Short cervix / premature labour

[ashleigh3119]

Hi

I have had 2 LLETZ procedures where they took substantial bits of cervix both times. I was told I'd more than likely need a stitch by the doctor at the time however my consultant said that's last resort, and they would book me in for cervical length monitoring. She said I'm at an increased risk of pre term labour, I've read a 1 in 2 chance! Does anyone have any stories / experiences of this? Is it something that can be managed well or am I at a real risk of something going wrong? I'm terrified as I've heard of people going in to labour very early and theres not much they can do but surely theres got to be something?? Thanks xx

I've also had 1 LLETZ and a punch biopsy and it's been something I worry about as I know they had to go unusually high up the cervix. Consultant at the time said not to worry too much and just make sure when I did get pregnant that I told midwife etc. She also mentioned the stitch option but I'm only 8w4d so haven't had a chance to discuss with anyone yet.

I had lletz treatment ten months before I fel pregnant. I had spotting in the first trimester after intercourse and when I mentioned it to the midwife she advised me to abstain until I saw the consultant. Saw the consultant at 21 weeks for cervical length check, because of the bleeding and some watery discharge he saw me again at 22 weeks then 24, at 21 weeks my cervix measured 3.4, and 24 weeks it measured 2.4cm. I was put on progesterone pessaries three times a day and given steroid injections. At 32 weeks I was signed off work as DD was engaged and my cervix was very soft, so was ordered to pretty much be on bed rest. Stopped the progesterone pessaries at 36 weeks, was checked at 37 weeks for something u related and was 1cm dilated and that was just a week after stopping the pessaries. I did however go to 40+5, speedy labour as I was already 3 - 4cm at my sweep on my due date with no contractions. DD was just stubborn.

So, whilst it was scary at the time and stressful it all worked out fine. I think even the consultant was surprised she didn't arrive early, but I felt well looked after throughout.

@annlee3817 I've had 2 LLETZ and about 4punch biopsies so I'm terrified. I've also had spotting after intercourse and I'm in the first trimester, do you think this is related to cervical length? That's good about the progesterone pessaries, reassuring that they seem to work. I've got my first consultant appt at 13 weeks, I'm so worried because I know for a fact mine will be short. The two LLETZ had substantial chunks taken out both times, they said the norm is 1cm but mine was 1.2 then 1.3. Did you have to abstain from sex for the whole time you were pregnant? Thanks for getting back to me it's good to hear success stories xx

Yes had to abstain from sex until I was 37 weeks. He couldn't give a definitive answer regarding the bleeding, just that with everything else that was going on it was best to be cautious. A friend of my cousin's has had the stitch in her last two pregnancies and had no issues, carried to term with that. I couldn't have the stitch as too late and it could have caused my waters to rupture prematurely, it's usually done a lot earlier. Had he had to do it at 24 weeks he said he would have had to admit me for the rest of the pregnancy. Sorry mine started shortening at 23 weeks not 24.

Hi I had cervical length screening on my second pregnancy after a loss in my first. - I didn't have any risk factors so wasn't monitored first time round. My cervix shortened gradually so I had more scans but went to 0.9cm suddenly at 23w and I had a stitch put in. I was on and off bed rest for ages and then had it out at 34w. My twins arrived at 35+6 ironically via Cs as my labour failed to progress!

@clareykb how was it having the stitch?? I've never spoken to anyone who has had it before. What's the procedure, does it hurt and are there many risks? Xx

It didn't hurt just was uncomfortable. They do it when you are awake with a spinal. I had it as an emergency and had to stay in 2 nights afterwards. Apparently it is riskier the further on you are as if you have a very short cervix it can nick the membranes or start labour. I wasn't given fantastic odds on it working as I was 23 weeks but then I hadn't had leitz or anything so they didn't do it as a preventative measure earlier on which I think generally has a better outlook. However I do now have healthy 6 year old I'd twins so it can work!