A cervical cerclage is a minor surgical procedure in which the opening to the uterus (the cervix) is stitched closed in order to prevent a miscarriage or premature birth.
Approximately 10% of pregnancies end in preterm delivery, defined as a delivery that occurs before week 37 of pregnancy (the average pregnancy lasts 40 weeks). Premature birth is a major cause of serious health problems in neonates (newborn babies), including respiratory distress, difficulty regulating body temperature, and infection. More than 85% of long-term disabilities in otherwise healthy babies and 75% of deaths among newborns occur as a result of preterm delivery.
A woman with an incompetent cervix is 3.3 times more likely to deliver prematurely. The cervix is the neck-shaped opening at the lower part of the uterus and is normally closed tight during pregnancy until the baby is ready to be delivered, at which point it expands (dilates) to roughly 4 in (10 cm) in diameter. An incompetent cervix is prone to dilating and/or effacing (shortening) prematurely during the second trimester. The growing fetus subsequently places too great a strain on the cervix, leading to miscarriage (loss before week 20 of pregnancy) or premature delivery (loss after week 20). Approximately 1% of women will be diagnosed with an incompetent cervix (one in 500–2,000 pregnancies). It is the cause of 25% of losses during the second trimester.
A doctor might recommend a cerclage be performed if a woman has one or more of the following risk factors:
Racial and socioeconomic factors influence a woman's risk of delivering prematurely: African-American women are at more risk (16–18%) than white women (7–9%); women under 18 and over 35 are also at greater risk. Less educated women are more likely to deliver prematurely. Smoking during pregnancy is associated with a 20–30% greater risk of delivering prematurely. Male fetuses are more likely to be born prematurely and have a higher rate of fetal death than female fetuses (a difference of 2.8–9.8%).
Elective cervical cerclage is a minor surgical procedure that is generally performed between 12 and 14 weeks of pregnancy (at the beginning of the second trimester) before symptoms of premature labor begin. Emergent cerclages are those placed later in pregnancy when cervical changes have already begun.
The patient will usually receive regional (epidural or spinal) anesthesia during the procedure, although general anesthesia is sometimes used. Spinal anesthesia involves inserting a needle into a region between the vertebrae of the lower back and injecting numbing medications. An epidural is similar to a spinal except that a catheter is inserted so that numbing medications may be administered as needed. Some women experience a drop in blood pressure when a regional anesthetic is administered; this effect can be countered with fluids and/or medications.
While there are numerous techniques for performing cerclage, the McDonald and Shirodkar techniques are the most common. The McDonald cerclage involves stitching the cervix with a 0.2 in (5 mm) band of suture. The cerclage is placed high on the cervix when the lower part has already started to efface. The stitch is usually removed around week 37 of pregnancy. The classic Shirodkar procedure involves a permanent "purse-string" stitch around the cervix; because it will not be removed, a cesarean section will be necessary to deliver the baby. Most Shirodkar cerclages are now performed with a modified technique that allows the sutures to be later removed.
Some less common methods of cerclage include:
Diagnosis of an incompetent cervix is usually done by medical history and/or by examination (manually during a pelvic exam or using ultrasound technology). Some symptoms of an incompetent cervix used to decide if a cerclage is necessary are:
Women who are more than 1.5 in (4 cm) dilated, who have already experienced rupture of membranes, or whose fetus has died are ineligible for cerclage.
Before the procedure may be performed, there are a number of preparatory steps that must be taken. A complete medical history will be taken. A cervical exam will be necessary to assess the state of the cervix; usually a transvaginal (through the vagina) ultrasound will be performed. No food or drink will be allowed after midnight before the day of surgery to avoid nausea and vomiting during and after the procedure. The patient will also be instructed to avoid sexual intercourse, tampons, and douches for 24 hours before the procedure. Before the procedure is performed, an intravenous (IV) catheter will be placed in order to administrate fluids and medications.
After the cerclage has been placed, the patient will be observed for at least several hours (sometimes overnight) to ensure that she does not go into premature labor. The patient will then be allowed to return home, but will be instructed to remain in bed or avoid physical activity for two to three days. Follow-up appointments will usually take place so that her doctor can monitor the cervix and stitch and watch for signs of premature labor.
