Does anyone have a cervical stitch?

[JOMH1982]

Hi Ladies,

I'll keep this brief, but I am pregnant again after two early and a late "miscarriage" at 20 weeks before Christmas last year. They couldn't be sure whether I had lost her due to infection or cervical weakness :( very painful times.

This pregnancy is going well so far. I'm ten weeks and baby has a strong heartbeat and cervical length measurement was 4.5cm which I was told was normal. I'm back again for a 12 week scan in 2 weeks and then I am being transferred to my local hospital, but just worried about perhaps missing the "window of opportunity"to have a stitch placed. I have been told I should be monitored but may not necessarily need one, but was wondering if there are any other mummies to be out there who have had one, and at how many weeks you had your stitch placed? I have a consultant appointment lined up at 14 weeks with the consultant at my local hospital so I am hoping that this isn't too late.

Wishing you all lots of joy and luck ahead,
J xx

[Dixiechick17]

Hi, I managed to avoid a stitch in the end, but my consultant said they can be done up to around 21 weeks. I was scanned regularly from 21 weeks. At 24 weeks my consultant said if my cervix hadn't shortened again by the following week I would have to have a stitch and then be kept in hospital for the remainder of my pregnancy. I think the later on it is the more at risk of causing your waters to break but that was 24 weeks plus. This was all from my consultant. Instead I had progesterone pessaries 3 a day, so quite a strong dose but effective. Sorry about your previous losses, hope all goes well with this pregnancy

[Dixiechick17]

*had shortened
I meant, sorry

[JOMH1982]

Hi Dixie, thanks so much for your message. May I ask at how many weeks you had your baby? That's really encouraging you managed to avoid having a stitch! :) I'm on progesterone pessaries now, twice daily, so going to have to wait and see if I will continue taking them xx

[Dixiechick17]

I used the pessaries until 36 weeks, started dilating at 37 weeks but my DD stayed put until 40+5, actually popped on my original due date, which was impressive as I had steroid injections at 24 weeks, as my consultant said I was high risk for premature birth at that stage. Hope that helps :) I was signed off at 32 weeks and made to rest, and was encouraged to rest as much as possible me before then. My cervix was soft and short.

[Blossominspring]

So sorry for your losses and congratulations on your new pregnancy . I have a cervical stitch and am now 31 weeks pregnant with my second baby. The stitch was placed at 17+5 weeks after a monitoring scan showed my cervix had shortened to 2cm (at my hospital below 2.5cm is when they advise the stitch). I was being monitored as I had cervical shortening and a threatened prem labour at 25 weeks with my first baby. I went on pretty strict bedrest and carried him to 37 weeks. This time I saw the consultant immediately after my 12 week scan to make a plan so your timing seems just right. They like to check the pregnancy looks healthy and viable before they intervene. I had the option of a stitch at 14 weeks or to be monitored fortnightly by TVU and to have the stitch if needed. I decided to be monitored as stitches do bring with them a small risk and the consultants only like to give them if really needed. At 15 weeks my cervix was 4cm but by 17 it was 2cm and I had a stitch in the next day. They can act very quickly if needed so be reassured. Since then everything has been fine if quite nervewracking (touch wood) but I've taken it very easy (modified bedrest) in order to give everything the best chance of working. I'll post a link to the thread I started back in July and it's full of lovely positive stories and good advice from other mums who have been in similar situations. Take care and wishing you and baby a safe and peaceful few weeks.

[Blossominspring]

Here's the thread: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/pregnancy/2692379-Anyone-else-with-a-cervical-stitch?pg=1

[Jennywallpaper]

Hi OP I had a cervical stitch with both of my pregnancies due to problems with the shape of my womb and a shorter cervix. I had the stitch placed at around 13/14 weeks. I was admitted and induced at 36 weeks with my first pregnancy due to high blood pressure, when the stitch was removed I was 1cm dilated and gave birth the following day to a health DS. With my 2nd pregnancy I was able to get to 38 weeks and then was brought in to have the stitch removed and be induced, the reason I was induced is because the hospital is an hour from my home and I didn't want to have to travel that far in labour. I was 4cm dilated when the stitch was removed and I was put on the drip the following day to get my labour going and I had a healthy DD a few hours later.
I hope everything goes well for you and congratulations on your pregnancy!

[JOMH1982]

Thank you very much ladies, fingers crossed! So glad to read the happy endings. Just hoping this brown spotting subsides now...this pregnancy business is so stressful isn't it! Xx