McDonald stitch advice

[Caffeinelover01]

Hi all I had a McDonald stitch placed yesterday at 13 weeks and 4 days I am having this because I had a full term neonatal loss at 39 weeks due to negligence in 2021 and in 2022 I had a cord prolapse they seen my cervix was short on my 20 week scan and I had a emergency stitch put in the same day was on bed rest and a week later I lost my baby girl again.. now 4 years on I am pregnant again and they decided to put a stitch due to a weak cervix.. yesterday the surgeon told me my cervix is a good length and it’s closed completely… I want to hear positive and honest stories for anyone who has had this… I am not on bed rest now I can do normal activities but I will be resting for a week or so then do light activities and avoid lifting etc…

1. how was ur experience did it go all the way
2. is there any dos and donts that I do not know of which will help?
3. Any advice would be highly appreciated

thanks all in advance ♥️♥️♥️♥️

I had a stitch with my second, when they found my cervix to be shortening. after having my first DC early at 34 weeks . So in my mind I wanted to get past 34 weeks… I got to 35 weeks and lost my mucus plug so had to go into hospital and they quickly took the stitch out . I then gave birth to a perfectly healthy DC the next day. So in my experience it worked brilliantly and got me to the milestone I wanted . I had lots of extra scans which gave me reassurance, which helped a lot, as I found it stressful and worrying , wanting to get to the next week. So my only advice would be to be pushy and ask for anything like that which will give you some reassurance and help you get form week to week. Wishing you and your little one lots of luck x

thanksfor Your lovely reply.. I’m so grateful for the wider community who is willing to help and give advice .. yes I think I may push for more scans which I think my consultant will give my any way I have a appointment next week on the 19th to see how it’s holding in..yesterday after the stitch the places the surgeon did tell me it’s completely closed and a good length but when my full term baby died my cervix went weak due to tears in my cervix which were repaired but still have a big impact .. I’m on progesterone and aspirin aswell

Just wanted to write a message of support from a fellow pregnant person with cervical issues. My woes are different, pregnant after 5 rounds ivf and early losses, previous lletz surgery on cervix. First cervical scan at 16 weeks showed already severely short (11-14mm). They tried an emergency cerclage (McDonald) the next day but I didn’t have enough external cervix left, so currently on progesterone only. So far made it to 23+5. Just on pelvic rest, they don’t recommend anything else, and weekly scans until yesterday, will now be on fortnightly scans. Cervix is same length as at 16 weeks, so feeling way more hopeful. It’s such a scary time. It’s awful to read about both your losses, I’m so sorry. Sounds like they’re being way more proactive this time, they owe you a lot. I hope very much this pregnancy will go smoothly for you. My only advice is take it easy and take a week at a time. Celebrate every week gained with stability. It’s great you’ve had the cerclage at such an early gestation as it’s more likely to work than for those that have it when already dilated/bulging.

if you’d like a broader community there’s a Reddit forum called ShortCervixSupport, where ppl with loads of different cervical scenarios share their stories. There are some sad stories but predominantly hopeful ones.

Thank you for your reply .. u have got to nearly 24 weeks and that has definitely given me hope.. I truly wish you the best in your pregnancy and if I ever want to chat
im a message away.. yes i am on rest but not bed rest they said i can do normal stuff just take it easy basically .. i am shitting my witts though 😤😤