Pregnancy and measuring of cervix after a loop diathermy/LLETZ

[dontwanttopanic]

I'm hoping that someone might be able to tell me whether this is a silly question. I had a LLETZ procedure in February and am due to go back to the hospital for a check up next month.

We'd like to start thinking about DC2 once we (hopefully) get the all-clear, but I appreciate that our risk of premature birth is now increased. This does worry me a bit; a close friend has recently given birth to premature twins with some difficulties and obviously it's been a worrying time.

I was wondering whether it's at all possible for them to measure or scan your cervix after the procedure has healed and to tell you whether they think it has shortened to the point where you are likely to have severe difficulties. Might anyone have had this done before TTC? And if so, I'd be really grateful for any suggestions as to where/by which doctor? I'm happy to pay for a private scan if that's what's necessary to get it done but I don't know how to go about finding one. The original procedure was covered by my work health insurance and so I'm not going through the GP - it takes literally weeks to get an appointment here.

Thanks very much in advance.

Hi, I had lletz treatment in December 2013 ans fell pregnant in September. The only reason I had a scan to check my cervix after finding out I was pregnant was due to some bleeding.

My treatment had been for CIN2. First scan to check was at 21 weeks, then had weekly scans due to some fluid. My cervix did shorten at 24 weeks and I was put on progesterone pessaries and some bed rest. Am now 37 weeks and waiting patiently for her to arrive.

I know they can check the cervix early pregnancy but not sure whether it can be done prior. If found to be short early on the can offer a cerclage stitch.

Thanks very much. That's reassuring to know. I hope all goes well!

I had lletz years ago and had three successful (and post dates) pregnancies. I think the chances of it affecting your pregnancy are very slim. I was super nervous when I first got pregnant but was living in London and under St Thomas' care, they asked if I wanted to go into their premature birth clinic where they assess you for prem risks. I had cervical scans every few weeks until at 24 weeks they discharged me as I still had a long cervix. This clinic is self referral and I found it a great peace of mind, if you live near you can self refer once pregnant, look up St Thomas' prof shennan clinic for details. I would guess they wouldn't do anything prior to pregnancy since your cervix changes so much but this clinic also has an email address and phone number to ask questions and they get back to you pretty quick so you could ask if it's possible even if you do have to go private? Good luck

My experience was the other end of the spectrum. I had 2 LLETZ treatments and my cervix was too scarred to dilate, EMCS with dc1 and planned cs with dc2. Hopefully you won't have any problems.