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

Hi Alexandra,

I am 23 weeks on Saturday and have stitch in.

I am just anxious a lot of the time and I worry that the EPU will get fed up with me :( I've been in and out so many times.

How have you been? How far along are you now?

x

Holly, I get that 'tampon' feeling sometimes too - I think it might be the stitch (I don't feel it very often) and for me it's reassuring as it means the cervix is long enough for the stitch to be felt! (That's how I try to cheer myself up about it, anyway).

My little bugger has also kicked/hit the cervix a couple of times and it's really uncomfortable but no ill effects from it as yet so try not to worry. I think the other feelings sound normal. The swelling down there is normal for pregnancy, I think, so don't worry about that. Random pains also pretty normal from what I've experienced and understand, although it cant hurt to get it checked out if you're really worried.

I've been feeling a bit lightheaded from time to time over the last couple of days. Not sure why, I'm eating well and lots of iron, getting fresh air and sunshine, think it must be a growth spurt or something. Makes me very pleased to work from home and be able to sit/lie down when I need to! Midwife appointment tomorrow and I'm hoping to book in the stitch removal through her (the prem clinic told me I should but what's the betting the midwife sends me elsewhere??). Will be odd to have a date in the diary!

Rainbox, hope all went well today!

Piz

Hi all, Sorry to crash your thread as I don't have a diagnosed incompetent cervix and could just be paranoid. I was wondering if any of you might be able to share your wisdom?

I used to check my cervix before getting pregnant, so I am familiar with it, although it never noticeably opened throughout my cycle and always felt fairly closed. I checked it at about 8 weeks pregnant (not knowing that this was to be avoided) and it felt more open than it usually would throughout my cycle. Currently at 16 weeks and although I now know its not a great idea, I checked again on Monday (with very clean hands and nails) due to feeling very heavy down there (this feeling has gone now). It felt much the same as at 8 weeks, soft, low enough for me to reach whilst sitting down and slightly open. As I said I don't really know what an open cervix feels like, but this didn't feel tightly closed - kind of like a slit that my finger could be pushed into (don't worry I didn't push it in!) rather than a gaping round hole. I mentioned it to my midwife a day later at 16 week appointment and she just said that as I don't have any risk factors they wouldn't check it and I should stop worrying. This is my first Pregnancy by the way.

Does anyone have any feeling son whether I should be worried about this? I'm thinking that maybe you are all to sensible to have gone prodding round at your cervixs so maybe my description doesn't mean much to you! I am really sorry to ask when this could well be nothing an you all have real problems of your own, but if anyone does have any comments I'd be really grateful.

Hi jingle it's my first pregnancy too and I totally understand the anxiety I know you know this already but please go easy with it - one of the things I worried about with my cervix checks was aggravating the cervix do try not to prod around! Someone else can correct me if I'm wrong but I think you can only feel the external part by doing that and not if it's funnelling/opening which I was told that it usually does from the inside. At your 20 week scan, maybe ask her to check for funnelling etc and how the cervix is looking from the over the belly scan.

Did you have treatment on your cervix in the past? What's making you so worried about it?

And hi holly I'm well thank you, glad to be past the 20 week mark! We're both getting closer aren't we Have been feeling lovely little kicks lately and DH felt it from the outside this week, last night he put his mouth right on the bump to talk to it and the baby kicked him in the mouth I told him baby was trying to kiss him

I am feeling more positive about the cervix stuff after positive scans and still hoping not having the stitch was right for me. Looking forward to getting to around 30 weeks and then the home run, all so exciting.

Hi Alexandra thanks for replying, and I'm pleased that things are going well for you

I'm trying not to poke around in there again, partly because as you said I don't want to make anything worse and also because I don't think its good for my stress levels! I don't have any real reason for being concerned (which is why I'm sorry to crash the thread, as I appreciate that you all have real issues to worry about and possibly I am just being a paranoid first time mum) other than having checked cervix due to it not feeling quite right, finding it still felt a bit open and then making the huge mistake of googling if this was normal. Obviously all I found on Dr Google was horror stories and that you can't get a diagnosis for this until after the fact, which just got me worrying.

I think that as the Midwife isn't concerned or willing to do any checks I will just have to have faith in her and hope all is well. Perhaps this is just the way my cervix responds to pregnancy as its been this way since about 8 weeks which I guess is too early to be caused by pressure/weight of baby. I hope everything continues to go well for you and you have a lovely full term baby.

