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High-Risk Pregnancy
Intro & possibly dumb cerclage ?'s
Hi ladies! My DD was born at 32 weeks due to unexplained PTL, and I'm 11 weeks pregnant now. I am currently going in every 2 weeks for cervical length checks- I had a LEEP and several biopsies that put me at risk for IC. They never checked my cervix during my 1st pregnancy, so I'll never know if that was a factor in DD's prematurity. During my 24 week sono, I remember the sonographer saying "Well, we can't get a measurement of your cervix because the baby has its head so far down there!" Looking back, maybe that was a red flag??
My length is right around 3cm right now, and my doctor said anything above 2.5 is good. My questions are: 1) Anyone know if 3cm is above average, average, etc? 2) Why wouldn't the doctor do a preventative cerclage if I'm at risk and have a history of PTL? (that's the possibly dumb ?-- I know there are risks, of course, but I'm just curious). I go back to the doctor next week and will ask him these questions as well. I'm just interested to hear what others who have been there think.
We are going to Europe when I will be 22-23 weeks pregnant, and (of course), I'm worried that something will happen while I'm over there!
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Re: Intro & possibly dumb cerclage ?'s
Welcome. Im new too! I am 12 wks and 1 day. I had my cerclage put in on Friday. My dr was mean and didn't give me pain meds so I've been in bed ever since until today and I'm not sure I'll do this again!
SO, I went to a perinatologist for a check up regarding NT u/s, marginal cord insertion, and checking the cerclage. SO... I don't know about cervical length but the risks of a cerclage are infection (throughout the whole pregnancy) and preterm labor and rupture of membranes, bleeding (i'm sure you get my drift). Well today I was told the my last m/c at 17 weeks was b/c of preterm labor not b/c of IC. So basically he told me I didn't need the cerclage (I personally disagree) but recommended that at 14 weeks to start the progesterone injections. So your dr may tell you the same thing. But Good luck with everything.
I don't think a measurement of 3cm is bad at all-but I do not think it's "above average" either.
So, it sounds like your doc just doesn't want to do the cerclage if it's not needed. If your cervix shortens, then they will change their method of care as it goes along. This seems totally normal to me. If IC is one of several things that could have been the problem last time, then it doesn't make sense to treat a problem that may or may not exist.
I think I would be satisfied with the weekly or biweekly cervical length checks- and if it gets too short- I would push for the cerclage. They can do it up to 24 weeks- but it does get riskier as time goes by. But, if you're very nervous- get a second opinion and see what they say. My doctor told me that he does more cerclages than his colleagues...and some of them only do it after multiple 2nd tri losses. GL! Keep us posted.
They have never been able to get a good look at the cervix on me either when the head is low. Vaginal ultrasound is necessary for that measurement and most of the time they don't even look at it unless you have previa or h/o PTL.
Your PTL with your DD may well have been due to IC due to the LEEPs and biopsies. But I think it is a good idea to follow your cervix and then make a decision. Your first PTL was pretty late in the gestation and they might decide to watch you, give the P17 shots and put you on bedrest if you look questionable after it is too late for the cerclage. Either way knowledge is power so they will keep checking you.
Good Luck.