While cerclage is generally a safe procedure, there are a number of potential complications that may arise during or after surgery. These include:
The success rate for cervical cerclage is approximately 80–90% for elective cerclages, and 40–60% for emergent cerclages. A cerclage is considered successful if labor and delivery is delayed to at least 37 weeks (full term).
Approximately 1–9% of women will experience premature labor after cerclage. The risk of chorioamnionitis is 1–7%, but increases to 30% if the cervix is dilated greater than 1.2 in (3 cm). The risks associated with premature delivery, however, are far greater. Babies born between 22 and 25 weeks of pregnancy are at significant risk of moderate to severe disabilities (46–56%) or death (approximately 10–30% survive at 22 weeks, increasing to 50% at 24 weeks, and 95% by 26 weeks).
Depending on her specific condition, a woman may have some alternative therapies available to her to avoid or delay premature labor. These include:
Enkin, Murray, et al. A Guide to Effective Care in Pregnancy and Childbirth, 3rd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000.
Goldenberg, Robert L. "The Management of Preterm Labor." Obstetrics & Gynecology 100, no. 5 (November 2002): 1020–37.
MacDonald, Hugh. "Perinatal Care at the Threshold of Viability." American Academy of Pediatrics 110, no. 5 (November 2002): 1024–7.
Matijevic, Ratko, Branka Olujic, Jasua Tumbri, and Asim Kurjak. "Cervical Incompetence: The Use of Selective and Emergency Cerclage." Journal of Perinatal Medicine 29 (2001): 31–5.
Weismiller, David G. "Preterm Labor." American Family Physician February 1, 1999: 593–604.
American Academy of Family Physicians. 8880 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64114. (816) 333-9700. http://www.aafp.org .
American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2915 Vine Street, Dallas, TX 75204. (214) 871-1619. http://www.abog.org .
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 409 12th St., SW, PO Box 96920, Washington, DC 20090-6920. http://www.acog.org .
Bernstein, Peter S. "Controversies in Obstetrics: Cervical Cerclage." Third World Congress on Controversies in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Infertility. 2002 [cited March 1, 2003]. http://www.medscape.com/viewprogram/1964 .
Pincock, Stephen. "Cervical Cerclage Associated with Good Pregnancy Outcome." Reuters Health. February 13, 2003 [cited March 1, 2003]. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/449414 .
"Shortened Cervix in Second Trimester Possible Warning Sign for Premature Birth." National Institute of Child Health and Development. September 18, 2001 [cited March 1, 2003]. http://www.nichd.nih.gov/new/releases/cervix.cfm .
Starzyk, Kathryn A. and Carolyn M. Salafia. "A Perinatal Pathology View of Preterm Labor." Medscape Women's Health eJournal. 2000 [cited March 1, 2003]. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/408936_1 .
Weiss, Robin Elise. "The Incompetent Cervix." [cited March 1, 2003.] http://pregnancy.about.com/library/weekly/aa011298.htm .
Stephanie Dionne Sherk
A cervical cerclage is generally performed in a hospital operating room by an obstetrician/gynecologist who specializes in the areas of women's general health, pregnancy, labor and childbirth, prenatal testing, and genetics. Anesthesia will be administered by an anesthesiologist.
I say go for it. I lost my baby at 22 weeks on the 12th at 10:54 AM. This was my first baby and my cervix started to dilate. Don't take any chances! The doctors might say it's not necessary but then if you do lose the baby they will say there was no way to tell.
All I have to say that I think any parent would go to the extreme to save their baby.
Next time I will.
I am looking for some advice and comments on what you think I should do or need to do. at my 19 weeks app my cervix was 2.8 CM now I am 21 weeks 2 days and had an u/s done and I am still 2.8 CM. The doctor told me it may not be a good idea for having a cerclage done but let me get more rest and no sex, he is checking my cervix again in 2 weeks. Should I be getting a second opinion or is there anyone who has been thru this. thanks in advance for all your help and advice.
