Criteria for cervical stitch after two spontaneous preterm births?

[El91]

Does anyone know what the criteria is for being offered a cervical stitch? I’m in Northern Ireland but would like to hear experiences from everyone.
I’m 8 weeks pregnant with my 3rd baby, my first was born at 35+6 and my second was born at 32+2. I went into spontaneous labour both times, both very quick labours (less than 2 hours from start to finish) and both times I dilated with no pain at all, by the time my contractions started I was pretty much ready to push. I’m terrified of going even earlier this time.
I have a 1 hour drive to the hospital and I’m terrified of giving birth to a premature baby in the car on the side of the motorway. I know I sound like I’m being dramatic but in my last labour I wouldn’t of made it in time (we lived closer to the hospital at this time) and really would’ve gave birth in the car and it wouldn’t of been a good outcome as my baby needed immediate medical intervention.
I just know that I have a weak/incompetent cervix and I really want a cervical stitch just to give me peace of mind and to be able to enjoy my pregnancy.
I know I will be monitored closely and given extra scans but this was the case last time too and it made no difference. I feel like so much can change so quickly between scans that monitoring is useless.
If I ask for cervical stitch what are the chances of getting one as a precaution without proof of my cervix shortening in a scan? I know I haven’t had any losses due to premature births but surely this can’t be the criteria? I’m so worried that I won’t be taken seriously as I know my first wasn’t extremely early.
I have 2 young kids that need me at home and I can’t risk having a really premature baby that will be in the neonatal for months 😢

I didnt want to read and not reply, my circumstances were different to yours and I dont know what the criteria would be.

I was monitored though before I was given one, it wasnt just a given even though we had an idea.

I would ask to speak to the fetal medicine unit or the equivalent where you are to raise your concerns and take it from there.

good luck x

Thank you for your reply. I was monitored with my second, scans every 4 weeks to measure my cervix until 24 weeks then just growth scans after that. I had a scan at 32 weeks exactly and nothing was picked up on then I ended up giving birth 2 days later.
My cervix obviously started to shorten after the 24 week point but there was no way of them knowing as they stop cervical scans at that point.
Im just so worried of everything being fine at 24 weeks then everything changing a week later. I really want a stitch as a precaution but don’t think I’ll be given one.

My booking appointment and 12 week scan isn’t for another 3 weeks, and then I will have to wait even longer for an appointment with the consultant 😩

Yes i think the further in pregnancy the more reluctant they are to put it in, i think I had mine 17/18 weeks.

I would be adamant, at your next appointment; be armed with information - show you have done your research and back up your request with reasons why.

Fingers crossed - even with a stitch I had a neonatal stay. But its better to say something than nothing.