Hi Holly, I too have had exactly the same feelings as you. Like there is something "up there", and definately the feeling of being kicked or punched right in the cervix! I bring it up with the midwives and they have reassured me everytime that this is a totally normal pregnant thing, not a cervix-y thing. But I do think it is natural for us to worry about every little thing! Also the EPU will never get sick of seeing you. That is what they are there for.

Hi Jingle, I'm sorry you are feeling worried. It is never a nice feeling. I am going to echo Alex, I think the external "feeling" is less important than what is going on at the other end of your cervix. I would also ask them to check for any opening or funnelling next time you have a scan. Is there an EPU you can self refer to near by? Just to get some reassurance since you don't feel "right"? IT is exactly what these units are for.

Just a short one from me today, I am knackered and a wee bit sore! I was one of the unlucky ones who had to have a spinal to have the stitch removed. Apparently I have a very high up cervix that points towards my back, so they just could not see the stitch with a speculum at all! So I had my first spinal and stayed in overnight. They were very quick to point out that this was not the usual way these removals went, and they were usually just a couple of quick snips and you can escape again! I got the lucky combination of odd anatomy and a very well put in stitch Most of my recovery was down to having the spinal and a catheter. I have had a wee bit of bleeding today, but not much and everything feels a little "raw". Not exactly painful, more uncomfortable. Baby stayed put and shows no sign of budging anytime soon! Cervix is now a little open, but totally normal for 36 weeks.

I feel like I am babbling, it is way too hot to think and I have very low blood preassure! If anyone has any questions I would be happy to answer from the best of my knowledge!

Waves to everyone. We are doing brilliantly and every day in another victory!

hi all Rainbow its so reassuring to read that you are now at 36 weeks i can't wait to be there!
sorry you ended up having a spinal to have the stitch out, but it's out now and you're just on countdown for you Lo. so exciting

oh this is youaintallthat I had s name change

Hi jingle sorry to hear you're stressing. I can't add much beyond what the ladies above have said. I was obsessed with checking my cervix when ttc and did a couple of times during the first few weeks but since then have left it up to the experts! At 8 weeks it was def low and hard still, though. I think the os (hole) being larger is normal if you've given birth before? Second trying to get your midwife or someone to take a look if it's worrying you.

rainbox thanks so much for reporting back and sorry you had to have the spinal! Yuk, bet it was a bit of a slap in the face when they told you, but seems like it all went well at least. Great to hear your baby didn't drop straight out with the stitch removal...your body's getting it right by itself!

I have a couple of questions if you don't mind...firstly, did they monitor the baby the whole way through? Could you tell if there was a big effect on him/her from the anaesthetic? Have they given any indication about when things might kick off or is it a real 'suck it and see' time? Finally, did they say anything about your birth choices and whether they might be affected by having had the stitch? Sorry, hope not too many questions and you feel sufficiently recovered now! At least it's done and the countdown is on!

Last time I went to the prem clinic they told me I'd need to book the stitch removal through the midwife. Saw the midwife yesterday and of course she insisted it's booked through the prem clinic! She also told me I was being hasty and they'd only usually book removal at about 34 weeks...but that only gives me 2 weeks to make sure my husband has the day booked off and to plan and prepare etc. I'd really rather get it booked in sooner so I can mentally be ready. What has everyone else's hospital said?

Right, been awake for the last hour and finally feel a bit sleepy again. Hope you all have lovely, strong-cervix weekends (except rainbox now, I suppose! Not too strong for you!).

Piz

Hello hello! Sorry I haven't been around for a while.

Apologies if I miss anyone, but:

Welcome youaintallthat. What an awful experience. So glad you are being looked after now. I had an episiotomy with DD, also without pain relief, but it was a fine experience and went right and healed right. I was still in pain for 10/12 weeks though..

Also welcome jingle. If poss, I would try not to worry.... It is normal for the cervix to open slightly in preg. The things to worry about are impossible to see /feel yourself i.e shortening and funelling (opening from the TOP - only poss to see on scans). I would ask for a cervix scan at 20 weeks to put your mind at rest.

Ummm... Rainbow... Eek!!! Final countdown! As I'll have a planned c section at 37 weeks or so, think mine will come out then...

Holly - swelling etc down there is totally normal. That feeling could be vulval varicose vein...? V common. They go after birth.

I am 29 weeks today... Yay! 8 weeks probably until the twins arrive!

Right, questions!

1)did they monitor the baby the whole way through?

No. They doppler-ed him regularly after the procedure, and checked up with me often to make sure I could still feel movement. Before they let me home on Friday they ran a trace on him to make sure I wasn't contracting and he was well. I am sure they would have run a trace the previous night if I had asked for one, but I felt well and happy, and could feel plenty of wriggiling!

