Emergency Stitch for Short Cervix

[HulaHoop18]

Hi all,

TW: Mention of previous loss

I am 19+1 today. I had an emergency stitch put in last Wednesday due to my cervix shortening to 0.5cm and being open 3cm.

When I found out I was pregnant, I tried to push for a preventative stitch due to a previous loss at 17 weeks in December 2021. Disappointingly, I was refused and was just about offered cervical scans and albeit 3 weeks apart.

On my Monday appointment, my cervix was measuring short (26cm roughly) - and starting to open but only by 0.64cm. By Wednesday it was 0.5cm and 3cm open, but the membranes weren’t visible. The Dr said I was very lucky, the baby would have come in the next few days/week, and now ‘just pray’ so obviously not feeling very optimistic 😞I have a follow up on Monday 18th and I’m being infection tested every week by my GP.

I have such a mix of feelings about everything, like why I wasn’t offered this earlier and why they waited until my cervix had changed and my chances are now much lower to carrying to viability, let alone full term.

I’m lucky enough to be able to work from home and I’m doing minimal moving, but I’m terrified quite honestly of losing another baby. I can’t believe we are facing this situation again 😞

Its such an awful experience and on top of that, not being able to enjoy my pregnancy is so hard. I have to keep cherishing every moment with my little one because I don’t know how much time I have left with them. I’m almost half way into my pregnancy and normally people have started to shop or think of names, but I’m completely paralysed not knowing if our baby will survive.

Just hoping for some kind words and any success stories if you have them x

So sorry you are going through this. My first baby was born at 24 weeks, luckily survived, now 14 very few effects of such prematurity. My second baby they did the monitoring method they are with you, my cervix started to shorten at 24 weeks, too late for a stitch. I carried on with progesterone and strict bed rest and did make it to 38 weeks. I am currently 38 weeks pregnant after having a stitch at 13 weeks.
Don't loose hope but I completely understand your anxiety. There is a great Facebook group called incompetent cervix UK where there are so many women who have gone/ are going through similar and it's a great support. I'll be thinking of you x

@HulaHoop18 sorry to hear this. I don’t want to scare you but I had an emergency stitch put in at 16weeks when my cervix was open with membranes bulging out and I lost my baby girl the following week (this was 4 weeks ago) though stitch was still intact. My loss was due to professionals not doing their job properly and not taking my high risk pregnancy seriously. I think I got an infection in bladder due to them forgetting to put catheter in place during stitch op.
if I were you if you dont feel right about something get it checked out asap. I hope your pregnancy is going ok x

Hi @Monkhouse2022 im so sorry about your loss 🥺 I’ve been there myself and know how much it hurts and how the grief comes and goes. I hope you have been getting the support you need from friends and family and be kind to yourself ❤️

I had my stitch checked and it looks like it’s holding tight touch wood. Feeling a little bit more hopeful x