Cerclage question (and intro)

ItalianGirl17

Hi all. A little background: I am considered high risk as I've had four consecutive m/c - testing did not find much other than the most common MTHFR mutation. I am on Lovenox (just switched from Heparin), prednisone, baby aspirin and folgard. Everything has been going well - I am the farthest I have ever gotten. At my last appt. (16 weeks), they started checking my cervix length due to my D&Cs, etc.  It was great - longer than average! 

We thought we were in the clear (for now), but my peri advised that my cervix is slightly open and I'm to go back in a week and a half to see how it is then. He said he thinks I will most likely need a cerclage and actually already put the surgery on the books for that week as well. (Apparently, this has something to do with my low lying anterior placenta which is resting right above the cervix?)

Has anyone had a similar experience?  Not a cervical length issue - but slight opening? And the relation to the placenta I'm a little confused by?  And how are you doing after the cerclage?

Thank you in advance (sorry so long) - and H&H 9 mos. to everyone.  

  

fallen_angel9

When I was 18wks they discovered that I was 3cm dilated and my waters were prolapsed. They told me there was no chance the pregnancy would continue and I should induce. I opted to try an emergency cerclage, and so far, so good.

I was diagnosed with insufficient cervix- likely from a birth injury from when I had DS. It could have been from laser treatment on my cervix or other things, but that's where I think it came from.

You are 10 steps ahead of the game if they are watching you before a problem occurs. I had an u/s a few days before I PPROM'd with my DD in 2011 (she was born still) and everything was perfect. The theory is I dilated quickly, my waters were exposed to a BV infection, ruptured, and then without the added weight of the amniotic fluid, I closed back up.

 Stay on top of your appointments. U/S will detect cervical length and show more serious dilation. Unfortunately, you need an internal exam to detect minor dilation- and that's not something you want to do often as it leads to infection. Trust your gut. I learned that lesson the hard way when I lost my daughter. This time, I listened to my intuition, went against doctor advice, and here I am, still pregnant at 27wks...

Feel free to msg me if you want to talk further or in a more private setting... you and your LO are in my thoughts and prayers. I know what it's like to lose something you want with your heart and soul, to try again and return to hoping... I also know, no one wants this more, than someone whom has been through such heartache...

ItalianGirl17

fallen_angel9:

When I was 18wks they discovered that I was 3cm dilated and my waters were prolapsed. They told me there was no chance the pregnancy would continue and I should induce. I opted to try an emergency cerclage, and so far, so good.

I was diagnosed with insufficient cervix- likely from a birth injury from when I had DS. It could have been from laser treatment on my cervix or other things, but that's where I think it came from.

You are 10 steps ahead of the game if they are watching you before a problem occurs. I had an u/s a few days before I PPROM'd with my DD in 2011 (she was born still) and everything was perfect. The theory is I dilated quickly, my waters were exposed to a BV infection, ruptured, and then without the added weight of the amniotic fluid, I closed back up.

 Stay on top of your appointments. U/S will detect cervical length and show more serious dilation. Unfortunately, you need an internal exam to detect minor dilation- and that's not something you want to do often as it leads to infection. Trust your gut. I learned that lesson the hard way when I lost my daughter. This time, I listened to my intuition, went against doctor advice, and here I am, still pregnant at 27wks...

Feel free to msg me if you want to talk further or in a more private setting... you and your LO are in my thoughts and prayers. I know what it's like to lose something you want with your heart and soul, to try again and return to hoping... I also know, no one wants this more, than someone whom has been through such heartache...

Thank you so, so much for replying.  I am so sorry for what you have been through and for your devastating loss, but I am also SO happy to hear about your current pregnancy and your decision, which was obviously the right one!  

I am thankful my doctor is extremely pro-active and I'm almost at the point where I want a cerclage no matter what my cervix looks like next week - bc I'm terrified now that something sudden could happen and it will be too late. This never seems to get easier, huh?  I thought I might have some relief in the 2nd Tri. Nope.

Thank you again for all the information and sharing your story. It helps more than you know! 

caden1206

I had a preventative cerclage placed and I pray it is helping.  I know some people that have been told they have a slightly open cervix and there have been two schools of thought:  close it with cerclage and bedrest.  If you have an active lifestyle I think the cerclage is a good idea plus after the initial procedure you will reduce your risk of infection.  Of course listen to your doctors and don't hesitate to get a second opinion.  Good luck and prayers for a safe and healthy pregnancy.

ItalianGirl17

caden1206:

I had a preventative cerclage placed and I pray it is helping.  I know some people that have been told they have a slightly open cervix and there have been two schools of thought:  close it with cerclage and bedrest.  If you have an active lifestyle I think the cerclage is a good idea plus after the initial procedure you will reduce your risk of infection.  Of course listen to your doctors and don't hesitate to get a second opinion.  Good luck and prayers for a safe and healthy pregnancy.

 

Thank you! And H&H 9 mos. to you, too.  

roxy100198

Hello,

 

I had a second trimester loss at 19 w about 10 years ago. I am now pregnant again and have been high risk the whole time. I had my cerclage put in last wednesday. After the surgery my doctor told me that my cervix was found to be soft and slightly opened already. I have been on bedrest for a week now and had my follow up appointment today. Everything looks great with my cervical length and they will continue to monitor me on a bi-weekly basis. As far as the surgery goes, it was a piece of cake. I had myself all worked up and scared for weeks prior but it truly was an easy experience. It has taken more of an emotional toll on my then anything else. Good luck with your pregnancy and if you have any questions about the cerclage let me know! 

ItalianGirl17

roxy100198:

Hello,

 

I had a second trimester loss at 19 w about 10 years ago. I am now pregnant again and have been high risk the whole time. I had my cerclage put in last wednesday. After the surgery my doctor told me that my cervix was found to be soft and slightly opened already. I have been on bedrest for a week now and had my follow up appointment today. Everything looks great with my cervical length and they will continue to monitor me on a bi-weekly basis. As far as the surgery goes, it was a piece of cake. I had myself all worked up and scared for weeks prior but it truly was an easy experience. It has taken more of an emotional toll on my then anything else. Good luck with your pregnancy and if you have any questions about the cerclage let me know! 

Thank you so much for responding - and especially for telling me how your cerclage went. I'm trying to keep my stress in check - and hoping mine goes as easily as yours. I'm very sorry about your loss and I wish you a healthy little one this go around. Thoughts and prayers to you!