discharge after cerclage

I had a cerclage placed at 13 weeks and am now almost 21 weeks. I never had any bleeding or discharge but the past two days have had a smidge of brown when I wipe. Is it normal to have discharge 8 weeks after a cerclage? I see my high risk tomorrow but was just wondering?

Thanks,
Courtney

I remember having brownish discharge about 3 weeks post cerclage. My OB said it was just old blood since it was brown and not to worry. He said if it was red that would indicate a new bleed and be a problem. But brown was not to be alarming. Good luck! Let us know what the dr says.

-Jackie

I have never had a cerclage but in general brown is not worrisome but I would mention it to the doctor and let them decide. Good luck and wishing you another 19 weeks.

Take care,
Ellen

I just had my cerclage yesterday and had red blood with some "clot" looking blood, today it turned brownish. I had cramping all day yesterday and most of the day today.

Good Luck,

Amy

Hi,

I just signed up after doing a google search and reading your posts. I just had a cerclage last Saturday after a routine 21 wk sono followed by prenatal visit. It was determined my cervix was short, 1.7 and I had to immediately go to the hospital lay in the head down, feet up position for 3 days and then have a cerclage placed. I was terrified in fear it was too late since that's what happened with my 2nd pregnancy at 18 weeks I was bleeding, went to the er and was told I was opening and they could try and stitch me but it wouldn't stay and the baby was too young to survive. That was hard since I just saw him moving around when they did the u/s and his heart was beating but being my 1st loss after a successful 1st time pregnancy without any complications I was totally off guard. I had no idea or had even heard of a cerclage because I would have given him a chance at least instead of being induced which I felt was the only thing. Well my pregnancy after that with a new ob recommended I get a cerclage and sent me to a peri. The peri felt I didn't have CI because I had a successful 1st pregnancy and that is normally when they discover it and said the cerclage was a risk since it's a surgery and we could opt to monitor me which was also a risk since it may be too late. I took on the advice of monitoring and at my 16 wk checkup there was no heartbeat. I didn't have any pain or bleeding or anything she just wasn't with us anymore. I was told that she was only measuring 13 wks which I still don't understand since I had a nuchal trans sono @ 13+ weeks. Well now a year later with 4th preg I didn't have a cerclage until last week, so this is considered an "emergent cerclage". I've been put on bedrest for at least a week which is today and go back to see the high risk ob on Monday for my follow up. I asked my ob if I would remain on bedrest but she says we'll know once I have my f/u and if my cervix has had a significant lengthening which she doubts. The only discharge I have had has been white and thin, not very mucuosy. At one point as I lay down it would feel like it was coming down like a menstrual and I'd check for blood and it's just the same discharge which had me worried but I never called the doc about it since I had no pains or blood. I hope everything is ok. I'm terrified because I'm so afraid of losing this baby that I don't know what to do. Do I stay in bed or do I return to work if my follow up is ok? I want my lil girl so bad and my daughter is so looking forward to her being with us. My husband feels it's okay to return to work but I think he just doesn't get it at times and that frustrates me but he is the least of my worries right now. Right now the most important thing is getting her here with us safely and I pray everyday. It gets boring laying in bed and although it's only been a week I know 28+ weeks would be worst but if it's going to get her here with us then I'm all for it. I'm glad to read about some women having it done and not being on bedrest and all went well I'm just so afraid to take that risk but I have been feeling well and I have been felling her move which is even more assuring. I have noticed within in the past 2 days that it seems my breasts are drying up though. I squeeze and squeeze but nothing comes out so now I'm praying that my milk supply will dry up and I won't be able to nurse her when she does arrive. I am just all over the place with this I know but it is really so nerve wrecking.

