Anyone else have a LEEP?

michelle_1221

Back in my early 20's, I had a LEEP to remove pre-cancerous cells.  As a result, early in my pregnancy, I was monitored for an incompetent cervix and was fourtunate to have no issues.  Well, today my doctor talked to me about another LEEP related complication, which is a narrowing or tightening of the cervix.  She said that this could be an issue for me (I'm 50% effaced, but completely shut).  She said sometimes they have to do an induction by giving medicine to soften the cervix, then they give the epi, followed by them "breaking" my cervix open (but only after I've had the epi).  So, this clearly just terrified me.  She did qualify it by saying I could still dilate on my own.  Did anyone else have this procedure she mentioned of "breaking" the cervix open?  Or maybe she said tear, althought pretty sure break (seriously I love my doctor, but could she of come up with another word or description?!) 

I googled this as anyone would, and found this: Cervical stenosis is another problem that could affect a pregnancy after a LEEP procedure. This condition causes the cervix to tighten and narrow too much. When this occurs, it may be very hard for the cervix to dilate properly during labor. Since cervical dilation is absolutely necessary for a vaginal delivery, this can be a serious problem.

ericnerica

I had a LEEP procedure at 18, about 3 years before I had my first child. I had no problems dilating or any other problems during pregnancy or labor/delivery. I was monitored for my cervix with my DS but not this pregnancy. My labor was only 5 hours and I did it med-free! So I had no issues. I was also dilated for a few weeks before the birth, but that's different for everyone and every pregnancy. This pregnancy has also been problem-free and am currently 2 cm dilated, 50% effaced and patiently waiting for the arrival of our DD Good Luck!

virgil108

I had a LEEP a few years back and when I went ot my appointment last Thursday and told me my fluids were a little low and I should go to the hospital to start an induction. When I checked in my cervix was completely shut and high. They gave me a dose of cervidil (spelling?) to loosen and open my cervix. That was an internal medicine which took 12 hours for one dose- not the most pleasant procedure.

That resulted in 1cm dilation. My doc decided on an oral med. to open m cervix which opened to 3cm, which I was very excited about. They then moved me to labor and delivery where they started pitocin. Long story short- my body finally figured out what it should be doing and 3 hours later I had my beautiful baby boy!!

There were some other meds they were considering to open the cervix, including some balloon contraption.  Don't panic- your body will figure it out and I am sure all will be good!!  I was proud of my cervix for holding tight the whole 9 months- and disappointed when it didn't get the memo it was time to open.

Good luck on your healthy and happy baby!! Your body will figure out what to do!!

 

 

kulrich87

Do you know if that extends to biopsies as well? I had a cervical biopsy 3 or 4 years ago. I'm 40 weeks and of last week I was still all closed up

michelle_1221

Thanks so much for the encouragement and personal experiences.  Based on what I've read online, the cervix not opening can be related to scar tissue, so I'd assume that a biopsy could cause this also.  I also read that many doctors "mistakenly" don't consider this as a cause for failure to progress of dilation, and these women often end up with a c-section.  I am really glad that my doctor has this on her radar, but now worried.  And on a side note, if I have to hear about Blue Ivy again, I'm going to throw something at the tv!!! 

 

megank27

Sorry to post as a lurker, but I wanted to give you my personal experience. Every week I was not progressing, and even the day I went into labor there was no progression when I went into the doctor's office. Luckily I was scheduled for induction that day so I was already headed to the hospital, and when I went to the hospital I was actually in full-blown labor (who knows what would have happened since I had an apparent lack of progression - I would have continued thinking it was false labor). The doctor on call checked my cervix and there was no progression, which she thought was strange. She was able to stretch it, and afterwards explained to me it could be an issue with scar tissue. She also said that now that the scar tissue issue was overcome she expected things to move rapidly, which they did. So, I'm glad your doctor has put two and two together ahead of time. And I did have my epi first, so there was no discomfort with the doctor manually stretching the cervix. Good luck with your birth!