Severely shortened cervix

[Nosejug]

Hello, bit of background. TTC 4.5 years. One MMc, one ectopic, 4 failed rounds of IVF and one current 16+2 pregnancy which was going swimmingly.

I had an intense lletz 2 years ago, 3x10mm passes and another unmeasured. I also had a massive haemorrhage two weeks later involving 4 transfusions plus platelets, still getting over it.

anyway, went for my first cervical scan today thinking the worst it would be is nearing their cut off (25mm) but it’s 11mm. It’s closed. She’s asked me to come back in tomorrow to attempt the stitch (but might not be enough cervix to stitch). I included my backstory to emphasise that this is likely the only close to successful pregnancy I’ll achieve. I’m a little numb/can’t believe it/crying intermittently. So sad to be back in a hole instead of the shiny enjoyment.

can anyone give me stories of success (which I would deem reaching 31 weeks, or similar)? I just feel so sad and scared.

Amazing news!! Enjoy these moments ❤️

That’s brilliant, OP! Glad to hear it.

Thought I’d update, baby still here (and kicking lots!) at 22+4, today’s scan showed 13.8mm cervix, so very short but still fully closed which is (in the context) good. Plus the risk for cervical insufficiency itself reaches a peak around 22 weeks and slowly climbs down, so that after 24 weeks, ptb with short cervix is more caused by associated infection and or contractions. So glad 24 weeks is in my sights, apparently there are changes in the cervix after that that make it more rigid. Plus viability of course! We were given a lovely spa weekend for Christmas by family and sadly I wasn’t allowed to do any of the spa things for risk of infection haha, oh well! I’ll update in another few weeks :)

I'm so happy to hear that!!!! I was thinking about you and baby Nosejug just the other day ❤️

hehe @Waitingforday6 baby nosejug... ill put it on the names list! thanks for your thoughts <3

I feel like this has gone so quickly (though probably not for you!). Glad your cervix is still holding on, crossing my fingers for you. 24 weeks is soooo close 🤞🏻

Heh @blankcanvas3 youre right! It does feel like a long time ago to me, feels like I’ve learned a lot since 16 weeks.

24 weeks today! Can’t believe I’ve made it here, and can’t wait to count away from it. My niece is coming round today with a painting “for the baby’s room” ♥️ and I’m making a cake :)

was listening to Richie Haven’s cover of here comes the sun while writing that aaand it’s sunny outside. So nice to feel logically hopeful that just hopeful.

Brilliant update

Yaaaay! So happy for you ❤️

Gorgeous news @Nosejug I’ve been following this thread, delighted that you’re 24 weeks now.

@Nosejug hi! I am so glad I have found this thread I am in similar situation had my stitch put on last week and my cervix was closed at the time which I was grateful for.. I had 2 late still births due to cord promo lapse 4 and 5 years ago… Iv had pain since my stitch tightening and cramps on my groin I just want to make it to 24 weeks aswel where my tiny spud will have a chance to be with me …anxiety is the worst I’m absolutely miserable as no one understands what I’m going through but I’m glad I find threads like this that keep us going .. I really wish u all the best ♥️

Oh and you @jigywiggy ! It’s a long slog till 24 but it really does change your mental landscape crossing it. How far away are you? I actually couldn’t get the stitch as I had no external cervix left, but the little that remains has proved itself quite well over the last 8 weeks. I’m so sorry to hear about your two still births. I can’t imagine. I hope your maternity unit are looking after you very well. ♥️

@nosejugthis is a huge milestone! I’m so happy for you that you’ve made it here. Please continue to update the thread.

@Nosejug This is so reassuring to read.

I have scarring on my cervix and have been sedated for ivf transfer just because I’d hit the roof with how uncomfortable it was for me. It did cross my mind about an incompetent cervix and im
only 4 weeks 4 days so long way to go. But it’s a positive story to listen to so thanks xx

Ooh congratulations on your positive transfer @PepperPot88 ♥️ In my first ivf round I had a mid cycle catheter test (mock transfer) which showed I needed an operation to open a hole into my cervix for the cathetar to fit through. I was always so scared it would close over again but never did. Sounds like you had just enough room to be very uncomfortable 😬 but how great that the embryo implanted. Best of luck over the coming weeks.

did you have lletz/leep? I only found out how much he truly removed around 12 weeks pregnant, and was shocked as he’d told me only 1/4 (but he’s taken 3x10mm passes plus another unmeasured pass). I had a sudden and massive haemorrhage two weeks later with 4 transfusions and platelets, and apparently resuscitated more than once. I remember the ER dr when finding the open artery saying ‘that was some surgery you had’.

All that to say, it has been significantly shortened due to significant cervical excision, and yet still has held firm over the hardest test period (I think 18-24 weeks). So there’s absolutely reason to hope for a scarred cervix. Make sure they know you’ve had cervical issues and you’ll start being monitored at 16 weeks.

@Nosejug hi thanks for your reply.. I am currently 14+2 literally jus had a sob as my anxiety and past trauma is not leaving my head.. I keep thinking the worst n im a right wreck 😭

Thanks for the advice. I’m counting down the weeks for you so that you can safely hold your baby in your arms xx

@jigywiggy oh pal, its just so scary and your past traumas will be so intertwined. My maternity team appointed a psychologist for me to talk to who basically help my hand through those first few weeks (where I had a lot of busts of crying too). I was lying down all the time terrified I was about to give birth. Could you ask for them to put you forward for that kind of help too? The psychologist was proactive in liaising with the consultants on how to help me manage emotionally as well as physically during weekly appointments. And she helped me count time passing in manageable ways. Like weekly gestational age increasing, but also incrementally, parsing the weeks into manageable packets of time (literally using my pill packets as markers of time passed.)

And you @PepperPot88 ❤️

@Nosejug yeah I can ask for that so do I ring my consultants secretary and ask for this to be put forward to the consultant?

that sounds like a really good plan. They decided it for me as I had a small panic attack when the consultant told me how much of my cervix had been removed (the haemorrhage was quite a traumatic event for me and that was the first time someone medical had brought it up since) and they asked if I would mind if they put me forward for it. I think past criteria and current situation both contribute to whether it’s approved and I cannot imagine you’d have issue being approved. Doing anything proactive is mentally helpful too I think.

How are you getting on @Nosejug? You just popped into my head whilst I was doing the school run so had to come and search for this thread!

still hanging in there @blankcanvas3 :) thanks for asking. Had my gestational diabetes test today and growth scan tomorrow where they’ll check internal OS is still closed/not funnelling. Hopefully all will be clear! Very kind you were thinking of me!

that’s great news! so pleased for you. how many weeks are you now?