Looking for cerclage experience

beckynsean11 · November 2014

Because my last pregnancy ended in PTL from IC, well IC is our best educated guess, we're already discussing a cerclage. I had my first OB appointment today &, pending on MFM agreeing, his instinct is to do a preventative cerclage around 14 weeks. We don't know what caused it the first time or if it'll happen again, & he's concerned that if we wait it out we may find ourselves in a position where it's too late to place a cerclage (exactly what happened last time). We're also going to discuss doing P17 injections, either alone or in addition to the cerclage.

So, I'm wondering if anyone here has any experience with a cerclage & if you would mind sharing with me. What was the procedure like? Anything you wish you knew going into it? I really don't know what to ask, just looking for more info.

Thanks

beckynsean11 · November 2014

@jcar2 Thanks! That's really helpful info. I wasn't sure exactly what kind of anesthesia they would use.

Samuelismomma · November 2014

I had it done at 13 weeks. Doing the exam and history with preop nurse took longer than the procedure. I was in there I think about 15 minutes. I was giving the sedative called twilight , it knocks you out but you wake up right away. I loved it no pain, grogginess etc, was like I napped. I had little cramping but no bleeding afterwards. Good luck!

beckynsean11 · November 2014

Samuelismomma said:

I had it done at 13 weeks. Doing the exam and history with preop nurse took longer than the procedure. I was in there I think about 15 minutes. I was giving the sedative called twilight , it knocks you out but you wake up right away. I loved it no pain, grogginess etc, was like I napped. I had little cramping but no bleeding afterwards. Good luck!

Thank you!

Danielle0311 · November 2014

I had my cerclage at 22 weeks. I had an epidural which I was terrified of but it really wasn't bad. I felt no pain during the procedure and mild cramping and spotting for two days after. Every now and then I feel twinges and pulling sensations but other then that it's like nothing is there. Good luck! So far I've had the cerclage for over a month and it's doing it's job

chicagojackie · November 2014

For women that have had a previous loss due to pre-term labor, the general time to place a cerclage is around 12-14 weeks. There are two kinds of surgical vaginal cerclages, one is much more extensive and the other is more superficial. The most common is the more superficial one, which is called the McDonald. Depends on where your OB trained and what is up with your cervix.

There is also a transabdominal cerclage which I have no experience with.

The evidence shows that the timing of the cerclage matters--women with history-indicated cerclage (early prophylactic) tend to have better outcomes and less complications. There is a risk they could rupture your membranes (bag of water), cause an infection or that the stitch moves places it should not. Women that have the cerclage later (20+ weeks) tend to have more complications and in several studies the placement of the cerclage has been noted to contribute to a very pre-term birth due to rupture of membranes during the procedure or infections.

Point being, if they are offering you the early cerclage you should take it and not wait. If they are putting it in when there is already a problem or less cervix to work with there are obvious logistical issues at play.

Similar to @samuelismomma I didn't mind the cerclage, was mildly sedated for the procedure and no big deal. The entire pregnancy you are on pelvic rest (no sex) and I have been on oral progesterone.

beckynsean11 · November 2014

Thanks all!

@chicagojackie I'll definitely take the cerclage as soon as they want to give it too me. My doc doesn't want to wait & I'm 1000% on board with that. Right now my cervix is long & shut, I want to keep it that way as long as possible. With my last pregnancy, by the time we knew there was a problem my membranes were already exposed & cerclage wasn't an option, I never want to be in that position again. He didn't mention doing it transabdominally, I'm pretty sure the McDonald one is what he wants to do. Thank you for all the information!

chicagojackie · November 2014

@beckynsean11 being told I had IC was the first time I have ever been called incompetent at anything and it made me feel so out of control and afraid. If they think oral progesterone might help in the meantime that is an option, too. I was diagnosed with it during my first pregnancy (thankfully, via transvaginal U/S at 8 weeks) so DD was born near-term.

It is scary but the cerclage/progesterone/IC moms are here and don't be afraid to look for us. Everyday we are just hoping the "cork stays in the bottle." One day at a time.

beckynsean11 · November 2014

chicagojackie said:

@beckynsean11 being told I had IC was the first time I have ever been called incompetent at anything and it made me feel so out of control and afraid. If they think oral progesterone might help in the meantime that is an option, too. I was diagnosed with it during my first pregnancy (thankfully, via transvaginal U/S at 8 weeks) so DD was born near-term.
It is scary but the cerclage/progesterone/IC moms are here and don't be afraid to look for us. Everyday we are just hoping the "cork stays in the bottle." One day at a time.

Thank you! I'm still on vaginal progesterone, my OB just extended that until I see him again in 2 weeks. If we make it through all the bleeding & get out of 1st tri ok, I think he's going to push for P17 injections along with the cerclage. I'll know more after I see him again & then the MFM the week after that.

I'm so glad to hear that you made it almost to full term with your DD, that gives me so much hope. It really does help to hear other's experiences.

joolaya · November 2014

I'm very sorry for your loss. I was diagnosed with IC two months ago and have been doing a lot of research. I found one site that has a good diagram on the different types of cerclages. My understanding is that there are three- TVC (vaginal), TAC (abdominal), and TVCIC (higher up on the cervix than traditional TVC).

https://tacinformation.wordpress.com/tag/tvcic/

I'm most interested in the TVCIC since it's not permanent, but seems to have a higher success rate than the TVC. (I'm not TTC just yet, but I want to be ready and put forth effort where I am able).

Best of luck to you. I would love to hear of your progress!

Want a personalized experience?

Looking for cerclage experience

Re: Looking for cerclage experience

Choose Another Board

Search Boards