Cervical Stitch

[Unicorn]

Hi, I have a unicornuate uterus (half a uterus) so was very high risk with my last pregnancy as they didn't think I'd make it past 28 weeks but I was monitored very closely and by some miracle managed to carry to 40+2 and deliver a very healthy little boy. I am now pregnant again and saw a consultant yesterday to make sure everything was going the same way this time. Unfortunately it seems that my last pregnancy weakend my cervix and it is now below the threshold length for what they consider to be able to maintain a pregnancy and I'm therefore at risk of pre-term labour. I'm booked in for a cervical stitch next week and will have steroids at 26 weeks to help develop the baby's lungs in preparation and, all being well, I will have the stitch removed at 37 weeks and have been told that I'd likely deliver at that point.

I'm really not looking forward to the operation as it involves a spinal block and having my cervix stitched, which comes with a 5% risk of miscarriage but that is obviously less than the risk of not having it and I will of course do anything to keep this baby safe. I just wanted to see if anyone else has had a cervical stitch and wouldn't mind sharing your experience so I know what to expect a bit more please? Xx

 

[Unicorn]

Really, no-one has had a cervical stitch? Xx

 

[WinterWolf]

I’ve never had one but want to congratulate you on your pregnancy and wish you luck! xx

 

[Abi88]

I've never had one either but as a fellow June mum to be just wanted to wish you luck and hope someone who knows a bit more can give you some answers soon. When is your appointment for the stitch?

 

[Sugarpop]

I’ve never had one but know people that have and it has really helped them prolong their pregnancy before labour.

 

[Kholl]

One of my close friends had this and has had two healthy full-term babies with it!

 

[Princess81]

I’ve Never had one but have seen them used successfully. It’s less like a stitch and looks more like string to be honest! I’ve been present for one getting removed and the lady asked to see it after, her response was “wtf looks like some garden twine I’d find in the shed” lol. I do think they are fairly common, with ladies with multiple lletz procedures etc

 

[Unicorn]

Thank you all. My pre op consultation is first thing tomorrow and then the operation is first thing Wednesday morning. I'm just really not good at taking it easy so I want to know how much I need to rest and how I'm likely to be after the op so I know how much childcare I need to arrange etc. And then I'd like to know how likely it is that I'll still go into pre-term labour, but I suppose these are all questions I can ask tomorrow xx

 

[Kholl]

Let us know how it goes and what they say! Sending good thoughts your way.

 

[Princess81]

I don’t know what the stats are, but the last one I saw she went post-dates. They must have good success rates or they wouldn’t be viable to use.
Normally at least 48 hours decent rest, I’d probably say longer if you’re always active.

 

[Unicorn]

Thank you. So apparently I need to stay off my feet as much as possible and not lift anything at all for 2 weeks, but I should feel fine after about 48 hours, so that's good xx