Question With my first pregnancy I was diagnosed with a short cervix (2.0 cm) and had a cerclage placed at 22 weeks. I was on strict to moderate bedrest for the remainder of the pregnancy. I experienced funneling to the stitch at 31 weeks, but other then that it was uneventful. At 41 weeks I was induced (the irony) and ended up having a failed induction - never proceeding past 2 cm dilation. Could this be due to scar tissue around the stitch?
I am currently 23 weeks pregnant. I had a preventive cerclage placed at 14 weeks. My new ob thought this might not even be necessary since I went to term last time, but we decided to go forward as a precaution. Since 19 weeks I have had transvaginal ultrasounds every 2-3 weeks. At 19 weeks my cervix was at 2.8 cm, then at 22 weeks it shorten to 2.5 cm with beaking or slight funneling. The ob has not reduced my activity (with the exception of no sex, heavy lifting, exercise) should I be "resting" more, or should I be satisfied that the stitch will hold - as it did last time. I have another U/S at the end of the week. Thanks and I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
AnswerHi Tammy :)
Well reading your history here, sounds to me that you are relatively safe against the threat of pre-labour. Your last pregnancy was great, with the help of the cerclage, and I agree with your doctor. I think this one will be great as well.
I think the advise that your doctor have you right on tract. Sex, excercise, and lifting are not to be done during this time.
However, we cant forget the reason why you have ac cerclage in. Every pregnancy is different, and our bodies do react different to every pregnancy. Even though you have a cerclage in, I absolutely without a doubt would still be resting as much as possible. I wouldnt be standing, when I dont have to. Feet up, and elevated is great for eleveating pressure from the pelvis. Rely on your hubby, or other extended family to do your housework, and other errands.
We certainly dont want you to be bored, but I still think your pregnancy should be treated with delicacy, even though your first pregnancy went fine. In a hypothetical situation, if your water broke, you would have the baby, and that happens as early as 16-18 weeks in some ladies that have incompetant cervix's.
So I most definately would pamper myself, all preventive measure to assure another fullterm pregnancy. I have no doubts the stitch will hold, but I think really taking it easy, and doing minimal activity right now, just even more so increases your chances, of a full term, or close to full term baby. And it does significantly reduce your risks as well, for preterm labour, due to the sac rupturing, or the cerclage not holding.
Hope this is of some help, and thanks for writing!
-Kristy
