Cervical stitch

[Belinda77]

Hi Bonnie

I had a cervical suture put in 3 weeks ago when I was 13 weeks pregnant due to an incompetent Cervix. I live in Adelaide and have a private OBGYN.

My first son was born at 23 weeks + 2 days. I am very lucky to say that he survived, is now 15 months old or 11 months corrected and appears to have no ill effects from his prematurity.

I have an incompetent cervix due to having the Lletz proceedure to treat cervical cancer approx 4 years ago.

I had my suture put in under a general. I was told that there is less risk to the baby at 13 weeks to have a general but as your preg progresses, they prefer you to have an epidural. I spent the night in hospital, had IV antibiotics whilst in theatre, woke up with no pain or bleeding. Upon going home, I was on bedrest for 1 week only getting up to shower and go to the toilet.
I insert a progesterone cream every night via an applicator called Crinone Cream. This is to keep the cervix and uterus supple. I will be using this until I am 30 weeks and then maybe onto Nifedipine from then on. For the first week I felt heavy in the lower abdomen which is the effects of the cream, after a week this went away and I am leading a 'normal' life at present.

From what I understand eventhough infection is one of the risks, it is very uncommon.

However at my 16 week scan, it was revealed that I was showing some slight funnelling. If this continues and has increased by my 19 week scan I will be put on majority bed rest at home.

Don't be frightened. I have a very low pain tolerance and was very scared but all that ended up being un warranted.

Trust me, a stitch and full term baby are a much better alternative to having an extremely premature baby.

If you have any other questions, please ask.

I wish you all the best for your pregnancy