I am currently 19 weeks pregnant. My first baby I had @ 35 weeks due to 3 months of preterm from IC. My cervix is short with with pregnancy and they have been watching it now with U/S every two weeks. They have opted not to do the cerlage at this point because my cervix is too irritable and they worry that my body will reject it entirely. Now I am showing evidence of funneling so the cerlage is back on the table. I am really scared because I'm 19 weeks and because they didn't want to do it to begin with because of my cervix. I see the specialist Wednesday. What should I do?
Stacy, I would get a second opinion before you get more advance in your pregnancy anything below 2.5 CM and lower should be checked out, that's what my dr told me. All the best.
I'm glad I came across your comments with people who have had some of the same pregnancy concerns & issues as myself. My Story: I had the cervical cerclage done at exactly 5mths/20wks
(spinal tap anesthesia, doubled stitched knots located at 11&12o'clk ). It was done successfully with no side effects or complications. I am now 7 months pregnant and counting down to my last two months. The cerclage will be removed when I turn 32 weeks. My cervix started shortening in my 4th month(5.6cm, 4.6cm to 1cm). They monitored it for 3 weeks but each week it got shorter & shorter. So my doctor suggested I have the procedure done ASAP. I am 37 yrs old this is my second pregnancy. My first pregnancy was at 22 yrs old and it ended in having a stillborn at 8 months when my baby girls heart stop. I had a vaginal delivery, knowing my child was already dead before she was born. It was a really bad experience for me and I had a hard time getting pregnant after that. But, when I started feeling like maybe it wasn't meant for me to get pregnant there was the big "Surprise" your pregnant! I was and still is very nervous about making it to the finish line, but I'm more educated, aware & keeping track of all things concerning my pregnancy. (a good relationship with your OB/GYN is well recommended & ask questions and address your concerns). Overall, have faith and put baby in GOD hands.
My Suggestions: I was very nervous & wary about having the cervical cerclage done. But I'm very please with how the surgery went. It maximized my chances of prolonging my pregnancy without miscarriage, pre-term labor and having a healthy baby girl. I have had NO complications or side effects since the procedure. Every womans body is different but if you want to give your baby a chance I say have it done by all means necessary.
My wife had 2 miscarriages at 20 weeks with a boy and girl respectively. We went to a different doc who suggested McDonald's cerclage, now everything seems to be fine and she is 35 weeks pregnant and am excited to have a boy. Now my question is, Is normal delivery suggested or c-section due to incompetency as we do not want to take any risk on this.
I have had much success with the cerclage, would not have my beautiful children had I not had it, the key is getting it in early.
1 Last time we had no sex from the sixth week to the date of birth. do it safe to do so.
2 What kind of care should be taken after this Cervical Cerclage operation. eg. can she lift our daughter 12 Kg (29 pounds). House work like cleaning, cooking, washing, Using stairs to go up and down as we live in apartments and have no lifts
3 What kind of food to taken and about Bowl Movement issues
4.Does she need to have bed rest till the time of Delivery or she can live like a normal woman after this Cervical Cerclage operation.
Regards
Kamran Ahmed ( Karachi )
I have been told due ot my history that I am a good candidate for a permnent cerclage. Can a permanent cerclage be placed prior to a pregnancy beginning?
I'd rather be able to heal from the surgery before placing more weight and pressure to my cervix.
Any advice or guidence?
Yes - you can have a cerclage put in before your pregnancy. Problem is finding a doctor that will do it and and insurance provider that will pay for it if it is elective. A good physician will monitor you closely if there is any reason to expect problems. Otherwise, you just kind of have to have a little faith in nature and God.
I am getting the cerclage in a few days, and I have been instructed to have no sex since we found out I was pregnant due to the nature of our previous loss of our daughter last year. With a cerclage you should definitely NOT be having intercourse. Talk about irritating your cervix AND severely increasing your chances of infection . . . if you want to have a child bad enough you just have to deal with no sex. As my doctor days - in the course of your life, this is only a season . . . it will be over before you know it! Good luck to all of you, positive outcomes or not!
