Anybody else had an internal scam to check cervix? Need support please

[OurLittleMonster]

I'm 16 weeks today, lost my son at 6 month's in 2012. Saw my consultant a month ago and he said I could lose this baby, worst thing to hear :-(. He's booked me in for this scan today at half 2 and I have an appointment tomorrow to discuss the results.

Obviously he has discussed a cervical stitch with me and told me what complications come with it. But he never told me what the length if my cervix is meant to be? And what length is short enough for them to act upon? Does anybody know? I read online its meant to be between 3-5cm, but you shouldn't really believe what's online.

Sorry to keep blabbing, guess it's the nerves! Hope someone can give me some answers x

Just wishing you really good luck with this and hope the stitch does it's job if it turns out to be a good plan xx

Yes I had one a few weeks ago and am due another scan on fri. I haven't had any previous losses, mine is due to having had extensive lletz for pre cancerous cells. Briefly, I found the following:

Cervix should be about 5cm
A measurement of between 3-5 is no real concern but they will probably continue to monitor you a little but further (maybe until 28weejs depending on the measurement)
Any thing under 3 is closer monitoring
A measurement of under 2.5 probably means a stitch

Depends on your hospital policy to be honest, but from what I found the main thing seems to be getting monitored so you will be ok now you are on the radar so to speak. Try not to worry, now they are aware they will do everything they can!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now at 15 weeks. My previous losses were in the 1st trimester so no idea whether they had anything to do with the cervix but I doubt it. I did have a D&C with my first loss which may or may not have affected the cervixes ability to stay closed

I started having stabbing pain in my cervix every 1-2 min. on Sunday evening which went on throughout the night so I went in Monday morning to see my doctor who scanned me and saw a funnel had formed in my cervix. He didn't tell me how long my cervix was and at that time I hadn't done any research on it so didn't think to ask. I've been put on bed rest for two weeks and taking 450mg magnesium to stop the contractions. I go back to see him on Monday and we'll see if the funnel is still there. If it is, I believe I will have to have a cerclage. The pains have mostly stopped now, they come back every once in a while, particularly when I'm stressed (physically or emotionally) so just trying to take it very easy and have happy thoughts.

I hate that this is happening so early but I have read that with rest these things can sometimes correct themselves. Keep us posted with how things progress for you. Hope all goes well.

It's me "ourlittlemonster" I have name changed.

MissMedusa sorr. You are going through this too I had 2 D&C's after lossing my son June and July and another D&C (third one) in December after an early loss which wouldn't come naturally, never new they could affect my cervix though. X

I had mine measured last week (19+3) due to bleeding and cramping. Mine was 3.8cm and was told that it is fine and, as Greentshirt wrote, that anything under 2.5 would necessitate some intervention. Good luck xx

I had mine measured and it was 4cm.. the sonographer said that's a.really good size (had extensive lletz in 2003!)
Currently 33 weeks with dc2
Good luck.

Just had scan, it was 2.48cm.. She said she isn't sure whether it was fine (could tell by her face something wasn't right, bit it's obviously not her place to tell me). She said my consultant will tell me tomorrow. Will I need a stitch? Baby looks nice, healthy and wriggly which is good news.

To be completely honest and truthful with you, that length at 16 weeks is not great. It's not horrible, but it is a bit worrying. In general they tend to stitch when it goes below 20mm as some women have naturally short cervixes but given your history it would not surprise me if they offered to stitch you.

The real pressure comes from about 15-16 weeks onwards and increases, which is why most babies are lost from 18 weeks.

If there is a genuine need for a stitch then the sooner it is done, the less risky it is and the more successful it is. It's better to stitch before there is pressure. I had a rescue stitch (as it is called once the pressure is on) at 18w3d with DC2 placed by an extremely talented surgeon - I had 3mm left and he somehow fixed it. She is now 5 years old!

I think there is around a 1% chance of waters breaking and/or infection from the procedure itself but your doctor would be able to advise you better.

Good luck! Let us know what the consultant says, and don't be afraid to seek a second opinion if you're not happy. Advocating for your baby gives them the best chance

This might sound bad but I'm hoping they offer me a stitch because I list my son and it'Now clear to me why I did. If ny cervix is this short at 16 week's I'm only guessing it will get shorter as the week's go on with baby getting heavier which will add more pressure to my cervix.

I've had an increased amount of discharge as well, quite abit it covers my pad within a few hours which I heard may be a sign of my cervix weakening.

