XP: I don't want another preemie...what do I do???

crazyanimals

You may have seen my post a while back about my cervical length, if not, I had an appt on the 5th with maternal fetal medicine to have my cervical length checked.  The previous appt to that was 3.5cm.  On the 5th it was 2.9cm.  This terrified to crap out of me since I'm only 19 weeks and that is a big change over 2 weeks time.

MFM told me they don't place cerclages until 1.5cm or less....I talked to my OB yesterday and she said that there really isn't anything that they can do other than wait and see.  I have 3 weeks until the cerclage option is out.  Should I request one if my cervix is thinner at my appt. on the 19th??  Should I request one regardless?  I know the risks involved (which are terrifying to me also), but with such a high success rate I can't help but think it's the right thing to do.  It seems like Dr.'s have done them for much less than my situation (LO #1 born at 30wks 1 day due to pPROM and I had a LEEP done this past August).  Being on bedrest for the next 17 weeks will be almost impossible for us since I have an 18 month old....

Any ideas/advice are great appreciated....prayers too!  I'm an emotional wreck right now.  I can't even fathom the thought of losing this baby....

Clotho!

I don't know much about a cerclage as that was never something that would have helped in my situation. But I have done bedrest. It is hard with little ones. Do you have family or friends that could come help? If not is hiring a mom's helper an option? I know mine watched lots of tv which is not ideal but was something that kept them busy and me off my feet. Get creative in making up games you can play while laying down. My boys love cars and trains so they thought it was great fun to drive them all over mom. The best thing was when we had playdates. they got friends their age to play w/ and their mom usually offered to help out around the house.

I'm trying to remember this website w/ lots of ideas for being on bedrest. I think it is sidelines.com.  I'm not sure though.

Wishing you the best for the rest of your pg.

adrielegorburu

Lots of prayers and good thoughts your way - I didnt have a situation where a cerclage would help either but I know there is some risk involved. I never did bed rest either but I can only imagine how hard it would be with an 18 month old. I hope PP suggestions help they sound like great suggestions for you.

spain116

I had a cerclage placed at 20 weeks (1.7 cervical length) and still had to do bedrest.  The combination of the cerclage and hospital bedrest got me to 28 weeks.  I know that others have had different experiences, but in my situation the cerclage and bedrest together were necessary.

I wish you the very best.  I know sometimes the cervical length can go up from time to time, I hope that is the case for you. 

AlwaysSunny925

In my case it was too late for a cerclage, but from what I've read/heard I always thought cerclage and bedrest kind of always went together.

I know it's hard and I know you must be so very scared right now, but we are all thinking of you and praying.  Hopefully your cervix remains where it is or gets longer.  When is your next appointment?