Preventative Stitch/ Cervical Suture - 16 Weeks

[RainbowMamaThree]

Following previous loss, I had a cervical suture (the stitch) placed at 16 weeks in my last pregnancy. I was advised to be as restful as possible, pretty much for the remainder of my pregnancy. I did around 10 weeks of (mostly) bed rest after having the stitch. The procedure was successful but this was still recommended. I now know this isn’t the advice given to all women who have the preventative stitch.

I am very grateful to say I’m pregnant again, and going to have a stitch at 16 weeks again. I now have a toddler so would like to avoid bed rest (unless of course it becomes medically necessary).

im wondering if anyone else who has had a preventative stitch (not emergency) would mind sharing what advice they were given following the procedure as to how active you could be? I’m not wanting to go for runs etc just still be on my feet doing the usual day to day activities.

Thank you!

Anyone had a preventative stitch in second trimester? Would really appreciate knowing how active you were afterwards for remainder of pregnancy x

Hey, didn't want to read and run. One of my friends has had this done. She was on modified bed rest for the first 12 wks and had the stitch at 16 wks. Was able to do most activities with in reason but would have frequent breaks and even returned to work on amended hours and duties. She was then put onto full bed rest for the remaining 6 wks of her pregnancy.

She's now ttc again and will likely need another one.

@OneMoreCookieMonster thank you for responding! That’s good to know - so she was still up and about, going to the shops etc?

How many weeks are you?
I had dilating and shortening at 22 weeks with my daughter in my previous pregnancy and I was told I needed to have a stitch at 12 weeks in my next pregnancy, and here I am now pregnant with my second and it's near enough impossible to get.
I am 14 weeks now and I have found it extremely difficult to get the stitch in the nhs!
Even though my cervix was 2.8cm on Wednesday this week (should be 4cm) I was still sent home with nothing as a temporary consultant changed their mind about the procedure.
I took it upon my self to get Cyclogest/Progesterone pessarys from my GP yesterday until I see the specialist on Monday,
I hope they are more helpful with you let us know how you get on x

Hi, I had a miscarriage after one successful pregnancy. After the miscarriage they discovered a cervical tear caused by my first delivery. So I had a cervical stitch at around 16 weeks. I wasn't advised any bed rest or lighter work and I continued life as normal looking after my 3 year old DD until a successful delivery by elective C-section ☺️
I did get occasional spotting throughout the pregnancy but everything was fine.

Thank you so much for getting back to me! Great to hear that you carried on as normal. I have been doing so (obviously no crazy exercise) and so far feel ok 🤞🏼 Just beginning to get very anxious as I get closer to viability!

Did you swim or have a bath at all? Also, perhaps TMI but did you use progesterone pessaries? If so…did you notice cervix was sometimes higher and sometimes lower?! This worries me - been told not to but hoping others found similar!

@Lillybobs86 sorry to hear you found it hard to get a stitch….have you got any further with it now? Hope all is well x

@Chocolateporridge sorry meant to tag in my response x

hi @RainbowMamaThree i had a preventative stitch at 22 weeks pregnant. my cervix was 0.8cm, it held up well but was very scary. it was removed at 36 weeks and had baby via c section at 38weeks and 3 days- due to gestational diabetes. i didn't work for the first month after getting it then returned to normal. i also see on other posts you suffered with intrusive thoughts, i am 3 months postpartum and am struggling with similar ones, would be nice to have a chat- really struggling.

I had one of these at about 16 weeks pregnant because of an earlier prem delivery & also another late-term miscarriage loss. I wasnt allowed to lift much including our almost 3 yr toddler, but also laundry baskets, shopping bags, firewood etc. I had numerous scans to check on baby's progress & the state of my cervix etc but also I experienced an almost constant feeling of low pulling, achiness like a heavy period pain. No sex too for the rest of my pregnancy.

My waters ruptured though at 32 weeks as they did with my earlier prem birth so had to get to the Hospital fairly smartly to have the suture removed prior to any labour getting established. I ended up with a CS after approx 48 hours in labour. The Dr who delivered our baby boy then told us I would be in Hospital on bed rest for any subsequent pregnancies - so that finished off our family then :)