Cervical cerclage

babyhope1 · Post by **babyhope1** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 6:21 pm

I am thinking I will need a cervical cerclage but from what I read they don't know who it may be helpful for. I know I will have an incompetent cervix because I had a cancer scare when I was 23 and had part of my cervix removed. I had a LEEP (laser electrical procedure). I have already miscarried twins (unrelated) but am pregers with twins again and want to be sure I get to bring them home.

I will talk to my RE about it next time the 30th...however its on my mind. Any info or advice is helpful.

Cocoa · Post by **Cocoa** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 6:44 pm

Hi Babyhope!

First of all CONGRATULATIONS sweetie!!! What exciting news!!!

Just to let you know... I had a conical biopsy 10+ years ago and though I had A LOT of pressure while pregnant I had no trouble with incompetent or shortening cervix during my twin pregnancy last year. I was so scared about part of my cervix being missing (a wedge shape at the end) and brought it up to my OB ad nauseum between weeks 13 and 28. She kept telling me that it was fine. I was being measured once a month because with twins they follow you a lot more closely and I was fine each time. I am not sure if your cervix length has been shortened from your procedure or if you also had a wedge removed for testing (biopsy) but you can check with your doctor about your options. The chance of there being a problem is very slim to none.

Have a great pregnancy!!! It can get a little tough at the end but try to enjoy every second (even through the nausea)...

xxxCocoa

Kas101 · Post by **Kas101** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 9:48 pm

Babyhope I have not had any cervical issues in the past, but my RE is handing me over to an OB and peri with the recommedation of a cervical stitch at 12 weeks.

He has not said why exaactly and i will discuss with the new OB at our meeting, but putting two and two together i think its because my cervical length is relatively short anyway (measured 3.5 at 6 weeks).

How long is yours right now? I think it may play a factor....

Also have you talked to anyone about it yet??? I know we are pretty close together in our cycles and we are both having multiples. If you do need this cerclage, i will be doing it right along with you and we can 'hold each others hand' so to speak!!!

babyhope1 · Post by **babyhope1** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 11:22 pm

Thanks Kas! I haven't had it measured, I am still bleeding from miscarrying Baby C...I just sense problems already...want to prevent any and all complications. I went in earlier this week and had it looked at but not measured. I didn't even bring it up and am sure the RE doesn't know much about my 10yr+ past.

Kas101 · Post by **Kas101** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 1:32 am

He measured mine at the first ultrasound and although he didnt tell me directly, he called it out to the nurse who was making notes, recording heartbeats, etc. Then i also noticed it on the ultrasound printout he gave me to keep at the end. It lists all the babies measurements, heartbeats, measurements of my right and left ovaries and my cervial length....
Just check on the bottom of your last u/s as it may be recorded there.... just a thought

At least you will have a 'starting point'

When is your next one??

JamieP · Post by **JamieP** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 4:22 am

My understanding is that you will get mixed reviews from doctors on wether it is a good idea or not. I had a friend who had a similar situation to you (cancer with some of her cervix removed) and decided to get it done. She delivered a couple of hours after they removed the stitch! Her theory was 'I have nothing to lose by having it done'.

Good luck with your decision.
Jamie

alreadyblessed · Post by **alreadyblessed** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 4:58 am

Hello!
Many congratulations on your twins!!

I have not had any cerclage done, but I have 3 close friends that have. Two of them carried for 2 weeks past having the cerclage removed and were able to stay active throughout the pregnancy. My third friend wound up on complete bed rest for the last 13 weeks, and delivered the day the cerclage was removed. I agree with Jaime Ps friend. It's just an added protector. Much luck!!

sciteacher77 · Post by **sciteacher77** » Sun Jan 25, 2009 12:44 am

Hello,
I have an Incompetent Cervic. I have never had any surgeries that may have caused it, but I lost my daughter (conceived through IVF) last year at 23 weeks due to it. This pregnancy I was told to get a cerclage. I went for the best cerclage out there - the trans-abdominal cerclage. It is permanent and requires abdominal surgery to be placed & a c-secton for delivery, but it makes your cervix bionic ( my doctors words!) I have had no bed rest and feel amazing! I am 32 weeks today. This cerclage is only placed b a few outstanding doctors - feel free to PM me and I would be happy to tell you more about it. You can also check out abbyloopers - it is a yahoo group for women looking into the TAC (trans-abdominal cerclage). If I would have known about the TAC before my loss, I would have definitely received one! This stitch is placed at the top of your cervix (a position that can only be reached through your abdomen) and because of its placement - funneling and infection are non-issues. These are both huge issues with a traditional cerclage that is placed through the vagina, because it is placed at the bottom portion of the cervix. There are too many women who have these cerclages placed and still wind up on edrest and delivering very early or losing there babies. Good luck and feel free to PM me! I am happy to call you to discuss this - I have free long distance and am happy to help.
Good luck!
Michelle