I am scheduled to have a cerclage done on Thursday to prevent preterm labor. I am 19 weeks pregnant and a nervous wreck! I had my son at 37 weeks he is now 7 and this is my second pregnancy and my cervix has went from 2.6cm to 1.10cm. I have never had this done before. Any advice to a scared mother? I truly believe in God because I know that only he can do all things, but I am still scared. Any advice or encouragement would be helpful. God Bless.
Two years ago, I delivered my baby boy @ 28 weeks, after being on a strict bed rest for 2 months.
At 21 weeks, my cervix mesured only 0.8 cm, and it was too late to do a cerclage. My baby is very healthy now, despite spending two months at the NICU.
I'm pregnant again, and this time I had a cerclage put in @ 12 weeks. Last week, at 22 weeks, I started bleeding, very light, more like spotting, so I was ordered to bed-rest. Spotting has been on and off since then. I'm waiting to see my doctor this thrusday. Has anyone had the same experience? Thank you.
First thanks for all the comments. I want to be pregnant again and it helps me, since in most of the cases with a early cerclage it went to a full terme delivery.
My stories as well, cerclage saved my twins! I had a first pregnancy, I had to deliver my baby girl at almost 20 weeks and she was too young to survive, at that time they didn't know why. Then I was pregnant again with twins, I wanted to have a cerclage but they didn't think it was necessary. Finally, at 22 weeks , the same was happening again I was losing the mucus plug so I went fast at the hospital,they found out I really had an IC, thanks to the doctor who saw it. I had a cerclage, was on bedrest at hospital until 28 weeks, then the same at home and delivered at almost 36 weeks, when I finally got up. It's possible to SAVE your babies with a cerclage, it's a MIRACLE for us, I'm so glad I did it. And I was HUGE at 36, a lot bigger than lot of my friends that had them full term, so it supported a lot, even though there was only one cm left. My advice : always lying, someone else makes your food, no sex and positive thinking, each days that passes is a blessing for your child.
So now I'm looking to make up my mind about a third child, that I want but I want to make sure I deliver him safely, with no harm because of this condition. This time I won't be able to be totally on bed rest with my two toddlers so... if you have any advice or you had a normal pregnancy with an early cerclage(no bed rest, no limitations) I'll take them! thanx a lot!
Love to hear how other people have been coping post-op.
Also, please pray I see this baby to full-term. Dr suggests he will remove the stitch at 37 weeks.
Zing
I am 36 y.o. and currently in my 8th pregnancy. We have 1 living child. So I'm sure some of you can relate and imagine the emotional rollercoaster we have been through. My miscarriages range from oblighted ovum to incompetent cervix, all taking place 16 wks or earlier in pregnancy from 1999-2008.
My 1st pregnancy with my now 16 y.o. son wasn't a walk in the park and we did have some complications with him, but we were blessed and I delivered him at 39 wks. My next 6 pregnancies were due to infertility drugs. In 1999, I was diagnosed with PCOS. In 2007 I was diagnosed w/a uterine septum (my uterus was shaped like a heart) that the Dr's claim to be the culperate of all of my early miscariages. I did get pregnant shortly after the surgery, but unfortunatley that pregnancy ended in an I/C (no pain, no warning). 3 months ago we found out we were pregnant, again. This time is truly a blessing, it was unexpected and NO infertility drugs.
I've just had my 1st cervical cerclage. My ob/gyn Dr advised this due to my history. I'm glad we were given this option.
We are very nervous only because we don't know what to expect w/this cerclage, I am worried with every little pain or twitch I feel, but God has blessed my family and I with this amazing SURPRISE!
Good luck and take care to you all!!
Thank you all for your comments and experiences. I am currently 9 weeks and a cervical stitch is extremely likely and I'm feeling nervious. My cervix is 2cms. Looking at having the stitch at 14 weeks.
I had our first baby in January this year at 29 weeks and he died at 3 weeks as he caught a bacterial infection in his second week.
So please keep updating as it helps me to understand particularly others going through it.
Any hints to help it be more successful are sooo welcome.
Thanks
I was 29 when fall preg with a baby boy and i got interaction at 16 weeks and went to hospital and delivered my baby who was already dead. After examination and everything doctors found that i had caught infection and the baby also cought lung infections.
