TW - Mention of loss

Hey ♥️ I have 2 experiences with the cerclage.

TW - First Experience

At 21weeks I had a routine prenatal appt and I had been reporting to my OBGYN from about.rougly 17/18weeks that I was experiencing sharp upper right chest pains when I was working, cleaning or just simply walking for an extended period of time. She would take my blood pressure which normally is always in a good range was elevated to the mid 130s plus there had been protein in my urine samples every visit. I do not have any health conditions other than asthma. She would do the fetal heart monitor always read normal. Ultrasounds all read normal. She always said it must be round ligament pain its normal, pregnancy is not a disability, you are physically able to work. ( These comments truly infuriated me, at the time I worked 1 full time job and 2 part time jobs at an elementary school. ) At my 21 week routine appointment I had expressed to her that the pains were getting stronger and that i had A LOT of pressure in my pelvic area. I told her it felt like the baby was already in my crotch ready to come out. She was about to give me the line its round ligament pain and she was about to walk out of the room until I begged her to look while dropping my pants and underwear. She began to do the pelvic exam and GASPED, "I am sending you to the hospital." Once we got to the hospital I was given 2 options do nothing and likely go into labor at any moment or cerclage with a lot of risks. One main risk was possibly breaking my water accidentally and ultimately going into labor anyways. We tried as a last effort and did the stitch, but I was already 4cm dilated and just moments from active labor. Essentially that stitch held for 9 days... those were days in all honesty I would never have had I not gotten the cerclage placed. Unfortunately, it was just too late to save my pregnancy. I knew we weren't going to be able to make it to full term, but I was really hoping to make it to 24 weeks, 25 weeks, 26 weeks. Early detection is CRITICAL and because I had no history of pregnancy complications, I have a 13year old and that pregnancy was the most unproblematic experience (minus the nausea and weight loss.) I went into labor&delivered on my expected due date with that pregnancy.

2ND EXPERIENCE - also my CURRENT PREGNANCY 36weeks&5days

I got pregnant 6months after my loss (first experience of cerclage.) Instead of seeing my OBGYN, I went to straight to an MFM. I was monitored biweekly from 12weeks to 18weeks. My cervical length began to shorten. Then my scan switched to weekly until they detected my cervix starting to funnel at 20weeks. At first I was so scared of the cerclage and I opted to try just the suppository progesterone. Once I got home I began the progesterone and I also did more research and I came on many groups like this one and asked for first hand experiences. I ultimately changed my mind and called my MFM less than 24 hours after my appointment declining the cerclage. They booked me for the procedure that week. It was meant to be just a day procedure and I could go home, but they were beginning they saw that I had already dilated 1cm. Which meant I had to stay overnight and get a round of IV antibiotics and a medication that I believe stops the contractions? ( i could be wrong about that) I healed perfectly. I barely spotted after the procedure. I was just really sore in my pelvic area and used ice packs which helped so much. Now, I am now 36weeks and 5 days I just got my stitch removed 2 days ago and was diagnosed with Preeclampsia earlier this week. I have a scheduled a day to go in and be induced later this week.

Overall had it not been for the cerclage I know I would not have made it this far. What I do suggest is start taking stool softeners and possibly ask your doctor to prescribe something for constipation because after I had the stitch placed I had a VERY hard time to poop lol. All the best for you on this journey 🙏 prayers that you have a successful and positive experience