question for multiple mamas... cerclage?

figgs0831

Hi all!

I don't belong here, but am hoping to trouble you for advice.  I'm about to do an IVF cycle after majorly over-stimming in my medicated cycle. We are currently weighing the option of transfering 1 or 2 embies.  Obviously, this will not garuntee me multiples, and we are not trying for multiples, but I'm interested to see how multiples would work if you needed a preventative cerclage. 

See, my problem is that I will need a cerclage for my next pregnancy regardless of how many are in there.  I have no history of an incompotent cervix, but my previous pregnancies are making them be overly cautious. So I'm looking for actual experiences from those who have had this done. 

Did the cerclage work?  When did you get it? Did your doctor refuse to do it becasue of multiples?  Any issues to watch out for?  That being said, I'm well aware that all rules go out the window with multiples because they are so unpredictable.

I'm just trying to do my due diligence prior to making this huge decision and there is just some advice the doctor's can't give.  I do not want to take any chances with my next pregnancy.  Any info/ advice would be greatly appreciated!  TIA

LottaLattes

No firsthand advice but best of luck to you!! Xx

daisy19782011

I have no words of advice, but wanted to wish you the best and I am so sorry for your losses.

I had a loss when I was 20w3d, baby was 19w1d, but I had a D&E, My OB did say this time they would be closely watching my cervix b/c a weakened cervix can be a result of that procedure.

I am going back Tuesday and am going to ask specifically about that.

s0ulchicken

I have no advice, just wanted to wish you well!

10-4LilBuddy

My MFM does not like to do cerclage with multiples. She said it tends to aggravate the cervix more than help due to the weight. She agreed that it is a controversial decision among her collegues and it varies from doctor to doctor.

KDR1979

If you need a cerclage, I'd lean toward a single embryo transfer. You could still have twins (it's rare), but multiples are too risky.

Good luck!

kafunder

I'm so sorry for your losses.

You really need to talk to your MFM about whether they'll do a cerclage for a multiple pregnancy. I'd probably even talk to them before deciding how many embies to transfer.

 I have almost 3-year old twins. I had short cervix issues with that pregnancy, but my OB and MFM don't do cerclages with twin pregnancies. Instead, I was on strict bedrest from 22 weeks until 35 weeks (delivered at 36w4d). This included 4 weeks of hospital bedrest (28w-32w).

I also now have a 1-month old newborn. We were hoping that my cervix issues were just due to the previous pregnancy being twins, but my cervix shortened and funneled around 20w again with singleton pregnancy. I had a cerclage placed at 20w and was on strict bedrest until 36w, when I had the cerclage removed. I ended up delivering at 37w6d. The cerclage must have really done its job b/c when I delivered, they said my cervix was still long and closed (I delivered due to reasons unrelated to my cervix). If we decide to have baby #4, I'd opt to get a preventative cerclage done around 12w to try to avoid bedrest.

figgs0831

I couldn't get on here last night to respond.  Thank you all for your kind words and advice! 

LottaLattes - Haven't seen you in forever!  Hope all is well.

Daisy - I was forced to deliver mine, so luckily no D&E here.  I hope no damage was done your cervix and those babies can stay put!!!

Soulchicken - Hi!

10-4 - This is what I was afraid of.  I know not many do it for this specific reason.  This is so frustrating! 

KDR - Thanks!  I'm leaning towards 1 at the moment.  Trying to convince DH that this is the right option as well.

MrsLee - This gives me hope! 

KAFund - I didn't think to call my MFM and ask for advice.  That will definitely be on my list of things to do today.  this is why I love these forums.  I never would have thought to call. 

SFHOME

Hi.

i had a cerclage with my single baby #2, and also had one with my twins, just delivered Monday! 

 My cerclage was placed at about the same time as with my single - 12 or 13 weeks. It worked like a  charm keeping my cervix nice and long until 34 weeks when my water broke and I delivered two precious little ones this week. 

My MFM placed the cerclage and never mentioned any additional risk for cerclage with twins.

good luck!

nuttycoconut

Hey Figgs! I had to make this very difficult decision a little over a year ago. I sent you a PM.  

figgs0831

SFHOME:

Hi.

i had a cerclage with my single baby #2, and also had one with my twins, just delivered Monday! 

 My cerclage was placed at about the same time as with my single - 12 or 13 weeks. It worked like a  charm keeping my cervix nice and long until 34 weeks when my water broke and I delivered two precious little ones this week. 

My MFM placed the cerclage and never mentioned any additional risk for cerclage with twins.

good luck!

 Thank you for the advice!  This gives me some hope.  Congrats on your twins!!!!

figgs0831

nuttycoconut:

Hey Figgs! I had to make this very difficult decision a little over a year ago. I sent you a PM.  

 Hi Nutty!  YGPM

nuttycoconut

figgs0831:

nuttycoconut:

Hey Figgs! I had to make this very difficult decision a little over a year ago. I sent you a PM.  

 Hi Nutty!  YGPM

Same to you! And an email!  

margaerytyrell

KDR1979:

If you need a cerclage, I'd lean toward a single embryo transfer. You could still have twins (it's rare), but multiples are too risky.

Good luck!

Lurking from Dec '13:::

I agree with this. I went through IVF in July of last year and we put in 2 embryos. I ended up with triplets. My MFM saw funneling at 11 weeks so he put in a cerclage. At 21 weeks I was hospitalized because I was having contractions. My cerclage didn't hold, even after being on mag and given turb to try to stop labor. I gave birth to my 3 angels at 22w,3d. 

I would also recommend a single embryo transfer. Good luck.