Last year I gave birth prematurely at 25,3 weeks. I went into labour and it was discovered my cervix was open and that I had an infection in my placenta. It was the infection that made immediate birth necessary. I can't get a clear answer from the consultants. So I don't know if the infection caused the labour or whether labour (my open cervix) caused the infection. My waters didn't break. My IVF consultant thinks that the infection was probably introduced at the same time as the transfer (marvellous) She thinks that next time I should have a cerclage done at 10 weeks just in case I have an incompetent cervix and forget about it. Easier said than done. I have been reading about the likelihood of a second preemie and am scared to death. We couldn't go through it again. Do you have any experience? I had a cervix check at 22 weeks and it was perfect. Is it possible for a cervix to open so quickly? I have been told that it is more likely that the labour caused the cervix to open and that I shouldn't worry about an IC. It's fine for them to be relaxed about it but this is our life and future. I could not bear to lose another and am feeling very pessimistic.
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Premature birth
AMAW, I had a premature birth last year - I don't know how much it'll help but I'll share my experience. My DS was born at 28 weeks by EMCS after my waters broke unexpectedly at 27.3 weeks. He spent 2 months in NICU/ SCBU but survived. On the day my waters broke I had a blazing argument with my Dad that had been a long time coming and we both blamed ourselves for a long time afterward. I had also been on my feet shopping that day but who knows if either was responsible. I lost some fluid that morning (prior to the row) but thought it was wee 
- in hindsight it must have been some amniotic fluid.
I knew there was a chance my DS would be born early as I have very little cervix thanks to a previous operation for cervical cancer. DS was conceived via IVF and I'd had problems from day 1 - I had bleeding starting from my pregnancy test on and off up to week 16ish. These included heavy miscarriage type bleeds with clots - I thought I had miscarried about 3 times. Perhaps I'd been infected from transfer. I'd never considered that until I read your post but now I know it could be a possibility.
Although I wasn't given a stitch, I was monitored weekly for signs of premature labour and we never had a clue - I'd had a check up 5 days earlier which had shown nothing. It turns out that because my cervix is so short that I'd likely picked up an infection in my waters which had instigated the problem. Although I'd been tested when I was admitted to hospital for infection (which was negative), by the time I had my EMCS 4 days later the infection was so bad that the doctor said my uterus smelt 'rotten' when he made the incision. I was so poorly afterwards that I was on strong IV antibiotics for two weeks following the birth.
Because we'd had IVF I'd not considered the possibility of doing it all again - at least not yet. Although DS survived and is now a strapping one year old (9 mo corrected), I still feel traumatised by his birth and the subsequent NICU/ SCBU stay. Imagine my utter shock (and if I'm honest, dismay) to find out that we were expecting naturally when DS was 7 months old (4 mo corrected).
Although I am obviously happy at the prospect of a second DC, I have not allowed myself to get remotely excited about this pregnancy. I just can't let myself. I am 22 weeks now and starting to get more and more worried as the weeks tick by. I am being monitored weekly again and this time I have had stitch - not to keep my cervix shut (it is scarred badly so my consultant doesn't think an IC is a problem) - just to create a barrier between the natural bugs in the vagina and the baby/ placenta/ waters. I am also taking antibiotics every few weeks to combat any infection that could be lingering.
I'm sorry I can't give you any answers or the secret formula which works to prevent premature birth - we're trying what we can but we won't know if it's worked until the baby is born. My consultant does not believe I will get to the 39 week goal for my planned CS, but hopes to get me to at least 34 weeks this time. I will keep you posted if you like.
The best of luck with whatever you decide to do. I'm so sorry to hear that you lost your first baby. Was the baby a boy or a girl? Did you get chance to spend some time with them after they were born?
Just seen this!!! Yay, am so happy for you 
are we talking in the realm of multiples with a beta that high or is it impossible to tell at this stage? Virtual (pink) champagne 
Ps managing to put my feet up a bit, luckily I have fantastic retired stepdad up the road who takes my DS for a few hours on a Tuesday and PILs have started helping out more too. My lovely DH keeps telling me to 'sit down' and effectively takes over all baby care when he's at home so that's good.
I'm 25 weeks on Sat - I'm keeping absolutely everything crossed for us both for a good outcome!!
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