discharge after cerclage

Having discharge after a cerclage is very normal...it is also very different for each person. If you are worried please call your doctor as only he/she can determine if it is ok for you.

I've had 2 cerclages. The first time I had discharge that was very watery and pink for a few days and the second time I remember it being a bit thicker and more brownish, but both times it only lasted a couple of days.

I wish you the best! Please call your doctor if you are worried or unsure!

Kristyn

When should the thick discharge stop after cerclage? Dr. said I will continue having discharge throughout pregnancy. But will it stop being brown in color?

With my first cerclage I had brownish discharge for about 6 weeks after it was placed. At first, it was pink and then it went away, but soon it was back to brown. It was on and off for about 6 weeks and then finally, I didn't have any more spotting. With my second pregnancy I had spotting through about 30 weeks, but it was red or pink spotting. Always freaked me out, but I really didn't have a lot of problems in the pregnancy. I called every time with both pregnancies just to hear it was ok and because I knew I could always request a cervical check if I really felt worried.
As for the thick discharge - I really didn't experience a lot of that. I know it isn't uncommon to have it according to my OB and what I've read on Share. I think as long as it isn't really "snot-like" it is ok. If it changes that is an important thing. So if it's typically thick and white and suddenly becomes stringy and clear then you should definitely call the doctor. It could indicate things are changing.

Again, good luck!

K

I just joined this site last night and already I can tell I'm going to love it! I really appreciate u answering my questions. It's nice to be able to get advice from someone who's actually been through something similar. The doctor and nurses are wonderful but I just don't feel like they really understand what we go through emotionally when we think something is not right. I guess if they did they would call back:( again thank you. How long did your cerclages stay in? Were any of them rescue cerclages after u had dilated? Still have tons of questions and appreciate your help.

I understand! This is a wonderful place with lots of great women. Even the ones that don't know exactly what you are going through are full of support!

My cerclages are scehdueld to come out after I hit 37 weeks. Usually within a day or two of 37 weeks. My last one I did have to have it removed at 36 weeks because I was contracting so much and they thought I was in early labor. Funny thing, they took it out and I stopped contracting and she wasn't born for a whole week! My first cerclage was removed and I went into labor the next day.

I don't think I could technically say mine was a rescue cerclage. I started spotting at 12 weeks and by 14 weeks I was very very crampy with lots of discharge. The spotting became red one day and I freaked out. Called the OB and had an u/s the next morning. I was funneling and when she checked me I was about 1 cm dilated. It was still at a very early point in my pregnancy, so I'm not sure they consider it rescue or not.

Ask away! That's what we are here for. Also, if your office isn't calling you back, I would definitely call and speak to a receptionist if you become worried about something. They usually can put you through and make sure you tell them if it is something you need an answer to quickly!

K

thanks again. I was bothered at first because I did have spotting at a little over 6 weeks then again once a month at the same time for the following 2 months. My Dr. made me feel like it wasn't "normal" but it was ok cause everything looked ok. He also told me that after I got to 12 weeks I could get a cerclage and be ok. I didn't really know what it was at the time since this is my first pregnancy. I think mine was considered a "rescue" cerclage because I was dilated to 2 cm by the time I got it done I was at 1cm when I arrived at the hospital but they had to run tests for infection and such. I was also 16 weeks 6 days where it seems like they like to do cerclages earlier around 12 weeks or 14 weeks. Thanks for your support. I'm on strict bedrest so this site will probly help me get through time quicker. I just want my baby to be healthy and fully developed and beautiful. I have faith but it's so hard when I don't know what's normal or what to expect. Any ideas to help with my faith or help me get through this bedrest?

My best advice to anyone woman in a tough pregnancy is trust yourself...I honestly believe we know our bodies better than anyone and even though our doctors are wonderful competent people they are not in our shoes. All they can follow is there experience and the science...and we're each individuals. If you feel something is wrong make sure you get it taken care of if nothing else for your own peace of mind. That little one will thank you for it one day!

K

There is no one better on this site than Kristyn to answer Cerclage questions! I won't repeat anything she said but it's all pretty normal.

-Jackie

Kristyn and Jackie thank u two SO much for answering my questions. It's amazing u 2 are the first 2 people I asked questions because I read what u have been through and u both reached out to me like u really care. I hope someday after I have my baby I can help someone and make them feel more comfortable and reassured like both of u gave made me feel. Thank u and God bless both of u.

Thank u to Kristyn and Jackie. U are both very helpful. U 2 are the first 2 that I asked questions and u both reached out luke u really cared. I hope one day after I have my baby I can help someone like u both have helped me in my tough time. I still have a way to go but now at least I know where I can go to get great advice from great caring people. God bless both of u.

I had a rescue cerclage almost 2 weeks ago and I'm just wondering if anyone else who has been through this ever had an increase in discharge immediately following a bowel movement. After that it's fine again.I did talk to My Dr. office and the nurse said it could have coagulated or may be my mucous plug trying to replenish itself and that it's ok. I was just wondering if anyone else has experienced this.

When I had my cerclage my OB told me to expect more discharge because the cerclage is an irritant to the cervix. (Although it's overall purpose is to keep the cervix closed it does tend to rub and irritate a little). My discharge kind of egg whitey-ish once I got a few weeks past my cerclage procedure. I was told not to worry unless it was red which would indicate a new bleed. He told me not to worry about brownish discharge because it would just indicate old blood from have the cerclage placed was working it's way out.