After 2 months I fall prge again and this time I delievered a preterm baby boy at 24 weeks. I did not want to keep him for health related problems then. I went for another proper check up and surgery. My doctor found out that I had mid term spitum cervix and incomptent cervix.
I fall preg again this November and nerveous what will happen if i put cerclage, hard and heart devastating experiences of loss. I dont want to lose again. May god help us.
Well I'm having the stitch put in next week at 14 weeks and feeling a little scared.
Did you have a general or an epidural?
Thanks
My heart and my hopes goes out to you all. It's so hard to somehow get through these sad times.
In April this year I lost my first baby, she lived for a few days. This was at 24 weeks due to Incompetent cervix.
Now I'm pregnant again. So glad to be pregnant although it's still a long way to go yet. I hope and pray. I daren't get too attatched to this baby. Trying hard to relax.
Last week I had the shirodkar stitch placed. This was at 14 weeks. I'm worried now but I know that I'd be much more worried if I'd decided to go for the 'wait and see' approach. I feel like the chances for this baby have gone up. The stories on here are very re-assuring.
Physically - I stayed in hospital the night. Everything seemed to be going okay. When the spinal anaesthetic wore off I was in bad pain. Like intense period pains. I was bleeding, not lot's. It helped me to remember that the blood was not baby or anything it was only the stitch settling in. Since coming home, I've been on bed rest except for going to the loo, for 4 days. Taking anti-biotics. I stopped bleeding and (sorry if its's too much Info but these are the things that I'm worried abput - Is this normal, okay ? )I stopped bleeding, then had nothing, no discharge or blood. This seemed positive. I was glad not to be bleeding. Then, on day 5 after stitch I felt something leaking. Only a very small amount. It was ( sorry if TMI ) browny discharge. Not much, but as I'd had nothing for days I worried much more. I decided that it was to be expected, as- only 5 days after surgery. Is this normal? I've had pains, like period pains now and then. I keep asking myself whether im having tightenings or not but I think not. I think pains and some discharge/blood in small amount is to be expected. I'm not sure though. Now on day 7 after stitch - getting small amounts when wiping. Very worried about this. does anyone know?
All my love and hopes to you all. X
I'm going tomorrow for my stitch so I can't help. Wish I could. I will ask tomorrow, not that, that helps you. I hope you have called to ask. Don't be shy this time. ring the doctors or midwife whenever you need. You have every right. This little one is precious.
Take care.
I hope everything's going well.
I'm sure you're taking lot's of rest right now.
Take care.
Yes resting up. So far so good. 48hours since the op and it went well. Just indigestion which I hadn't had till now and some cramping overnight but thats gone today at the moment. So pretty happy at the minute.
How are you going? Everything still ok I assume?
Do you live in Australia too?
Take care too.
I'm very glad to hear that everything's gone well for you.
I'm just about starting to think, this little baby's staying put, until due date time.
It's such a big 'hurdle' to leap going in for the op. I'm now 15weeks. I feel also a glimmer of happiness.
Since the loss of my daughter earlier this year I've had so many days and dates to struggle through, like her due date and when she would have been 6 months etc. Even this Christmas time is going to be another tough time. I feel so empty handed without my little babe with me.
So, being pregnant again gives me the feeling of a little more hope. I feel like this little baby is going to really, really turn my life around, back into something happy and with some normality again. My constant sad-ness this year has been , just awful. Being at this point now is really giving me some much needed joy. Even though I'm so worried and fully aware that there are still more hurdles to cross.
My worries have calmed down a little now. I feel like i know what signs to look out for if, god forbid, anything un-usual or serious started to happen. Regarding my worry last week with the browny stuff. I think it was a tiny amount of blood left around the healing stitch. It was less than a week since i'd had the op. I've been 'clear' since then. I've stopped worrying every-time I go to the toilet now. I think clear is a good sign. If this changed later on down the line then I'd go into hospital for re-assurance.
