Stitch(es) in cervix?

[LittleRed90]

Just wondering whether anyone's been through it?

I had LLETZ to remove a large area of abnormal cells and I've been told that there's a high chance I'll need to have a stitch placed in my cervix. The consultant who did the LLETZ did pre-warn me of this and of course at the time, I wasn't pregnant so didn't give it much thought.

I'm having my cervical length measured in a week but i'm already quite worried about what the procedure will involve exactly (and the pain?)

Any advice greatly appreciated!!

[LittleRed90]

Anyone? x

[AllAboutCats83]

Hey, I had a loop diathermy a few years ago and pregnant with 1st now. If it was anything like the loop they'll anaesthetise the area that they stitch, which for me didn't hurt, just felt a bit weird/uncomfortable. I'm afraid I can't offer much else in the way of help, but don't imagine they'll do anything that will hurt xx

[JOMH1982]

Hi,

There are a few of us currently pregnant with a cervical stitch in The Cervical Stitch club unde antenatal clubs, you will find some information and support there :)

Happy to give you more information, but I had one put in November last year at 15 weeks under a spinal anaesthetic and it was over in less than ten minutes. I had some light bleeding and light cramping afterwards, which is normal for this procedure, and I continue to have regular internal cervical length checks on a monthly basis now. If I hadnt have had the procedure I would have certainly lost this little girl along with a little lady I lost at 20 weeks in December 2015. Xx

[JOMH1982]

The Short Cervix Club, even! Xx

[Blueroses99]

Hi LittleRed, I had a cervical stitch 3 weeks ago. My cervix isn't short, I haven't had a LLETZ or anything like that on it, but I was diagnosed with Incompetent Cervix after a second trimester loss last year.

I had day surgery for the stitch, with a spinal anaesthetic so I didn't feel a thing, it's not a painful procedure.

Join us over here: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/antenatal_clubs/1776448-The-Short-Cervix-Club

[farfarawayfromhome]

Ah the short cervix club, I was a founding member!

I had a stitch at 14 weeks. Like you I had a LLETZ, numerous other cervical surgeries too. My cervix is down to almost zero in one place and very very short.

The procedure was fine over quickly, I had a general.

It meant I had recurrent thrush throughout pregnancy (joy) and also an irritable uterus which meant I had hideous Brixton hicks. So strong and frequent .(every five minutes unless I lay on my side towards the end) that the midwives classed me as in labour when I went in for my check ups...which were fortnightly.

I also had progesterone pessaries which I had to put up my bum every night.

I'm not going to lie it was a very stressful painful pregnancy but the stitch is a true miracle. I could never carry a baby without one. I made it to 36 weeks and the resulting three year old is sat next to me 😍

[LittleRed90]

So sorry, I've only just gotten round to checking back on here and thank you so much for all of your responses.

Considering most people have had their stitches quite early (i'm 16 weeks and only having the length checked at 20 weeks), I'm wondering why they're waiting so long but we shall see!

Thanks again, you've reassured me of the pain (or lack of) x

[Blueroses99]

I'm under the care of a pre-term clinic that usually see people from 16w onwards but I argued with them (via my GP) to see them earlier as I had been advised that I would have a preventative stitch between 12-14w. I ended up having the stitch at 13+4, so it was within this window. 20w feels quite late for a first measurement of a cervix, I would ask for this to be sooner in case there is a problem. Hopefully not but if the cervix is shortening, the earlier you find out, the better really.