Does anyone know about these or has had one? I have been told my cervix is short and I might have to have one.

Something the doctor said yesterday confused me. He said that there is no evidence to show that cervical stitches actually stop miscarriage or pre-term labour. but when my partner asked if the stitch would hold the baby in he said definitely. surely this is contradictory?

Also, would i really have to have it put in under a general?

thanks

Kate x

Sounds like he was trying to say that although a cervical stitch will 'hold the baby in', this doesn't mean it will stop a miscarriage from occuring, or going into pre-term labour. Keeping a baby in, and the other 2 things are completely different, lol

Hiya,

I'm in the same position as yourself, at the mo am having 2weekly scans to check the length, had shock last week as had shortened but had scan yesterday and had lengthened just under1cm which is good, but am worried all the time. Dr wont put stitch until under 3cm so keeping everything crossed and lots of bed rest. Do let me know how you get along with scans.

Diana xxx

Wow! how long is yours then? Mine is already 2cm, but they are saying it may just be short and unless it gets smaller they may not put a stitch in. Seems a bit risky to me. I wish they would just put a stitch in so I could relax!!!

Kate x

Hi there, ihope that what i have to say is helpful but here goes......I had problems with my ds1,cervical shortening very early in pregnancy and was monitored closely thoughought my pregnancy....he was born normally at term.With ds2 i was admitted in early labour with the cervix length at less than 1 cm.I had a shroker suture put in at 23 weeks!!!!Unfortunately the stitch infected with strep b and this continued throught the pregnancy with regular admissions to hospital until the stitch broke at 36 weeks!!It was removed and he was born at 37 weeks....after a very extended labour due to cervical scarring!!!!!

My next pregnancy was 8 years later.....i was monitored closely with vaginal scan and cervical measurments..........infact i had no problems at all with cervical shortening....but labour was very extended and complicated due to the previuos scarring....some 37 hours in total!!

This pregnancy i have been monitored closely and as of yesterday at thirty weeks my cervical length is still 3cms......so infact im expecting at least a very long labour or c/section due to the scarring from the stitch and infection i had with ds2.....

What i mean to say is that cervical shortening is very hard to predict,but you are being monitored well.Id accept advice offered but remember that the stitch may not prevent preterm labour and may cause a whole range of other problems ie infection.Advice is to try to remain relaxed and take things very easy.....no lifting or heavy housework.And if you have any new symtoms or vaginal losses seek help quickly.With ds2 i noticed some thick mucous and called the hospital...they told me to come in for a check and thankgoodness i did!!!!I wish you all the best and perhaps all will be more straightforward than you imagine.....hugs!! 

HI All

Having read these not sure I have made the right decision, but we are having a stitch put in tomorrow. My cervix is definitely around 20mm, which given that I am only 14 weeks is very short. we have been warned it may not hold and have decided the risks of the stitch outway the risks of losing it by not doing anything.

I just hope that I don't get an infection!

Kate x

Hi Kate,

I just wanted to say that i hope that it all goes well for you tomorrow,  and i will be thinking of you. Do let us know how it goes.

Diana xx

Hi Rachel

I hope you get to 30 weeks! its tough isn't it.

I am trying to forget its in there now and just get on with it.

Can i ask, have you been bathing???? I am desperate for a bath. Am still really suffering from sickness and just want a way to relax.

Kate x

Hi!

I read your message, I have a weak cervix and have had a stitch put in at 11 weeks. I'm now 14 weeks.

I was just wondering what your Dr has advised you to do/not to do?

I've been told no exercise, but that going back to work should be fine. Friends have told me that people they know have been told to bed rest for months on end.

I'm going back to work on the 8th Jan, but I'm getting really worried about it. Any advice?

Fi x.

Hi Fi

I didn't get much advice and what I have been given has been contradicted.

Alot of it seems to depend on when you had the stitch in. If you have it late you are more likely to have problems and the advice is different.

I was told not to bath, lift heavy objects, have sex or doing exercise for 4 weeks afterwards. Having seen the consultant since then he told me to do normal pregnancy things. The only thing he was funny about was unprotected intercourse which can bring on contractions. But his advice was do what feels right, if you do something that feels wrong don't do it again.

We have decided against having unprotected sex for the time being cos we'd both worry and not enjoy it. So my partner withdraws or we use condoms. Have had no problems so far at all.

As my consultant told me I could swim in a public pool I have also gone back to bathing as I can't see how that could be any worse.

I think its best to do what you are comfortable with and just watch out for anything that may seem unusual. I wouldn't take up horse riding or do any really vigorous exercise but that probably goes without saying.

Obviously I am no expert but its working for me. I hope this helps x