When you poop your uterine muscles contract (Which is why when you push in labor they tell you to push like you are trying to poop) and you tend to expel more discharge. Totally normal.

Glad you are finding us useful here! That's what I love about Share, there is almost always someone who has been in your position and can help you through your concerns.

Hugs,
Jackie

I have a history of a premature baby in past which could not survive. We are now married for 18 years without a baby.I am pregnent with twins now and had cercalage 2 weeks back. I got brown discharge and now observing a bit pink discharge(with mucas). I am given Proluton 500 mg. Can anyone advise? Is it due to cercalage or what??
Please help??

Hi Michi,
Welcome to Share. Have you talked to your OB about it? I would go in and get checked just to be safe. Chances are it's fine, but it will give you sooo much peace of mind to know for sure if there is a problem.

When I had my cerclage my OB told me that if the blood I saw was brown then it indicated *old* blood that was making it's way out after the cerclage placement. He said I only needed to be worried if it was red, indicating a new bleed. So pink is kind of questionable to me and is probably better left to your OB to determine if there is a problem. the mucus is totally normal. When you have a cerclage it is an irritant to the cervix and causes more mucus to be created as protection. So don't worry about that. and if the pink you are seeing is just the brown turning lighter than it's nothing to worry about. But if it looks like it could be pink from a new small bleed get it checked.

I wish you lots of luck and hope you are back here talking about how great things are going in a few weeks.

Hugs,
Jackie

P.S. I had brown discharge for a couple of weeks after my cerclage. Just thought you might like a little timeframe added to it.

P.P.S Check out this discussion to find lots of other pregnant women in high risk pregnancies. they can be a great source of support through yours.
 Pregnant and Fabulous?

Hi Michi,
I am sorry to read you lost your baby. I hope this pregnancy goes much better for you.

I have had 3 cerclages...the discharge has been thick and white each time. However, I did have brown spotting with my first cerclage until I was about 5 months. My OB always said it was "old" blood, but if it changed to call. With my second cerclage I had red/pink spotting all the way through most of the pregnancy. I called each time and was told to take it easy, but if it became heavy or changed consistency from what I was used to I would need to be seen.

Each doctor and each woman is different...I would error on the side of caution as Jackie said and call your OB. If it's nothing - great and if it is something you are hopefully catching it early to prevent any major or futur problems!

Good luck
Kristyn

Sorry, if it reminds you of mucus plug, then I would definitely call. It might not be, but I would call to be sure.

Kristyn

Hi. I'm new to this site and have just found comfort in everyone's stories. This will be my 3rd pregnancy and I'm trying to remain positive and hopeful. I have two angels in heaven. Kymbal-leigh and ansleigh Marie. I was diagnosed with an IC with Kymbal. I went in on a routine check and was dilated 4 cm. At 23 weeks and 6 days. They tried an emergency cerclage. But my water broke and I had stitches taken out to prevent infection. My daughter lived 15 minutes. Her lungs weren't developed to survive.3 weeks after her birth I had a pulmonary embolism. So with my second pregnancy I had to be on lovenox for the PE, I had a cerclage placed at 13 weeks. I was fine for a few weeks an then had really heavy bleeding. My Dr said it wasn't the cerclage but then had a growth on my uterus. That had been tested for cancer and wad negative. I saw him on a Thursday and things were good. I went to find out the sex the next Tue and sadly to hear there was no heartbeat. So I was induced at 18 weeks. My Dr was unsure what when wrong. I love my Dr and he has been amazing thru all of these trials. I Sam now 14 weeks. I had my cerclage place 4 days ago. The nurse told me to rest 24 hours. And take it easy. No strict bed rest yet. I was on best rest last time. So I am a little nervous. I still have a pink mucousy discharge and hope it goes away. I have a check up thursday and hope all is well.

Thanks for your stories.

Christy

Christy -
I'm so sorry that you have traveled this road. It's not fair for any parent to lose their child and my heart goes out to you.

I wish you lots of luck in this pregnancy. Have you consulted with a perinatologist? Even if you love your dr (I loved mine) it never hurts to have a second opinion by someone who deals with high risk pregnancy.

And the pink mucousy discharge should go away. Mine lasted about a week after my cerclage.

Hugs,
Jackie

Christy, I am sorry for the losses of your children. I hope this pregnancy is very long and you have a healthy baby to hold.

My best advice is follow your gut and heart with this pregnancy. If you feel bedrest is best then go for it. If you feel you need confirmation everything is fine, then get it. You deserve it.

As Jackie said, the discharge should ease up in about a week. Some women say it's a bit longer and some say it's shorter. For me I think it was between a couple of days and a week. Though, I did have spotting throughout two of my pregnancies with a cerclage.

Good luck and please stop in often for whatever you need.
Kristyn

Christy,
Welcome to Share and good luck with this pregnancy. We hope to hear about another 26 weeks from you. Jackie and Kristyn are some of the cerclage experts around here so I know there advice is good.

Since there seems to be some confusion about what happened last time, I would call your doctor when you don't feel right. Don't hesitate. they are there for you and I would try not to feel like you are bothering them.

Good luck and I hope you are holding a healthy baby in your arms sooner than you think.
Take care,
Ellen

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.