that for advice??

 

[LHG]

Thanks for kind words Lulubee, why wouldn't you recommend stitch? I thought this is only option? LHG x

 

[LHG]

Hi BecL
sounds like they are checking length of cervix like in my case. The cervical scan I had was internal, a camera on a, well a tube-thing (you'll know exactly what it looks like when you see it!) not pleasant but not painful. You can see the baby (well I could at 16 weeks) and they can measure the cervix and check things are not opening too soon etc. So rubbish when you feel rushed in appointments that are so important to you! LHG x

 

[ellahstruts]

hi yes it will be internal it will check for cv length and any funneling (where the cervix starts to open from the inside), if normal length (3cm or over), they will prob re cv scan you about 24/26 weeks to check its still ok. if its short, they will offer you more frequent internal scans and discuss the idea of stitch, i had myn put in at 14 weeks, and i am on 2 weekly scans. the stitch for me has been fine and has kept my cervix together very well so far, they also take vaginal swabs every 2 weeks and a urine spec to make sure there are no infections. i hope this gives you some info xx

 

[Bec L]

Thanks so much girls. Good to know I can rely on good information from here that I can't get from my consultant!

 

[ProudMum]

I have mentioned my concerns about this condition to several people none of who are taking any notice.
I have had 2 in depth scans and all im told is that my cervix is closed at the inernal os. Other than that, nobody is prepared to look into this any further.
I have not had any laser treatment, D&C's or anything that falls into risk category for IC but my external os feels open at times, open enough to make me panic.. MW's claim this is normal after having 1 child already- this is not easing my worry. I asked the sonographer yesterday and she said internal scans on the cervix will only be performed at request of a dr. This is a condition that causes pregnancy loss and drs will ONLY consider the possibility of IC after 2 losses in the 2nd trimester, this is not fair inmy opinion, if a woman is voicing concerns it should be heard. Why wait til she has suffered the trauma of 2 losses that could have been prevented.
I personally think all cervix should be measured at the detailed scan, afterall thats the whole purpose of the detailed scan, to check the pregnancy in detail.
The ignorance of some drs regarding IC's riles me.

 

[Blessed1]

Hi girls
I had an internal scan yesterday because in 2005 I had lasering to remove cells. I am 16 weeks and cervix only measured 2.3. I've got to take progesterone this week and go back next week to see if I need a stitch. Feeling a bit panicked today and down, good to read other experiences. LHG xx

LHG: Hang in there hun.

a lot of great info ladies...thanks.

 

[LuluBee]

LHG: Sorry I meant that I wouldn't recommend waiting until you're 21 weeks to get hte stitch, if they offer it next week take it!

 

[ellahstruts]

the earlier they put the stitch in, the more successful it will be, early preventitive stitches have a 90percent success rate, emergency ones have a 50-60 percent. take it if they offer it early definitely xx

 

[Bec L]

Can I just ask a daft question? If you are in a position to need a stitch are you also automatically put on bed rest?

 

[ellahstruts]

no not automatically, but you will almost certainly be signed off work, no lifting definitely, no sex definitely, i have been told no baths as risk of infection if the stitch get sinfected so i have to shower, no standing for long periods definitely, no flying definitely.......you will probably feel so scared that you automatically bed rest yourself anyway.each consultant is different but nothing gets away from the fact that when you stand the cervix takes a majority of the weight and its the only thing supporting the bag of waters, and if they find evidence of funneling from the inside the only way to make sure it doesnt get worse is to lay down and take the wieght off the cervix.

 

[LHG]

I took this week off work anyway as got a bit freaked out, I'm a teacher and always onthe go at work! So nice to hear other girls in same situ really does help. Also I've ordered a bump belt (piece of elastic really) from Bloomin Marvellous as apparently can help take the weight off cervix. Not sure if this is medical fact but hey ho xx

 

[LuluBee]

LHG I'm a teacher in a Museum, when I found out I had problems with my cervix I spoke to my boss and agreed that I would have extra help with my sessions and would do all my teaching sitting down. I know that's a difficult thing to do when you have 30 children running around but I'd definitely have that conversation. And to be honest, I would talk to your consultant very seriously about being signed off work for the rest of your pregnancy because in a job like teaching it is incredibly difficult not be on your feet more than you ought to be.

 

[ellahstruts]

i too recently brought a bump belt from blooming marvellous, now when i got it i was unsure asto whether it would take pressure off my cervix or off my tummy and onto my cervix so i have been scared to wear it as i keep forgetting whether to ask my consulatant whether she thinks they are of benefit?? thats reassuring to know that you guys have been told it takes pressure off the cervix i will definitely put myn on today xx

 

[LHG]

I think we should check first with drs before we start wearing them (bump belts) as it was a friend that told me. I'll ask at my appointment on Wed xx

 

[4everhopefull]

Girls, some of you my have seen me pottering about....and i was kindly pointed in the direction of this thread....and all i can say is because of you ladies ive gone from a lady with no hope to a person with determination, this may sound a little melodramatic to some but , i really thought this is the end for me, as i wasnt trusting the doctors confidence boosts of it can work this time with a stitch, but after reading you wonderful ladies stories i truley feel confident, im still ttc so i may be butting-in but i hope you wont mind me still lurking as everytime i go to give up, i get lifted by this thread!!!!! good luck to you beautifull lot!!!!!
love candice XX

 

[LuluBee]

4everhopefull: thank you so much. I'm glad the thread has helped pick you up My little boy is a year old next week and having the stitch in saved his life. It is tough but honestly I had 2mm of cervix left and the stitch held true. Good luck ttc xxxx

 

[Lou78]

Funny-I'm a teacher too! Doc signed me off last week (cervix now 2cm) and am 31 weeks now. Lying down as much as possible and hoping to hold on as long as possible. With next one I will def ask for stitch early on, don't really want to have it at this late stage and risk bringing on labour.

 

[LHG]

Hi Lou
what was the procedure like for the stitch? Did you stay in overnight? I read somewhere that you have an epidural or general anesthetic is this right? I'm going in today and dreading it slightly!
LHG x

 

[LHG]

Hi all
very interesting! Went for my scan today all prepared for the stitch option and consultant says my cervix looks ok. Apparently it measured longer today then last week and was easier to because of my bladder and the baby being 17 weeks! My husband and I were gobsmacked totally diff to last weeks response! I've been told cme off the progesterone and come back in 3 weeks for a scan. Feels too good to be true still gonna be careful until next scan, but so pleased LHGxx