Cervical stitch

[CEllenx]

Hi everyone just looking for advice about cervical stitches
I had LLetz procedure years ago, and got diagnosed with short cervix late into my current IVF pregnancy! Measurements are;

2.5mm @ 20 weeks- started on progesterone suppositories
2.3mm @ 22 weeks

Drs have advised me on getting cervical stitch as the progesterone hasn’t worked, but have put the decision in my hands. They have agreed to give me one more week to think about it and rescan next week when I’m 23/24 weeks (nhs cut off for the stitch)
Does anyone have any success stories about getting the cervical stitch? I’m really worried about the risk of infection or any harm to the baby? How short was your cervix length when you had it or decided it against it, how long did you go before giving birth? Also, as I’m a nurse I’m worried that if I don’t get it I’ll be on my feet for long hours and it might shorten quicker ! help!

This would be a no brainer for me - I would absolutely have it.

Sounds like they think you need one, I don't think they'd have advised otherwise.
Me personally, I'd listen to them.

Personally if a doctor was advising me something, it's probably in my best interest to go ahead with it. So I would

What's the alternative - bed rest?

I wouldn't have it so I could continue doing long hours on my feet- I think you need to have a updated risk assessment.

If your cervix has already shown to be shortening, and shorter again between 20-22 weeks, I feel you have a clear answer and that is to get the stitch. It is very likely that it will only worsen as the pregnancy gets heavier and puts more pressure on your cervix. The risk of preterm birth would not be worth it in my mind. I've seen hundreds of women get the stitch in my time as a midwife, and only a very small minority led to complications or were unsuccessful. I do of course appreciate your worries regarding the down sides of it because they are not without risk. It's a scary position to be in and I'm sorry you're here. But the risk versus benefit would seem to point to getting the stitch.

I had one placed in a prior pregnancy at 22weeks because routine scan showed my cervix had shortened and was more or less opened and membranes were bulging through.

My consultant said he had virtually nothing left to stitch and was clear that in my case it wouldn't hold for long. We were hopeful that bed rest (in hosp) would get us to the magic 28 weeks when lungs are developed, but it bought me precisely 2 weeks so I had my daughter at 24 weeks. My daughter survived but it was a long battle through neonatal intensive care.

Both my daughter and I ended up with sepsis and were quite ill, but I believe the risk was higher for us in our scenario as membranes were already bulging through. They will give you antibiotics if they do the procedure.

In your position I'd opt for the procedure sooner rather than later before it shortens too much.

I had mine put in at 25 weeks after my cervix shortened to 20mm. I've turned 33 weeks today and so far, no signs of labour. I was being monitored as I delivered at 31 weeks with my 1st child. As much as I didn't want the procedure, I didn't want a prem baby again even more so agreed to it there and then and had it placed the day after my scan showed the shortening.

My situation is different but I do currently have a stitch. It was placed at 14weeks before my cervix showed signs of shortening as a preventive measure, as I gave birth at 26weeks with my previous pregnancy. But in your situation I would absolutely have the stitch! The risk of preterm birth, to me, is much more significant than that risk of possible infection. I have had my stitch in place for 16 weeks now (I’m currently 30weeks) and haven’t had any issues. From memory, I’m sure I was given antibiotics just prior to the stitch being placed to take to reduce the risk of infection.
fingers crossed all goes well whatever you decide x

@remaininghopeful23 thank you for your advice. Do they monitor the babies heart rate intra -op to make sure the baby is okay?

Yes they do, and check afterwards too. Discuss anaesthetic options with your doctor to make sure its the lowest risk to baby. They used to offer GA for a stitch but not anymore in my unit as not the best option for baby.

As someone who lost my beautiful baby boy at 19 weeks because no one would check my cervix length or took my concerns about the pain and pressure in my pelvis seriously, I wouldn't be thinking about it. Once it shortens, if progesterone isn't working, it's not going to lengthen on its own. The bigger baby gets, the more pressure will be applied.

I'm fighting for a preventative stitch in my current pregnancy. I'd do anything to have my baby boy back.

Doctors don’t force procedures upon peope as a rule but they give you the info and expect you to make the decision based on their advice. Why on earth you would question this is beyond me. It’s not going to magically right itself.

You've probably already had to make your decision now. I had my stitch in at 25+ 6 and felt very responsible for making such a big decision. I couldn't understand why there wasn't clearer medical advice and I was being asked to make a medical decision... Anyway, I had my little girl at 39+ 4 last June (ecs). In hindsight, I'm glad I did get the stitch but I only stopped feeling anxious when she arrived safely. I hope everything works out for you 🙏🏼