Cervical procedures pre-pregnancy.......

MayDay386

I was just wondering if anyone out there can give me any insight to the effect of cervical procedures pre-pregnancy and any problems, restrictions, etc. I have always had abnormal pap tests, for as long as I can remember and ended up having to have a couple pinch biopsy tests and subsequently a leep procedure, about 2.5 years ago. I know there is a slight risk for some complications, but I also don't really know anyone in the same boat as myself to see how things went for them.  I have been talking to my doctor about this, but she has really only made the plans to check my cervix every 4 weeks for signs of any changes and hasn't really said much more besides the normal preterm labor risks, etc. At my last appointment I didnt think to ask her much about any exercise restrictions, but she didnt mention any herself. I was exercising a lot in the month before I got pregnant but stopped just since I had such a rough/sick first tri, and I am looking into getting back to the gym with some decreased intensity. Thanks in advance for any help!

alm3771

I had back to back LEEPS performed in October and November of 2005.  My cervix, according to my OB, is scarred but other than that unremarkable.  She performs an ultrasound for cervical length every visit and also check's the baby's heartbeat and growth via ultrasound.  So far so good.  I feel very reassured that my OB is being proactive and while the ultrasounds may seem a little excessive I have piece of mind. 

 If my cervix did begin to shorten then I would be referred to the high risk group.  I have no exercise restrictions except not to lie on my back while exercising.  Good Luck!

jessie395

I had the LEEP done in 2005, and my dr. has measured my cervix and everything was fine. He said he will keep check on it but he doesn't think it will be an issue at all. He didn't tell me anything about exercise though...

2xSurvivor

The punch biopsies will not effect your cervix int he way the LEEP does. Because of the LEEP, you are at a slightly increased risk for an incompetent cervix and being monitored every appointment is right on track for that. Around 16 weeks your doc may want to monitor your cervix more frequently. Because of the length between the LEEP and your pregnancy your cervix has had time to heal. The women I have known that have had LEEPs prior to pregnancy have had very successful pregnancies with no exercise restrictions. They each were followed slightly closer than a normal pregnancy because of the history of the procedure.

I had a cervical conization done last November (and also a punch biopsy prior to aid in the cervical cancer diagnosis) and got pregnant in January. My oncologist told me to stop running immediately and stick to non-impact exercise for the duration of my pregnancy. A cone is much deeper than a LEEP, a larger portion of the cerivx is removed, thus making me at a higher risk for incompetent cervix. Also the proximity of the cone and the pregnancy is of a concern since the cervix was not completely healed from the procedure. I was getting cervical length checks at every OB appointment (3-4 weeks) and started getting CL checks every 2 weeks at about 16 weeks. This will continue until about 24 weeks.