Hi there! Welcome Share! I am one of those women who had a cerclage but did not wind up on bedrest. My daughter was born at 25 weeks due to either PTL or IC. Thankfully she's now 6 and healthy. When I got pregnant with my son I had a cerclage at 13 weeks and started 17P shots at 16 weeks. My OB said that unless my cervix funneled too much (which the cerclage was supposed to help prevent) than I would not be on bedrest. My pregnancy went pretty well . At 35.5 weeks I went to L&D because I was concerned by some pains in my cervix and I thought the cerclage was pulling. They removed it and I was put on bedrest until 37 weeks. At that point I was taken off bedrest and returned to normal activities. At 38.5 weeks I was induced because they were concerned that my son was getting too big.

So while I would encourage you to lay around as much as possible, if you need your income or you need to go to the store, it's probably fine unless your OB tells you that is too much activity.

Good luck,
Jackie

Hi Jackie,

Thanks so much. I pray all goes well with me. I guess since I haven't had my follow up yet I really don't know much else. I will see what happens Monday. I have taken note of all the advice so I can ask the doc on Monday. My newest concern now is what happened to my milk supply and that will be one of my questions as well.

anxiouslywaiting,
I saw your posts and wanted to let you know if you need anything this is the place to be I hope this pregnancy proves to be less stressful and easier for you.

I don't know if I missed something, but what happened to your milk supply?

Good luck,
Kristyn

Hi Krystyn,

I'm not sure what happened. My breast weren't leaking, only once when I was 17 weeks but I could normally squeeze the nipple and see something. Now when I do it there's nothing there so I will ask the doctor on Monday.

Hi ladies, my follow up went well and I'm not on P17 and was cleared to return to work. My cervix was 3cm and looking good. I've also been cleared for any sex except vaginal Okay orgasms....I'm still going to be taking it easy and praying everyday. Thanks ladies for all the responses. Still no milk, but she's looking good at 1 1/4 pounds.

Well, that is great news!

And I wouldn't worry about the milk, most people don't get anything until right before delivery. In my case, it took days to get anything even after delivery.

Thanks Jackie,

Honestly, at this point the milk is the last thing on my mind. I mean I want to breastfeed her but if I couldn't but my lil lady is healthy and here with us then I'm grateful just for that if she ends up being a formula baby but mommy will try. I will keep you posted. I have to call the doc's office to set up my follow up appt.

Just to add about the milk...most of the time your milk doesn't come in for about 3 to 5 days after delivery, but it can take a bit longer in some cases...anything before that is usually minimal and I wouldn't worry about it if it comes and goes.

Hope you are doing well!

Kristyn

Thanks Krystin,

After your cerclage did you notice if your cervix was shorter. I had my 2nd follow up today and 3 weeks ago it was 3cm. Today its 2.1, so I am very nervous. I left a message for the doc but missed her call and don't want to call her back but I'm getting rather worried.

Your cervical length can change depending on your activity level. A lot of women find that it can get longer if you are on bedrest compared with just normal every day activities.

My OB said that your cervix will thin as you get further along in your pregnancy and not to worry too much because that is why you have the cerclage.

2.1 is not horrible, so I wouldn't freak out yet.
-Jackie

Thanks Jackie,

My doc did call and I missed her call but she said not to worry about it and to take it easy and drink plenty of water cause I can dehydrate and have contractions. I have been doing a lot of running around due to the holiday and the technician did say the stitch was good. I think I need to just do less because when I was on bedrest for that week it was good after. I'll just find out when should I follow up again because I don't want this to be it. I'm 26 weeks now. I see her again in 3 weeks and maybe then the technician will see me then but I will keep you posted. I've made it this far so I'm just praying to make it further.

My cervix was all over the place except in my last pregnancy - it stayed very long that time. As Jackie mentioned your activity can change it as well as your cervix can just change moment to moment. Ask them to check your cervix over a period of 3 to 5 minutes at least 3 times and average the length. Mine measure (in my last pregnancy) 3.7, 4.1 and 4.8 all in about 3 minutes time...my other pregnancies my cervix was shorter, but as Jackie said that's why you have a cerclage so hopefully it continues to do it's job!

