I have a scary decision to make...

[~Cricket~]

Sounds like you've still got some questions about what happened in your previous birth. Might be a good idea to sit down with someone and go over your chart. Can you talk to a midwife and get your records and see if you can get some better answers about what exactly happened last time, and what the chances of that happening again are. I think that will leave you much better equipped to make a good decision this time.
Also, you need to find out the likelihood of the negative effects of a cerclage happening. For example, cervical stenosis is a risk, but at what percentage? 1 in every 100? 1000? Get as many definite facts on the table as you can before you make up your mind.
All the best!

[babylovinmama]

I would most definitely not get it and, based on what you've said, I would also get a second opinion, and even a third. Remember that, while the specialist your talking to is schooled and educated, he's also a specialist in his field and probably believes in his way of practicing medicine. That doesn't make him wrong persay, but the information he's giving you may not be correct for your situation.

Take a deep breath, go with your gut feeling, and talk with a couple more docs or mw's.

[EuphoricDysphoria]

Originally Posted by ~Cricket~ Sounds like you've still got some questions about what happened in your previous birth. Might be a good idea to sit down with someone and go over your chart. Can you talk to a midwife and get your records and see if you can get some better answers about what exactly happened last time, and what the chances of that happening again are. I think that will leave you much better equipped to make a good decision this time. Also, you need to find out the likelihood of the negative effects of a cerclage happening. For example, cervical stenosis is a risk, but at what percentage? 1 in every 100? 1000? Get as many definite facts on the table as you can before you make up your mind. All the best!

Great advice! Would my records be with my old OB or the hospital I wonder.

I'll look into this.

I'll also look into getting a second opinion!

[austinandashlynsmommy]

I don't have personal experience, but I can share what I know based on 2 of my close friends. Friend #1 has an incompetent cervix. She lost a baby at 24 weeks due to premature labor, then got pregnant with twins a couple years later. They did a cervical cerclage at 12 weeks and put her on bedrest around I believe 18 weeks. By 25 weeks, she was hospitalized and inverted. The babies were delivered at 30 weeks. She got pregnant 5 years later with a singleton, and again, 12 week cervical cerclage, home bed rest at 18 weeks, bed rest lifted at 32 weeks because of no change or contractions, ended up delivering full term. She is now pregnant with #4 and is going to do the cerclage again, but is refusing bed rest.

Friend #2, got pregnant with twins via IVF, started contracting at 12 weeks (with cervical change). She was seeing a high risk OB practice at OSU and talked to the specialist about a cerclage. They told her that new studies show that it does not make a difference and can actually cause more irritation to the cervix. She was hospitalized at 18 weeks (full bedrest, couldn't even get up to use the bathroom or shower). The twins were delivered at 26 weeks.

I would probably refuse the cerclage if it were me.

[Fusion]

That is too little information and we are not doctors. I wouldn't be getting advice from an internet message board on something so serious. I think you should talk to a few professionals for more opinions if you want further advice.

[EuphoricDysphoria]

Originally Posted by Fusion That is too little information and we are not doctors. I wouldn't be getting advice from an internet message board on something so serious. I think you should talk to a few professionals for more opinions if you want further advice.

Thanks .

I have been talking to doctors and midwifes and this is a decision I have to make. I feel I've been given great advice on this board with so many women I respect for several situations in my life and this post is seeking more advice. E.g pulling my old records to have more information about DD's birth for more clarity on things that don't add up. Also, getting a second opinion and hearing stories about people who have had the cerclage. I had no considered these things and for that I'm thankful for the responses.

[songbird516]

Were you having contractions or bleeding when you originally got a vaginal exam in the first place at 28 weeks? I am just curious because that is a strange time to even have an exam- even at my old OB's office there was no mention of a cervical check until 36 weeks.

[EuphoricDysphoria]

Originally Posted by songbird516 Were you having contractions or bleeding when you originally got a vaginal exam in the first place at 28 weeks? I am just curious because that is a strange time to even have an exam- even at my old OB's office there was no mention of a cervical check until 36 weeks.

Nope none! Lots of pressure though.

[fish3737]

Originally Posted by songbird516 Were you having contractions or bleeding when you originally got a vaginal exam in the first place at 28 weeks? I am just curious because that is a strange time to even have an exam- even at my old OB's office there was no mention of a cervical check until 36 weeks.

This happened with my 1st as well. I thought I was having Braxton Hicks. I was almost 27 weeks, upon exam they found out I was almost 100% effaced, and a couple fingers dilated. I had NO IDEA. I made it bedrested with him until 34 weeks.


Just a couple questions OP - do you have a shortened cervix? The cerclage is kind of old school now. For just regular preterm labor the progesterone shots are what they recommend. I had them with #2 and #3. But I had an incompetent cervix (it isn't abnormally short IRL).

As far as your labor - normally if the baby was in super distress when you came in they would do an emergency c-section. I would ask for records - since baby wasn't out yet I'm assuming it would all be under your OB records. Your current doctor could go over it with you.

Good luck mama - having a preterm pregnancy really takes the smoothness out of following pregnancies. I wish it didn't. But there is no way to erase all those feelings of worry between 26 weeks and 34 weeks with my first.

But I did go on to have two more successful pregnancies.

[EuphoricDysphoria]

Originally Posted by fish3737 This happened with my 1st as well. I thought I was having Braxton Hicks. I was almost 27 weeks, upon exam they found out I was almost 100% effaced, and a couple fingers dilated. I had NO IDEA. I made it bedrested with him until 34 weeks. Just a couple questions OP - do you have a shortened cervix? The cerclage is kind of old school now. For just regular preterm labor the progesterone shots are what they recommend. I had them with #2 and #3. But I had an incompetent cervix (it isn't abnormally short IRL). As far as your labor - normally if the baby was in super distress when you came in they would do an emergency c-section. I would ask for records - since baby wasn't out yet I'm assuming it would all be under your OB records. Your current doctor could go over it with you. Good luck mama - having a preterm pregnancy really takes the smoothness out of following pregnancies. I wish it didn't. But there is no way to erase all those feelings of worry between 26 weeks and 34 weeks with my first. But I did go on to have two more successful pregnancies.

Honestly I know as much I've said. I've contacted my former OB about getting records and I should know more today. I know they will have the records of my appointments but I'm not sure about the labour.

When I went to my GP and told him I was pregnant he asked why I was never tested with my cervix because of DD. I said no one said anything, I had no idea. He referred me to high risk and the rest I put in my OP.

I'm hoping the records will shed some light and help me with the decision. It just doesn't make sense why they broke my water...

I honestly don't remember ANY contractions, with the exception of after DTD I just remember a lot of pressure