DId anyone get given any medication to strengthen there cervix, I read online about something called "progeseterone pessiries" something along them lines an it often thickens and strengthens the cervix?

Thank you so mmuch to everyone that has replied its really helped me x

I'm on magnesium but I think that's to stop contractions rather than having any effect on the cervix but I'm not sure.

Yeah, that's for contractions. I keep getting a few pains, like shooting pains threw my belly into my vagina :-/ No point in doing anything thtough because they will just sat I'm worrying. Probably am

Ive also got pain in my hips and back.. I'm l I just worrying? :-(

Hi 4thtime. So sorry about the loss of your son.

I just want to share my experience, to maybe offer some hope. Although I haven't experienced a loss, I have been closely monitored throughout my last three pregnancies due to cervical length. This time my cervix measured 2.4cm at 14 weeks (DS4) and I have been on progesterone pessaries since - my hospital's policy is to avoid the stitch if possible - and had my last scan on Monday at 33 weeks; cervix now measuring 2.8cm . With DS3 it actually shrank to 1cm at 27 weeks , although we still made it to 39 weeks ultimately.

Anyway, what I am trying to say is that while it is worrying, it is not necessarily all doom and gloom and it sounds like they are on the case with you this time. Just don't settle for anything less than you feel comfortable with

Even though I have a permanent transabdominal stitch now (a TAC) as a precaution I'm still on progesterone suppositories (Cyclogest, 200mg twice daily). It does reduce contractions and contractions can cause the cervix to shorten, and research has shown that in women who use them, there is a longer gestation on average. So definitely worth insisting on whatever else you do.

Some women are monitored instead of stitching and most of the time they turn out fine as sometimes cervixes are dynamic (change lengths a lot) and/or short but ultimately strong enough. But given you lost your son, I'd be a little more wary.

As for the pains - when mine was 3mm I had no idea. Felt the same as it does now. I have SPD and lower back pain the whole time from around 15 weeks whether baby is falling out or not, and there is definitely an increase in discharge in the second trimester. So those things aren't necessarily anything to be concerned about because they happen in normal pregnancies too.

4thtime that shooting pain is exactly what I'm getting. I was getting it every 1-2 minutes in the beginning, now I'm only getting a few per day.

I was actually on progesterone suppositories for the first 14 weeks due to low progesterone.I stopped, coincidentally, 2 days before the pains started. I wonder if it's related. If you ladies are being prescribed them for incompetent cervix, perhaps I should go back on them. I'll ask the dr. at my next appointment on Monday.

4th I'm in a similar situation. I lost my son at 16 weeks during my first pregnacy due to premature rupture of membrane.
This time around they are monitoring my cervix (original at my request the didn't think it was neccessary ) my scan showed that my cervix is long and closed but that I have trapped fluid so I am to have another one done at 20 weeks.

Funny enough I've had vaginal shooting/throbbing pain too that keels getting dismissed.
I also had some leaking sensation at times this has been dismissed too but the scan confirmed to me that I'm Right there has been leaks.

I'm really suprised how they dismiss our concerns, like we are paranoid I had thought they would take me more seriously after what happened last time but it seems they take me less seriously because of it.

My consultant hasn't done anything, he said it is short and then just shrugged his shoulders and said he will scan me again in 2weeks to see wwhether they have changed. He then asked if I have been bleeding or getting discharge, I said my discharg. Has increased and he asked the colour I replied greeny yellow all he had to say was we will swab it but it sounds like an infection which could cause you to go into Labour.

Called a different hospital to ask a second opinion and they said I have to be referred. Called my hospital up and asked for a second opinion and they said we will book you in for an appointment with THE SAME consultant I saw today to discuss over things again next week. What's the point in that when I see him again in 2 weeks?

Not happy, seems like they won't act until I'm lossing baby. The reason they couldn't atop Labour with my son was because they wouldn't let me come in to b. Checked out and by the time I got there 3+ hours later it was to late. Sorry to babble on :-(

I'm sorry 4th that sounds awful. Stick to your guns and see someone else. I have refused to be under a certain consultant which has caused a headache for my midwife but they have no choice but to accommodate me.

I too get the opinion that unless your viable they would do nothing. It's so frustrating they could be trying to at least get us to Viability, I feel very fobbed off most of the time.

Luckily I have managed to get an appointment with a different consultant next Thursday. I don't really no what to say to him, I know my cervix is weak and surely leaving it will make it worse and aafter my son its hard to sit back and see what happens after being told it cold get worse. I think I have to wait 2 weeks for my swa. Results too, he never told me how to get hold if them which isn't good.