2)Could you tell if there was a big effect on him/her from the anaesthetic?

I don't think there was any effect on him AT ALL to be honest. I don't think the spinal works that way, I think it just kills nerve signals rather than sedating if you see what I mean? The wierd thing was while waiting for it to wear off, I couldn't feel any kicks or movement at all, but I could see my bump moving! DH came through to sit with me in recovery, and he was able to feel movement by putting his hands on the bump, so again I wasn't too worried.

3)Have they given any indication about when things might kick off or is it a real 'suck it and see' time?

No indication given at all! Apparently if the stitch removal is going to kickstart anything it will happen very quickly, and this only happens in about 3% of procedures. Everything here looks like a totally normal 36 week pregnancy, so I just have to wait and see :)

4)did they say anything about your birth choices and whether they might be affected by having had the stitch?

I don't think it has had any effect at all. I am booked for an elective at 39 weeks, because of fear after my first birth, but all the midwives were really keen to point out I would be an excellent candidate for vaginal birth if I wanted to, and I can always change my mind. Not going to though! but I hope it is reassuring to others that they still see that as very much an option. I would assume (excluding special circumstances to individual cases) that even with a stitch removal, you can still work toward whatever birth choice you feel is best for you.

Recovery wise on Thursday and Friday I had the "raw" feeling and some red/pink/brown bleeding with a few small dark clots. By Saturday I had no pain or discomfort at all, and only a tiny amount of pinkish brown discharge. Today I wouldn't know anything had happened! So even if you de need a spinal to have the stitch out, recovery seems very fast.

I am so close to the end now! It's scary! My main fear at the moment is that I do not want to go through a labour and birth. So every tiny twinge sparks the "Oh god, am I in labour? Do I go to the hospital?" panic. Going to be a long 17 days!

Thinking about us all. We are doing brilliantly. And thank you for all the good wishes, they really do mean a lot

Hi ladies. You seem pretty well established here, but is there room for one more?

This is my 4th pregnancy, and my third under the care of the cervix clinic at Kings. I had 'work' done on my cervix back in the day to remove abnormal cells and now it is rather short. However, with progesterone plus a weird peasant thing I've been lucky and taken all my pregnancies to 39+ weeks.

I had my first scan at the clinic today at 13+6 and they've measured my cervix at 23mm and, just to put it in context for me, pointed out that DS2 (pregnancy 2) was 33mm at 22 weeks [erm].

So, despite my self-assurances that I wouldn't worry this time round, having had 3 full-term pregnancies, I am very worried. Still, I'm starting on the progesterone todsy and will be scanned every two weeks, so I really feel I'm having the best possible care . And if it gets really bad, they'll talk about a stitch.

Anyway, good to share with people with similar experiences (my family and friends are far too familiar with my internal workings!).

Here's to strong and long cervixes all round x

• pessary (not peasant )

Hi sleepthief welcome to the club none of us wanted to be members of Def room for one more.

I had lletz years ago on my cervix and am 20 weeks with my first. My cervix lengths have varied at scans (I don't think it's an exact science) but I decided against a stitch for me early on and am praying it was a good decision. My cervix actually measured up quite well (longer) at my last two scans so I was really pleased.

I'm now debating whether to ask for more scans on it or not. Part of me has relaxed and thinks it will be fine so why take time off work to trek to the hospital for checks, then another part of me tells myself it's worth the time/inconvenience to be on the safe side. I think I've just talked myself into going for a check either this week or next.

Anyway lots of luck to you and I hope your cervix does the job again, my consultant didn't advise progesterone pessaries, it does seem advice and treatment really varies.

Hi Sleeptheif of course room for one more and pleased you found us - I for one have found it much more reassuring to know there are people to talk to going through the same thing. Congrats on the 4th pregnancy, sounds like you have a good plan for preventative action and monitoring to keep an eye on this one. I do love the idea of a weird peasant thing though, and I'm quite disappointed it's turned out to be a pessary!

I lost my first baby at 18 weeks last summer - nothing to do with my cervix, she was very ill and we took a difficult decision to terminate as they didn't think she'd make it. I think the surgery around this time, combined with past lletz treatments, has done for my cervix, so I had a stitch put in at 14 weeks. Am now coming up to 30 weeks with no complications and all looking good so far, so stating to relax a little.

Rainbox I can totally understand your feelings about a vaginal birth after what you went through last year, fingers crossed the baby stays put for 17 more days! Thanks so much for answering my questions, that really helps a lot! Last question - when you found out you had to have a spinal, were you tempted to just ask them to hang on a couple of weeks and then do the stitch and the section at the same time? I'd quite like to try a vaginal birth with this one but if I have to have the spinal and go into theatre I'm wondering if you could just get it all out the way in one go!