JamieP · Post by **JamieP** » Sun Jan 25, 2009 4:08 pm

Michelle, am I correct in that you have to have an TAC prior to conceiving? And once you conceive your only option is a traditional cerclage.

Jamie

sciteacher77 · Post by **sciteacher77** » Sun Jan 25, 2009 6:02 pm

Hi Jamie,
No, you can get a TAC pre-pregnancy or after you are pregnant. Mine was placed when I was 10 weeks pregnant. I did not want to get it pre-pregnancy because I need to do IVF o get pregnant. If you have any more questions, just ask or PM me.
Michelle

babyhope1 · Post by **babyhope1** » Mon Jan 26, 2009 4:56 pm

Due to my OHSS the doc said anestesia (in case my ovary has torsion) is alright in the first trimester and has not cause for ill effects. So, I would assume they can do the surgery @ 12 weeks. It sounds like a great solution however, I have had two surgeries in the past 5 months so I want to avoid additional abdominal incisions if not necessary. I am thinking a regular one will suffice. Was the reason for the bionic one due to the previous experience? I am so sorry to hear of your loss at 23 weeks.

sarahalf · Post by **sarahalf** » Mon Jan 26, 2009 5:40 pm

Hi there,
Congrats on your twins!!
I had a suspected IC and lost a baby boy at 22 weeks in Oct 07. I conceived twins last March and had a cerlcage placed at 13 weeks and it worked wonderfully and also gave me a tremendous piece of mind my entire preg. I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Let me know if you have any specific questions, I am happy to answer!
Sara

sciteacher77 · Post by **sciteacher77** » Mon Jan 26, 2009 6:34 pm

There was no reason for me to choose an abdominal cerclage based on my loss. Most women choose a traditional vaginal cerclage, but I never wanted to feel the pain of burying a child again. The success rate of a regular cerclage is roughly 80%. That does not specify whether the baby is born premature or whether the mother has to endure months of bedrest. I know 80% odds are good, but the chance of losing a baby after the first trimester is 2% and I fell on the wrong side of those odds. I researched the TAC and leared the full term success rate is greater than 95%. I just wanted to know I had done everything possible for my next baby. I only mentioned this to you because if I had known about my IC before my loss, I would have wanted to know all of the options. I suggest you consult Dr. Haney (ahaney@babies.bsd.uchicago.edu) or Dr. Davis (askdrdavis@aol.com) and ask them abot your other surgeries. They are the experts on TAC placement in the US. Both are AMAZING doctors! Most women travel to see them, but find the surgery completely covered by insurance. Dr. Haney is in Chicago and Dr. Davis is in New Jersey. Both doctrs will reply to your email or have a phone consult with you. Good luck and feel free to ask any other questions.
Michelle

babyhope1 · Post by **babyhope1** » Tue Jan 27, 2009 5:32 pm

Thanks Michelle, your concern is genuine and greatly appreciated. I will look into this procedure with my Dr at our appt on Friday. I will let you ladies know how we proceed.

sciteacher77 · Post by **sciteacher77** » Tue Jan 27, 2009 11:04 pm

Good luck -- be preared that your OB or high risk doctr will probably know nothing about the TAC or be misinformed. My first high risk doctor told me I was crazy for thinking of it and that he would not let his wife have the TAC. I walked right out.I spoke with a new OB who thought it was overkill but agreed to treat me. My new OB now says that everyone should get a TAC if they have an incompetent cervix. They work! My cervix is long and closed and still growing! Don't be discouraged if your OB is not supportive. That is why I suggested Dr. Haney and Dr. Davis. They will speak to your OB if they agree that you should get a TAC.
Good luck!
Michelle

Cervical cerclage

Cervical cerclage

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