The Short Cervix Club

[Pizdets]

Given the high number of threads started in 'pregnancy' on short/incompetent cervixes of late, I thought I'd have a crack at starting a club which we can join to share how we're getting on and pool the information we've been given which hopefully can also reassure or inform other ladies coming on here and worried about the state of their cervixes.

I'll kick off with a bit about my own story:

I'm currently 24+4, due 26th September. I had a scan at the prem clinic at Queen Charlotte's in London who measured my cervix as 2.3/2.4cm and advised a stitch (they do this for anyone who measures under 2.5cm). I had the stitch put in at 15 weeks with a spinal block and so far so good - I'm walking the dog, doing pregnancy yoga, still fairly active and no problems or twinges at all (so far!).

Please feel free to share your experiences, ask questions or update, it's great to hear from other people going through the same worry and so reassuring to know if things are going well!

Piz

How are you getting on, Blue? Have been thinking of you xx

Thank you for asking Jess. I'm 21 weeks today and I had my loss at 21+3 so I am feeling quite nervous. I'm laying down over 90% of the day so hoping that I'm defying gravity and keeping the pressure off my cervix but will find out tomorrow when I see the consultant. Worried that the stitch won't hold for the next 3 weeks but anecdotal evidence on bedrest to prolong pregnancy seems to be positive and I'm holding onto that thought.

Also, sorry TMI alert... on Saturday I was feeling a bit 'damp' below, didn't know if it was leaking fluid, excess discharge or pure paranoia. It turns out I have thrush! I am officially not paranoid but 'highly tuned in to my body'.

How are you getting on?

It's not looking good for me ladies The stitch is failing and there's a huge risk of the membrane poking through the stitch and bursting. They are considering a few options like re-stitching but apparently anything they try is uncertain because there are no guidelines for this scenario. I've been admitted to the hospital for bedrest but I'm not feeling optimistic given I've basically been horizontal for the last week and it doesn't seem to have helped. Restitching risks bursting the membrane too so isn't a safe option but might be the least worst scenario. Can't believe this is happening...

Oh my goodness me, I've just read this. I can truly understand how scared you must be, and having lost your previous child around this time will be making this harder for you, but I'm so glad to hear they've admitted you as they shall be monitoring you closely. What are your other options apart from re-stitching? Even if your waters do go, which they may not, there is still a chance providing they mitigate infection risk as waters can re-build. I shall be hoping and praying that the situation improves xxx

Really sorry to hear about your update Blue! I have everything crossed that they can help you. Hopefully you might feel more mentally relaxed being close to medical staff. I'm guessing they will put you on a drip too which might also help. Are they considering an abdominal stitch? Xxx

If my waters do break, they suspect it'll be because of an infection so I think they'll want me to deliver. That's what happened last time. The other option is a cervical pessary. My consultant has used these before but never after a stitch. I don't know much about them.

They haven't put me on a drip yet. I was admitted at handover time, I'd missed dinner and it feels a bit disorganised.

Sadly I think it's too late for a TAC as I have very little cervix left and it's major abdominal surgery which is risky given baby's size.

I hope you had a restful night Blue and they've agreed a plan of action. Thinking of you xxx

im afraid I don't know anything about a cervical pessary, maybe someone else on this board might know? I hope today brings more certainty and I'm thinking of you sending all the luck in the world xxx

How are you Blue? Xxx

They've agreed the best course of action would be to do a second stitch, and they are just trying to slot me into the theatre schedule for tomorrow afternoon as an emergency procedure. It will hopefully buy some more time but we have to accept that it might not work. To be honest I've been so anxious about this for months, that now that we are finally here, I am feeling quite calm. Really really really hoping for the best. Thanks for your well wishes xx

Good luck Blue, let us know how it goes. Everything crossed for you. X

Hi Blue, I'm so sorry you're going through this. I'm thinking of you.

It sounds like they are doing everything they can, I shall be rooting away with heart and soul for you and baby this afternoon xx

Thanks for all the well wishes xxx

Sorry to link to my blog rather than write a new post but it's hard to find the words:
blueroses99.wordpress.com/2017/03/30/213/

Just read it Blue. Lots of luck and I am with you regarding the feeling you need to take action, e.g. The second stitch as opposed to not taking any further action and waiting to see what happens. I had a similar dilemma with my emergency stitch and chose to stitch as opposed to not. It must be stressful for you and your husband. Keep us posted, we are all sending you positive wishes x

All ok. Will update later x

Bless you, thanks for letting us know, have been thinking of you! Lots of rest and water for you xx

I had the second stitch yesterday. Doctors are much happier that I will avoid imminent labour. Still likely to be pre-term as they want to talk to me about steroids but they believe we've bought a bit more time. Advised to rest, not necessarily bedrest, definitely not going back to work now, no walks etc. Feel drained but so relieved. Staying in hospital til Sat. Thanks for all the kind wishes and support xx

How is everyone else getting on? Hoping you're having uneventful pregnancies!

Blue that's great news. Sounds really positive. Take it super easy x

Wow, great news, well done! Definitely no returning to work and lots of rest for you, are they talking about steroids around 24 weeks?? Glad to hear they're keeping you in for a bit as well, sounds like they're taking good care of you xx

All good here, 33+3 and have planned section booked in for various medical and emotional reasons. Not quite sure how far I'll get as little one is measuring quite large so preparing myself for an earlier arrival xx

Great news Blue. I'm so glad.
I'm 18 weeks. Last week I had a cervical scan due to waters breaking at 28 weeks last time.
They where hopeful that all looks OK, shorter than the standard but still holding. Got another scan in 10 days to see if any changes from there.

I've then got my 20week scan in 14 days. After spotting most of the early weeks and two episodes of big bleeds since I'm so desperate to get to the halfway Mark.

I'm not sure about steroids, at the moment the focus is getting me to (and hopefully past) 24 weeks so they will speak to me about timing of steroids nearer the time.

Jess you're at a good gestation so you don't need to worry if baby arrives soon. When have they scheduled the c-section for?

Sell good to hear that your cervix is being monitored and doing well. I think frequent scans are really important. Good luck with the next scan.

So sorry, got swept up in myself there, hope I wasn't insensitive xx I'm just worried about the stitch ripping at this stage but all seems fine atm xx