Legally I think our due dates are about the same so we're level pegging! Have you spoken to anyone about having the stitch out yet? Or are they fobbing you off too? Time seems to be flying at the moment, don't you think? I'm starting to feel like this baby is using up all his space and pushing all over at the moment so goodness only knows what it must be like for you with twins!

Long, closed and healthy cervix thoughts to everyone!

Piz

Hi Alexandra and Pizdets and thanks for the welcome . You're right about the varied treatment plans -at Kings they seem to treat the stitch as the last resort and fingers (and legs) crossed that the progesterone works for me again. I've also had very varied cervix lengths - with DS2 it started at 33mm at 22 weeks and decreased gradually, but steadily over the next 17, where with DS3 it was stable for ages and then shot down to 10mm inside the space of about 4 weeks at 28weeks, then plateaued (just avoiding the need for steroids). It's just the extreme shortness at only 14 weeks that has me worrying - and this is only the beginning of a lifetime of worry .

Pizdets, I'm so sorry about your loss, and can only imagine what you've been through. Things sound really promising for this pregnancy. 30 weeks is great, and I clearly remember ticking off each week as yet another milestone.

hiya everyone its youaintallthat post nc.
I've got my 20 week scan tomorrow even though ill be 21 weeks...a bit nervous as I'll be on my own eeek. will take my phone and distract myself with mnet
can't believe I was moaning about no visitors last week as this week I'm banned from having any
my lo who has had MMR jab has measles! thankfully I've had it as a child so should be immune and bump should be fine...bit dh has never had it so him and lo arent allowed out at all. Most of my family haven't had it either or friends / and their children due MMR's.
we decided not to find out the sex of the baby tomorrow so we could have a surprise...not sure how good I'll be about that .
hope you are all doing well and managing to enjoy this lovely weather

when I say most family members hadn't had mmr I mean adult family members as it wasn't out when they were little.. all friends dc aren't old enough yet ... though I think most of my family members are off for mmr jabs this week! as they've seen me but luckily I haven't seen any friends or their dc!

Hi guys, welcome to the new ladies,

I had a cervix scan this morning and I was measuring the same as just after the stitch, 3.4 and closed- really happy with that :)

They don't want to do any more scans now which worries me a little but I suppose I need to try to relax now.

How's everyone? Any sign of baba yet Rainbow? Xx

sleepthief yes, so different! I'm at Queen Charlotte's and they did one scan and were like 'you're 1mm under the cutoff - let's book you in for the stitch next week' and that was it. Having said that I've been really lucky and had no complications etc so far. You're right, although I've lost one before, as each day goes by I feel a bit better and more confident, to the point where we're now having a panic about the fact we've got nothing ready!

jellybean sorry to hear about the measles, that must be a massive pain! Fingers crossed for a good scan today!

holly really good news about the cervix scan, what a relief. Do try and relax, I'm sure they'll see you if you're worried or need them in any way!

All good here, 30 weeks tomorrow and feeling pretty good, apart from melting in the heat. Last couple of days the bump has been a bit sore but not anywhere near the cervix, so assume that's some kind of growing pains and probably normal. Time seems to be speeding up, although it does feel like I've been pregnant forever now!

Long cervix thoughts to everyone, and re-instating them for Rainbox for another 2 weeks too!

Piz

piz it's nice hearing you're at 30 weeks. I'm not counting my little chicken before it's hatched but I am feeling better and better each week. Time doesn't seem as unbearable these days, it was dragging so slowly - and while I know I'm only 21 weeks so a crucial cervix time, I am feeling better about things and finally enjoying pregnancy more! (the lovely little kicks are really helping!)

I think I'll go for a cervix scan next week and then have my 24 weeks growth scan and then hopefully I'll be at your stage before I know it piz!

just had my scan waiting to see the doctor....I couldn't resist and found out the babies sex, not sure if I should confess to dh though I'm sure I won't be able to resist the second I see him.
they could only scan my cervix externally over my belly but from what they could see, they said all looks well. I have to come back again in a month for another scan just to check
again..

Glad all looks well! I would tell DH about the sex, couldn't keep that a secret - maybe buy something like a little baby outfit or toy in blue or pink or something cute like that and see if he figures it out straight away?! Unless he really doesn't want to find out in which case I'd probably fess up but ask him if he wants to know too first!

told dh he told me he knew I'd break and ask if I was on ny own .

You're making me curious again! Managed to resist asking at the 20 week scan so going to try and resist at the next scans!