I've been taking things slowly and avoiding getting up where I can. I'll ask my boyfriend to make a cup of tea where I'd usually make one! I'm so looking forward to feeling the baby move in the next few weeks, it will be amazing. I so hope to be with a huge bump, and then with a healthy baby.
Wow, Australia! I'm live in England!
Praying, hoping and trying to enjoy each precious moment with this little one.
Wish you all the best, take care.
I'm still going well, day 4 since the stitch has been put in and I can relate to everything your feeling. I have sent you an email, let me know if you got it.
Take Care
So, I had a miscarriage at 16 weeks, 20 years ago (I was 20 years old at the time.) And after the loss, my Doc spoke about me needing a Cerclage in my childbearing future. Since then, I have not attempted to have a baby in all these years.
Now, my husband and I are trying to get pregnant. I am 40 years old now--very healthy! Anyway, we were wondering if I will need a Cerclage, now, after so many years since the first miscarriage. Will the ObGyn be able to tell me in advance (unlike the first time around--when he figured it out AFTER my miscarriage,) if I will need this?
Help! I'm scared in more ways than one. I'll appreciate any info!
Thanks, and have a great day.
Caly
how r u well first of all i wanted to know if u r frm australia and in sydney because there is a very good doctor in liverpool who will answer your question he doesnt waste your time and money he is very very good his name is doctor David Knight. i hope this was helpfull too you as some people dont app what you tell them but i hope this helps you if not just google doctors in your country and iam very sure you will find someone who would explain it to you. but since you were told you need the Cerclage than you do thats what my doctor told me. please do find out as it is very hard to cope with the loss because i have been through it three times,two without cerclage and one with the cerclage so my personal advise is please please do your research before you do anything. i hope this helps you. all the best and good luck.
Good luck with the drug. Let us know how it goes I have never heard of it. That doesn't mean much though. I am now 18 weeks and had the stitch at 13weeks and 5 days. All is going well do far. I too am 31 years old. I hope like you my stitch is successful too. Bub has been moving plenty so it seems fine. Fingers crossed it stays that way. I'm finishing work in a couple of weeks just to take it easy and help the stitch hold.
Thanks
Deb
Found this review of cervical cerclage and thought it was a great review of the possible risks associated with this vs. the new drug, and also mentions some patients that might not be candidates for this procedure therefor benefiting from this new drug.
Best regards and Good luck with your detail!
Pam
All you can do is take the doctors advice. I had the stitch put in at 14weeks after my first pregnancy having our son at 29 weeks and he died after 3 weeks of an ecoli infection Feb last year. I am now 32 weeks and 2 days and feeling a bit better about things. My stitch has held well so far. I had my stitch in my home town but if anything happens before 34 weeks I too will be airlift as the big town is 2.5 hours away as well. It is a nerve racking time. The thing I keep remembering is worrying isn't going to help my baby or change the outcome. I just have to hope. I wish you the best of luck and I am hoping for you too.
Take care.
Deb
Anybody reccomend Shirodkar to be done in 30 weeks to avoid pre-term.
Regards
Mohana
6 yrs later I had got pregnant again. I decided that I would go to a different doctor this time around. I brought my medical records with and explained my situation. My new doctor went ahead and put a cerclage on my cervix at 12wks. I was put on bedrest for a week afterwards. Had tons of restrictions, did not work and It was a success!!! The doctor took the cerclage off at 36wks and stripped my membranes. I delivered a healthy baby boy at 38 wks. He is now 4 yrs old.
I am now 13wks and 4days pregnant again. My previous doctor is now retired so I had to find a new one. I decided to stay at the same office with another doctor. I am also seeing a high risk doctor about an hr away. They both tried to make me understand that I may not need a cerclage due to the risks of infection and my water can break at any time. I did alot of research, talked to many friends and family, shed alot of tears for about a month before we decided that the cerclage is the best option for this pregnancy. The risks of the cerclage are slim the earlier it is done. I went back to see my high risk doctor this past monday to further discuss the cerclage. Yesterday I had it put on. So far so great! I was put totally under this time and I feel great. I have had bearly any spotting and no pain so far. I have been put on bedrest for a week to give things a chance to heal. All I can do now is pray that we do not have any problems. I also have been recommended the progestorone shots starting at 16wks until 34 or 36wks. I hate needles but will do about anything to help my little one cook long enough. I wish everyone the best that has to go through things like this!
