Cerclage and Progesterone?

PK2 · January 2012

Hi ladies! Thanks in advance for your support. I have been on a roller coaster this past week since I found out that I have an IC (1.7 cm down to 1.4 when they applied pressure) at my 20 week sono for DS#2. I am scheduled for my cerclage on Wednesday. Does anyone also get progesterone shots? My Dr. didn't didn't even talk about it untl my husband mentioned that he read it on the internet. Basically the Dr. said I can get them and it can't hurt but no research that it helps either.

Mrs Dougherty · January 2012

PK2:

Hi ladies! Thanks in advance for your support. I have been on a roller coaster this past week since I found out that I have an IC (1.7 cm down to 1.4 when they applied pressure) at my 20 week sono for DS#2. I am scheduled for my cerclage on Wednesday. Does anyone also get progesterone shots? My Dr. didn't didn't even talk about it untl my husband mentioned that he read it on the internet. Basically the Dr. said I can get them and it can't hurt but no research that it helps either.

i have an abdominal cerclage and had the progestrone shots for preterm labor but it didnt help my cervix never shortened tho even with the many times of preterm labor that was with DS#2 we jsut found out we are expecting baby #3 so we will see what this pregnancy has in store hope that helped a little

kthappy76 · January 2012

I also did P4 shots after my rescue cerc. There is plenty of research that it helps, though not for twins, my OB recoed it anyway. We only stopped when I had an allergic reaction and I made it past 36w on full bed rest. Best of luck to you.

crazyanimals · January 2012

I have been getting p17 shots since 16 weeks. They aren't bad. They give you the standard bruise afterwards and make you sore for a few days but that's about it for me. The worse side effect I've had is headaches but they don't last long normally.

I have my ultrasound on Thursday to find out if I am getting a cerclage. I will let you know what happens!

ekaj_woof · January 2012

I started progesterone suppositories when my IC was discovered at 20 weeks. I did not have a cerclage. My MFM believes progesterone is highly effective for treating IC.

Tapioca · January 2012

I received an emergent cerclage at 21 weeks and I have been on progesterone since 16 weeks, due to a previous preterm birth. I hear a lot of things about the P17 shots, some say that they are only effective if you start early enough, some say they may help even if starting after 20 weeks.

Anyways, I had clear indications for both. The shots are proven to help a large number of women in single pregnancies with a history of preterm birth. My cervix shortened to 1.9 about 4 weeks after I started on the progesterone so my doctor felt I also have an IC that wasn't being effectively treated with the progestersone and we proceeded with the cerclage.

electricdoctor83 · January 2012

I think I will be on the P17 shots in addition to oral prometrium. I think that some doctors believe in them and some don't...I know my OB wants me to do them and my high risk peri doesn't. I am going to do them anyway because it won't hurt (okay, so it'll technically "hurt" my bum).

I will say, the "real" p17 shots that are regulated by the FDA are expensive and most insurances do not cover the whole cost. You can get them compounded as a generic but there are not as many regulations on them and not all pharmacys do it. I am torn on what to do. I am waiting for the final decision on if I'll do them and then I'm going to talk to the pharmacy and find out how much more the "real" shots are. My OB said he was fine with me taking the generic compounded ones as long as I was conmfortable with it.

The compounded shots are $10 a shot ( which is weekly) and I haven't heard back about the "real" injections. My OB said he's seen them around $100 and sometimes even more. I'm not spending $400/month when I can spend $40/month.

Good luck! I had IC with my DS with low cervical measurements like yours (and I didn't have a cerclage) and we made it to 37 weeks

Cercamom2011 · January 2012

I too have the cerclage and on P17 shots. Today I'm at where I lost my DD and my cervix was 4.1 and no signs of labor (went to see MFM this morning). This LO is heavier than DD, so I have to believe that something in this combination works.

Like a PP said, the actual brand name shots can be expensive and for me they were hard to find. If you aren't seeing a specialist and want to get them, you might ask for a referral. My reg ob was not able to get them, so I get them through the specialist. GL!

jamira · January 2012

I had an emergent cerclage placed this past Thursday. My perinatologist did not reccomend progesterone shots. I am on indocin and bed rest. I honestly have not hear about progesterone shots until I read about them on the internet. I am going to ask about them at my next appointment.

PK2 · January 2012

Thanks for the feedback and positive experiences!

easjer05 · January 2012

PK2:
Hi ladies! Thanks in advance for your support. I have been on a roller coaster this past week since I found out that I have an IC (1.7 cm down to 1.4 when they applied pressure) at my 20 week sono for DS#2. I am scheduled for my cerclage on Wednesday. Does anyone also get progesterone shots? My Dr. didn't didn't even talk about it untl my husband mentioned that he read it on the internet. Basically the Dr. said I can get them and it can't hurt but no research that it helps either.

I'm on 17p after a preventative cerclage, but I did have preterm labor (not standard IC).

The research indicates that 17p doesn't help a shortening cervix. What it is does help with is contractions or irritable uterus that can result from a cerclage. So your doc is right, and also correct that it can't hurt.

I have heard of daily vaginal suppositories (of p4 maybe? it's a different progesterone compound than 17p) being used in women with cervical shortening and/or emergent cerclage due to IC being more useful in helping shortening, but I don't have firm research to point to.

FWIW, I think it may be worth investigating a bit further. I do not get Makena (the FDA approved named-brand) because I have ethical issues with KV Pharmaceuticals and what they did after receiving rights to manufacture it. I get mine compounded preservative free, and it works out (even with home health giving me my injection weekly) to be less than I'd pay per dose with Makena. So bonus.

Tigerlillies · January 2012

After measuring .04 cm, I did the vaginal progesterone suppositories & bedrest starting at 20w with DS. I made it almost three weeks and started to dilate so I got an emergency cerclage. We were very lucky to make it full term.

This time around, I got a preventative cerc at 13w and we're holding off on progesterone as we see what the measurements look like. The suppositories made me super tired- and it didn't matter while I was on bedrest- but now, I have a little guy to look after.

If you can- and since you're in a rescue situation- I would throw everything you can at that wimpy cervix regardless of what the studies say. GL, mama!

PK2 · January 2012

Hi Ladies, just had my cerclage yesterday and I am sitting here catching up. The actual epidural ( I didn't have one with DS #!) and the cerclage procedure went very well (no membranes etc.) The worst part for me was my low blood pressure and passing out when I went to the bathroom in recovery! I think it was just my nerves and anxiety and not eating for the surgery. I did have some pretty painful cramping after which is normal and they gave me Indomethacin to relax the uterus which worked.

I am starting my countdown to make it full term! Still have not made a decision about the progesterone shots/supps.yet.

T+Schultz4 · January 2012

I had a cerclage placed at 22 weeks when my CI was .8. I also started p17 shots and still get them. I did research on the shots and March of Dimes strongly recommends them too; as being the only shot approved by the FDA and with results. I can't say that they are the sole reason I am still pregnant but I would rather not risk taking them. I have made it almost 34 weeks with strict bedrest so something is working. My doctor actually told me I could have a few outings a week if I wasn't walking or standing (dinner, movie, etc.). I started my outings at week 30 and my cervix has stayed the same since my cerclage.

Good luck! Go with your gut!

cottonlily84 · January 2012

I got pregnant with DD with fertility treatments and I had progersterone tests with each procedure. The results were always normal so no need for prog shots or suppositories, cerclage or not. I had 2 cercs at 19 and 21 weeks and my doctor never mentioned any need for them.

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