Just got a cerclage

Kristyn summarized cerclages pretty well. She's had a lot of experience so she's a great voice on this topic.

As far as what to expect with the placement, I dug up an old discussion I started right before I got my cerclage and was scared. There are lots of posts about people's experiences including mine, about what to expect from the actual procedure. Maybe it will help you out a little:

Cerclage discussion

Wishing you and your wife a successful pregnancy!
Jackie

I wanted to add one more thing, hopefully another bit of something positive for you and your wife...
My oldest was a 32 weeker and there is no confirmed reason as to why. During my second pregnancy we assumed all would go fine, but I found out I was dilating and funneling at 14 weeks. I got my cerclage that afternoon. This is also when I was on bedrset for 6 months, but we made it and have a healthy 3 1/2 year old.

Kristyn

You ladies are so knowledgeable and supportive of each other I just had to join! I am part of a mom's networking site... but I didn't find anyone on there with problems similar to mine so I am reaching out to you wonderful ladies.
I have an almost 2 yo dd... I went into preterm labor at 23 weeks and was on terbutylene, procardia, bedrest in and out of the hospital. I feel blessed she was born at 38w6d. I contracted constantly with her and my cervix varied between .7 and 1.5 after 23 weeks. So now I am 10 weeks along... my first appt at 8 weeks my cervix was 2.9. My doc was on maternity leave so I saw a NP - she said they would check my cervix again at 12 weeks and that a cerclage may be suggested but that they aren't used that much any more. Is this true? I feel like it could be effective but really don't know that much. Seems like 2.9 is pretty low to be starting out... what about 17P shots? Anyone have experience with them? Thanks again!!!

HI and welcome to Share!

I'm surprised that your NP says cerclages aren't used much anymore. I know a number of women who have had them. Granted, I know a lot of moms in high risk pregnancies so that could make the difference.

If you want my opinion... your cervix is shortened a bit already and I would seriously consider a cerclage. They tend to be quite successful and the risk of having one placed is lowest between 12 and 14 weeks into the pregnancy. The highest risk is of infection so they might give you antibiotics to help ward that off.

As far as 17P shots, I had those too. They are not bad although you will read stories about them being painful. I didn't think it was any worse than a flu shot, so totally worth it. The complications are minor (sore shot site, moodiness, headaches) when you compare it to having a preemie in the NCIU for a long time.

In my case, my daughter was a 25 weeker due to IC or PTL (they couldn't tell me for sure which happened first). When I got pregnant again I was given a cerclage and 17P shots. I carried my son until 38.5 weeks when they induced me because there was fear he was getting too big.

I wish you lots of luck. Check out our discussion for pregnant moms here:

Pregnant and Fabulous?

You'll find lots of support from other women in your same position.

Hugs,
Jackie

I posted in the pregnancy section...in short your cervix is already short according to everything I've read and learned through my experiences as Jackie said...I would strongly encourage you to consider the cerclage. I posted more in the other thread, so I won't repeat myself and bore you!

Good luck

Kristyn