I will advise you go to your doctor, if there is any issue so that it can be dealt with asap. It shall b well with your baby in Jesus' name.
My sad story: I have lost 3pregnancies and a living pretty daughter(4yr): 1st preg at 14wks as my water was leaking, was on bed rest for 2wks and eventually lost my baby at 16weeks. i was told by my doctor(in Nigeria) that i hav an IC and advised that cerclage will be put in for d next pregnancy. few months after was pregnant and at 12weeks my doctor put in d cerclage and was removed at 36weeks without any problem and to d glory of God i had my girl at 38weeks healthy and weights 3.5kg. My family moved to d UK after she was born.
Got pregnant last year august and told my new doctor(OB/GYN consultant) my pregnancy history and she agreed to put in cerclage but at 13weeks, but at 12week d baby's heart beat stopped and so evacuation was done.
Got pregnant again 4months after. I was closely monitored. Cerclage was put in at 13weeks even though i insisted it should b done at 12weeks,all was well till i went for my 20wks scan and was told by another dr that he's not comfortable with d length of my cervix but had nothing to compare d current length with as my consultant didn't record in my note d length of my cervix after d op. So, was given app 4wks after. but unfortunately lost my son at 23wks/2day gestation(exactly a month ago today 21/7/2011) as d suture gave way, my water broke and was infected. I gave birth to him varginally, kissed and held him for a while b4 he was taken away.
This is d most sorrowful and devastating time for me and my family, it is so hard to move on as my daughter keep asking for her little brother Nathan. we plan to try again and all shall be well in Jesus' name.
I pray we shall all have our heart desires in Jesus'name. Amen.
Your sad story bought tears to my eyes as I too have been through very similar circumstances. This is my 12th pregnancy, however, I am lucky to have 2 beautiful boys aged 7 (born@28 weeks 2003) and 2 (who was born @38 weeks in 2010 after emergent cervical clercage put in). My baby Jake was born @ 24 weeks inbetween my 2 boys in 2008 and died at 5 days old. I also sufferd 8 miscarriages between 6 weeks and 19 weeks over the years. After so many losses I am blessed not only with my boys but am now 38 weeks with a little girl after a cervical clercage put in at 13 weeks. I had it removed yesterday. During my two "Stitched" pregnancies I put myself on bedrest as the docs were not much help and made sure I drank lots of water. I was also given fortnightly anti biotics both times to ward off infection. Don't give up hope, with your faith you can make your dreams come true. Those cuddles from your little girl will get you through I'm sure... all the best x
Hope to hear from you at your earliest convenience.
Regards
Kirsten.
We decided after my stitch was put in at 13 weeks to not have sex for the remainder of my pregnancy just because we were scared of infection and I had my little girl at 36 weeks as she was pushing down with nothing holding her in but the stitch.Thank goodness for the stitch. I don't know if there is much risk we were just scared and thought we'll just have to make up for it after. Felt like forever though but totally worth it now.
Take care.
Deb
I had 3 miscarriage all at approxiamately 22 weeks(mar00,jun01,dec04.until today my lost still depresses me
last thursday my dr told me that i might be pregnant but needs to confirm with blood test.
I was being careful failed plan B.
my periods is 12 days late and am having abdominal pain went from severe to mild. feels like contraction
Slight pink then discharge turn brown lasted a few days.
Am really scared that i might be having an etopic pregnancy.
am worried i hope everything is ok.
I will definiately will need to put the cerclage in.
Please could someone who have had it done before tell me
Can i have sex once the cerclage is in place?
can i do work/exercise/house chores?
approx. weight gain?
please tell me any other info you think i should know.
thanks very much.
I had 3 miscarriage all at approxiamately 22 weeks(mar00,jun01,dec04.until today my lost still depresses me
last thursday my dr told me that i might be pregnant but needs to confirm with blood test.