Kristyn

Thanks Kristyn,

You two are the best. The doc called me about an hour ago and said she sent the results to the specialist and will see what he has to say if she'll have me continue to work or not. You both have helped me to feel a lot less stressed and worried than I was. I'll be 27 weeks on Wednesday and praying every day I make it further. My 11 year old is at least hoping for 37 weeks cause I told her the baby is no longer considered preemie. I'm drinking plenty of water along with lots of visits to the bathrooom. I was hoping to make it till at least 30 weeks working. With my 1st before any complications I worked till 38 weeks and that's only because I just decided not to go back. I had an African doctor and no matter what I told him he would always have the same response....that is normal, ugh. I delivered the following week.

Hi,

I am new to this. I am currently pregnant with my 5th child. I am 20.1 weeks. 3 of my children were born premature. The first was 29 weeks, 2nd was 34 weeks, 3rd was 31 weeks, and my last one, which was last year, was 37 weeks. I went for my second trimester screening and they measured my cervix and it was a 2. On Tuesday they put in a cerclage. Today is Friday. I'm freakin out! They didn't tell me what to expect or anything. The first 2 days felt like a horrible period. They told me to take Motrin. From previous experience, I was told Motrin isn't good because it can send you into preterm labor. Basically, anything with ibuprofrin. I have been having what feels like contractions. Really bad back pains. And today I went to the bathroom and something really thick came out of me. It had a pink look to it. I am in a lot of pain right now. I'm scared! I don't want to lose my baby. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you,
Badina

Badina,
Please call your OB and get in to get it checked out...that is the only way to know what is going on. Insist on monitoring if you feel like you are contractions. Getting a cerclage can cause contractions or an infection can happen and cause cramping/contractions.

I've never had one that late in pregnancy, but I've had three cerclages and only had minimal cramping (never needed pain meds) with one of them.

The really thick discharge could be normal even with a little pink tint it could be normal as your body typically makes more discharge with a cerclage, but again, I really think calling your doctor will be the best way to put your mind at ease and I'm sure it is all normal. If you are contracting please see if they will give you something for it like Procardia or Terbuteline. There are other options, too.

Good luck and keep us posted. I'm sure you and baby are fine, but peace of mind is worth a trip to the doctor!

Kristyn

Badina,
     I don't have any experience with cerclages myself, but I agree with Kristyn. Call your OB and get checked out. It will tell you what exactly is going on in there. Keep us posted when you can on what your doctor says! I hope that when the doctor checks you out all is well!
Stacy

I just returned from the hospital. I called my doctor and he told me to go in. I was contracting. They monitored me for hours. They ran my blood and urine and everything was fine. They said I was dehydrated but the IV didn't help. They never really said why I was. They ended up giving me 2 shots of Brethine which did the trick. Not sure if it was from the cerclage or the motrin they told me to take. But thank you Kristyn because now I know it could have been from the cerclage. I also know I will not be taking any more motrin while pregnant either.

Thank you so much for the response and care.

Also..... Is 19 weeks far for a cerclage?

I am so glad that you were able to get to the hospital and stop the contractions in their tracks! From what I have heard/read most are placed earlier in the second trimester, but it's also not uncommon to have one placed at 19 weeks. I hope that the remainder of your pregnancy is event free! You should come and join the Pregnant and Fabulous discussion thread which is for us preggos in high risk pregnancies! It's always nice to have someone to talk us through our stressful pregnancies! Here's the link!

Pregnant and Fabulous

Hope to see you there!
Stacy

Thank you Stacey! I will see you there!

Is it normal or did anyone continue to have contractions after a cerclage? And if so what was the result? Did the doctors do anything? I am still experiencing contractions. The baby is moving around fine and from the ultrasound last night, everything is fine. Cervix was closed. But due to the ongoing contractions, I am concerned.

