please help!!! small cervix and need a cerclage?

Question

I am 21 weeks pregnate and so far the pregnancy is great I went for an ultra sound yesterday and the doctor told me that my cervix is small 1.5cm and that it could cause preterm labor. I had a cone biopsy done 4 years ago and this could be due to the cone. she informed me that it was up to me if i wanted to have it done. She stated it does pose a few risk. She also stated that I it is possible that I could go full term with no problems if I didn't have it done...I am really worried because i don't know what to do.. My son is very healthy right now and i would hate to make the decision to have it done and cause me to go into premature labor this early giving him a slim to none chance of survival...Please anyone that has had it done due to a small cervix let me know what was the success rate with this procedure....thank you so much

Answer 1

I've had 2 cerclages but they are normally put in at the end of the first trimester (12-14 weeks) because if you do it later in pregnancy, as your doctor said, you're at higher risk of having complications. I would ask the doctor to monitor your cervix with weekly or every other week ultrasounds to check your cervix (to make sure it doesn't shorten any more) and I would go on modified bedrest. Stay off your feet. No walking. No exercising. No intercourse. You basically don't want the baby to put any pressure on your cervix. You can also see a Perinatologist because they specialize in high-risk pregnancies if you want to get better care (a regular OB just doesn't have enough experience sometimes to deal with high-risk issues).

http://www.webmd.com/hw/being_pregnant/hw222108.asp

Answer 2

Usually they do the cerclage a little earlier...bc they know that your cervix is short and know your past history. So I am surprised that your doctor waited this long...you should be considered high risk and watched closely.

I too had LEEP procedures done, and they have kept a close eye on me. I actually have been doing really well, and have not needed any cerclage. However, they still are keeping a very close eye on me.

I would though at 21 weeks have the procedure done if it were me. If your little person was born now...he would most likely not survive...and if he did then there would be major issues. I would not take that chance. The cerclage is a safe procedure and I personally know a few women who have it, and ended up going full term.

I would re-talk to your doctor, and then make an informed decision about it. Good luck!!!

Answer 3

Hi. I am 28 weeks pregnant and I am on bedrest due to a Short cervix. I had a cone biopsy and leep procedure done last year. It was my understanding that if the doctor was going to do a cerclage that it would be done around 12-14 weeks! I opted not to have the cerclage but I get regular cervix checks and and ultrasounds. It is very possible to go to fullterm without it. I think 1.5 is a lot short but Im not a doctor. Just don't do any heavy lifting or strenuous physical activity because you dont want your cervix to start dialating.

Answer 4

Oh wow, I've been there. Exactly my same story. Good news - I have three babies, one was a preemie, but just a month and a half, and the last one was just a month early, a day shy of being labled "preemie".

This is what happened with me when I was first diagnosed.... one doctor suggested I get it done right away... then I went to the "cerclage" doctor (specialist in high risk pregnancies) and they told me they would monitor me because I was early in my pregnancy, but they would have to do it asap because they don't want to wait to long as it's dangerous the longer you wait. Well, the 2nd week I went in, my cervix was shorter so they scheduled the next day.

Surgery went fine and my son came healthy! I was on bed rest (not complete) and my pregnancy was "high risk" and my son did come early.

I guess just listen to what your doctors say. Do what you need to do. My biggest risk was not the surgery, it was preventing pre-term labor. So when you get to that point. Please drink lots of water and TAKE IT EASY!!! It's hard to do!

God bless. You'll be fine. I have three healthy children!!!

Answer 5

this is my second pregnancy and i had to have a cerclage and so far everything is great, trust me you dont want to go into pre term labor i was on bed rest in the hospital for two months and my son was still born 10 weeks early. that was without the cerclage.i would do the procedure, better chances of going full term, better for your baby.
good luck.