What can I say to this consultant next week? My partner wants me to ask for a scan on the day to check things so if action nreds to be taken then they can do it sooner rather than kafter. But somehow I don't think they would give me a scan on the day even though I got told "if I ever nneeded an extra scan for reassurance then ask and they will sort it straight away"

ourlittlemonster Look in your Maternity notes in the scan section it should be noted your cervix size. My so graphed didn't tell me but it's written in my notes.

4th It would be ideal that the discussion was had with latest results but I'm not sure if they would have space/time to scan you it depends how busy the hospital is that day but if they have said they would do it call them on it ask why they are now going back on what you were told.

I'm trying to think of questions you should ask, I intend to ask a lot more next time too.
I would ask them for a proper plan of action what are they going to do to prevent premature labour? Make it clear inaction isn't acceptable.

I would ask for a schedule of scans (I've heard of some people having them done every 2 weeks) to keep an eye on your cervix.

I would ask about Pessaries too.

I'm really shocked that you are all being dismissed so easily! Especially those of you who have had something happen before, you should be being monitored much more closely! This does seem to be the kind of thing that if caught in time can be prevented.

Have you all been put on bed rest (doctor or self prescribed)? It does appear to help in some cases.

littlebairn I was told that those shooting pains are tiny contractions.

Little I am ourlittlemonster, I name changed :-)

Miss I haven't been told to bed rest, I though if he told me to wait 2 weeks then he would atleat put me on bed rest.. But, no. He seemed concerned but he just shrugged it off which is why I want a second opinion and if they te'll me to wait aswel then there is nothing else I can do. I jjust feel they aren't doing enough for pregnant woman who need it.

You do need to fight. Which is crap, because they should be more proactive. But they only seem to care once you've lost two unless you get lucky - most doctors are of the opinion that one loss is just bad luck

The NHS does legally give you choice over which consultant you would like to see.. but, that hospital doesn't necessarily have the space/time available to see you if you are out of area (at least this is what I believe - I was successfully referred from SE London by my GP to a West London hospital to see a specialist in cervical issues)

As a minimum they should be offering the progesterone - there are hardly any risks compared to the potential benefits. You can take the suppositories rectally if you want to avoid infection.

Regular monitoring and "wait and see" is a valid treatment plan - some consultants prefer it over stitching, others prefer stitching. But on a personal level I wouldn't be happy with two weekly scans (and I haven't been in the past) - I've supplemented them with alternate private scans for my own peace of mind so I'm having it checked weekly at least until post 25 weeks or so.

I'm glad you're seeing another doctor - I hope they take things a bit more seriously. The trouble is that too many of them just see statistics and numbers, they don't see the horror of losing a baby. One wonders if they would be quite so complacent with their own offspring..!

Bedrest is "one of those things". It's prescribed less and less now because there's been some research that in most cases it changes nothing, and at worst can cause health problems in the mother. Obviously with severe shortening things might be different. All the same I would be tempted to take it as easy as you physically can.

Good luck!!

miss really? Bugger no one has said that too me tried to pass it off thrush even thought I don't have a single symptom.
The pain isn't always there it comes and goes.

I wasn't told to bed rest but I did a lot of research (mostly American as they seem to take it much more seriously and try preventative mesures) during my first pregnancy and afterwards Bed rest or a least partial was reccomended from all my research.

Seeing as my contract came to an end just as I got pregant my DH and I decided it was best for me to stay at home and get as much rest as possible.

I was also a nanny for a family and the mum had a Proms and they put her on immediate bed rest and the twists survived so I feel taking it easy is the way forward. I try to go for a walk each day locally so I'm not too inactive and change from upright armchair to bed throughout the day.

4th oops I actually did note that earlier then re-read and forgot.

crispy yes that's very true the medics definitely dismiss all concerns it's 'only' one loss. I don't think I could do pregancy again if I had to bury another baby.

In my case the frustration is that I am considered high risk yet I've barely seen midwife or doctors I didn't even get a 16 week appointment even thought they are regularly given. Even after my scan when there was concern they took the photos away to show a consultant who I've never met to give it the ok. I feel very unsupported.

Tomorrow is the one year anniversary of my waters breaking I'm going to make it a productive day and make calls insisting on a meeting.
If have to I may consider changing hosptial and care teams even thought that will cause a huge headache for us.