Thanks

HI Badina,

I had my first cerclage placed at 21 weeks, considered an "emergent cerclage" due to my cervix measuring 1.7 and the doc said they like it to measure at least 2. Normally when they are aware the women need cerclages they are scheduled within 12-14 weeks. Many women get cerclages and there is an entire folder about them and Kristyn and Jackie are the experts. After my cerclage which was done 9ish in the am I was told I'd be able to go home the next morning but I was actually released by about 2pm that same day. Right before I left the hospital I did see blood and I called in the nurse who said it was normal due to just having the stitch, it wasn't alot of blood and I was still okayed to go home. I was told to take something for the pain, can't recall and given a prescription for procardia to fill only if I began contracting. I was told discharge is normal and I did have pain in my back that night and the following day but refused to take anything for it since I'm so afraid to take any meds for anything, including Tylenol. I was told about the surgery and what to expect prior and my doctor did ensure me that all went well and he's been doing the surgery for over 20 years. After the surgery the residents we're assuring me that all went well also but I was still extremely scared. I must say I didn't have any complications and had the normal white discharge. I did have a follow up in a week and measured 3cm but I was on total bed rest for a week after the surgery. Since then I've been scheduled every 3 weeks and my cervix has gotten shorter each time but my stitch is still holding up well. I've been taken out of work and told to do as little as possible and to drink plenty of water because the heat will cause me to dehydrate and lead to contractions. I'm still very nervous now at 31 weeks. Anytime you are not sure of anything and you need peace of mind just call the doctor even if it's every day because the not knowing will cause you to stress even more. Best of luck and keep us posted.

Tisa

Thank you Tisa.

I just want everyone that has responded to my concerns to know that it is so greatly appreciated. I know the doctors say one thing, and sometimes I feel like they say it because it's protocol, it puts your mind so much at ease to be able to speak to someone who has or is going through the same thing. Especially pregnant women or women who have had children or been pregnant. So thank you guys soooo much from the bottom of my heart.

Badina

Badina,
As the other ladies explained when it is done as a preventative measure it is typically done around 14 weeks. It isn't uncommon to wait until later, but the further along the increase of the risks.

I had contractions with all three of my cerclages. With my first cerclage I was on bedrest for 6 months after getting it and had a few trips to L&D for contractions, but they always went away without meds. With my second I had to have a few shots of Terbutaline and had spotting throughout my pregnancy due to the contractions. My cerclage had to be removed at 36 weeks due to the number of contractions. The third time, I had to start Procardia 10mg/6hours for contractions and then when I finally consultated with a peri he put me on 17P injections. I would talk with your doctor about this as I found them to be very helpful. There is also a suppository that can be used that is supposed to be very effective with cerclage/incompetent cervix.
I also ended up on bedrest around 29 weeks with my last pregnancy.
Good luck and please keep us posted.
Kristyn

hello, i just found this site and thought i'd share my story. it seems my doctor is more strict than others. i am having twin boys and had an emergent cerclage placed at 20 weeks. (2 week ago) after my surgery i had to stay in. the hospital for 5 days. i had some contractions right after the surger (3 minutes apart) but after a few hours they stopped on their own. a hirisk doctor did my surgery and said contractions are normal after surgery, but they arent supposed to persist. i was eventually sent home and i have to take progesterone suppositories. i was placed on strict bedrest. im not authorized to work, cook, clean, drive and have sex of any kind. dr. says orgasms can cause contractions. im not allowed to sit up and can only get up to use bathroom and take 5min showers. i was surprised to reas some people were sent home right away, and allowed to work and have sex. maybe my situation is different becuause of the twins?i wish all of you luck and pray that i make it far enough to have healthy babies. im now 22 weeks and 1 day.

Each pregnancy is different and singleton versus twin pregnancies are often handled differently, too. With my three cerclages I had varying degrees of restrictions, but the two main ones that were always the same were 1)no sex/nothing in the vagina and 2)nothing to stimulate contractions including nipple stimulation.
I wish you the best with your pregnancy and that you have two beautiful healthy babies!

Kristyn