I was being careful failed plan B.
my periods is 12 days late and am having abdominal pain went from severe to mild. feels like contraction
Slight pink then discharge turn brown lasted a few days.
Am really scared that i might be having an etopic pregnancy.
am worried i hope everything is ok.
I will definiately will need to put the cerclage in.
Please could someone who have had it done before tell me
Can i have sex once the cerclage is in place?
can i do work/exercise/house chores?
approx. weight gain?
please tell me any other info you think i should know.
thanks very much.
well 17 weeks and 2 days and had stitch put in at 12 weeks and 5 days and all going well so far. This is my second stitch as our 2nd baby was all thanks to a stitch.She was born at 36 weeks with the stitch needing removing as my cervix was openning and I went into labour, but 36 weeks was far better then the 29 weeks without a stitch with our angel son. Still very nervous and I hate I can't lift our daughter but focusing on a positive outcome of this pregnancy fingers crossed.
Hope everyone is going well.
When I got pregnant again, I went to see my doctor said I needed to have a shirodkar stitch (SS), and it was done when I was 12 weeks and was hospitalised for bedrest for 10 weeks; my daughter is now 19 years old. Two years later, I got pregnant again and the put the SS and my daughter is 17 years old. With my older daughter, I used to get frequent contractions and backache. I would immediately lay down til I felt ok. With the second one I knew better that rest was the best remedy to discomforts.
Both SS were removed at 37 weeks, with the first one, I went into labour one week later, the second one I delivered the next day. So don't take chances, save yourselves from loss and grief.
Terry
-Rayvn
I am now 15 weeks pregnant and recently had my cercloge done last week. I also had a cercloge placed with my two successful pregnancies. I did not have a cercloge prior with my other pregnancies. I have had 3 miscarriages, one at 12, 13 and 17 weeks. I gave birth to my son who was a stillborn @ 23 weeks. I got my first cercloge with my oldest daughter and carried her full term. I was induced at 39 weeks. My second daughter I ended up goin into early labor. My water broke at 34 weeks.
With fingers crossed,
Candice B..
I feel that I should get a second option but not sure what I should do.I want to carry this baby to term but read about the risk the cerclage may cause. I do want more children inthe future. Please help what should I do?
The scan showed I had. Placenta previa. I was given injections and drugs n later discharged after one week.
Am now on total bedrest I went for my s an again a week ago am now 24 weeks n my placenta moved up, I just thank God.
Now am constatly having bacteria infections and don't know why the doctor has prescribed some antibiotics
The doctor also told me I might deliver early, my worry are the abdominal pains and the recurrent bacteria infections which I have been treated three times since I become pregnant .
i had a stillbirth at 24wks, 2months after i took in again and my doc advised cervical cerclage at 14wks which i did. At 28wks i started having high blood pressure and noticed by u/s that i wasn't having a single ameotic fuild in my stomach and i never noticed any leakage. I was referred to another hospital at 30wks 4days. To save our lives the doc have to bring out my son cos he was kind of suffering and his wt was reducing. Had a c-s on the 19th 2016 but lost him a week after at NICU. The doc didn't remove the cerclage and he said i can still get pregnant with the thread on, pls my question is,
1) is it possible to get preg wit stitches on? 2) will i be able to see my menstrual flow normal with the cerclage?
3)how long should i wait b4 i get pregnant again?
Pls friends i need ur advise.
I am 30 yrs im having a cerclage Friday after reading all the comments I feel lucky and nervous at the same time I have 3 daughters first one was a normal pregnancie the last 2 of my daughters were premies first one was born at 26 weeks my water ruptured at 20 weeks and I was hospitalized till I had her 2nd baby I was seeing a specialist dr he recomended progesterone injections I was never told about a cerclage I started having contractions at 26 weeks and was hospitalized till I had her at 29 weeks via CS and now with my 4 pregnancie I am starting progesterone injections and the cerclage I will do anything to have my baby's every single one of my pregnancy have been completely different and now I hope I don't have any complications I worked out really hard to have my body strong & in the best shape and eat healthy I follow the Drs orders I waited 3 years to get pregnant and just praying for everything to be ok
What could be the reason and what can be done.