r/ShortCervixSupport

Looking for support and maybe advice. I had a spontaneous pregnancy at age 42 a few months ago and lost the pregnancy after having my membranes come through at 16 weeks and got diagnosed with incompetent cervix. I had a rescue calculate but it was too late. I also lost another pregnancy 8 months prior at almost 15 weeks but it was due to chorioamnionitis. That was an IVF baby but it was our last embryo.

I specifically wanted to post to this over 40 mamas group because this was a healthy pregnancy, normal NIPT and it feels so unbelievably cruel to have lost it when in my mind it could have been prevented if it was a standard thing that was looked at during the 13 week scan. But apparently you have to lose a baby previously for someone to even look at that. How horrible is that.

Now at my age, it feels so impossible to get pregnant again. I am a poor candidate for IVF and we are now having the conversation about getting a transabdominal cerclage. However to properly qualify for a transabdominal cerclage in the Netherlands, you have to have failed “preventative” cerclage. So essentially, you lose one baby to cervical insufficiency. Then in the next pregnancy you have to get a preventative cerclage and then have to lose that baby due to a failed cerclage and then they would consider you to be a candidate for a TAC. How cruel is that? To lose 2 babies in the second trimester and then be able to get a TAC.

But also I have so many concerns. It’s still a surgery. Even if I get it, there’s no guarantee that I’ll get pregnant again especially at 43 years old. Is the surgery worth it then. You can get the surgery once you get pregnant too but around 12 or 13 weeks after they make sure the baby is healthy. That feels so scary because one risk would be that the cervix already starts to weaken in someone like me at that point and there could already be an ascending infection by that point. Or that the surgery itself would break the amniotic sac and lose the pregnancy.

My mind feels like a hurricane these days trying to think about the rational decision. Trying to think about how unlucky I feel. I struggled with infertility for so long and then to now deal with this insufficiency and loss.

those with a cerclage have you been advised to not drive for remainder of pregnancy? 🙏

Hey everyone I know the success stories were an encouragement to me in the beginning of my cerclage/short cervix journey, so I wanted to share my story too.

At my 20 week anatomy scan with MFM, my cervix measured between 2.6–2.3 cm, and they explained that this was right on the cusp of a short cervix diagnosis. Since I had previously carried my first child to term and my cervix was never measured during that pregnancy, we discussed the possibility that this might simply be my anatomy. We decided to do weekly measurements before starting any interventions.

One week later my cervix measured at 1.6-1.3, so we opted to schedule the cerclage because my team and I were worried about further shortening and silent dilation.

Three days later, I had my cerclage placed (21+3) and at the time of placement I was at further shrunk and 1cm dilated.

My MFM team didn’t make any promises and carefully explained all the possible outcomes after placement. They told me that cerclages, on average, prolong pregnancy about 4–5 weeks, which at that point would have only gotten us to viability. They also explained that some women make it much farther and some make it to term. At the time, making it to 28 weeks or term felt almost impossible to imagine.

We made a plan about which hospital I’d go to if labor started early and depending on how many weeks gestation I was. After the cerclage I took it much easier at home and reduced my overall activity by a lot. I stopped working out, I stopping carrying things up and down the stairs, I stopped hiking and taking long walks, I stopped picking up my five year old, etc.

Honestly, the mental battle at the beginning was the hardest part. Losing my sense of normalcy was incredibly difficult. I hated not feeling like a productive member of our household and felt guilty about the extra burden my restrictions placed on my husband. But with each passing week, coping became easier.

Once we hit 28 weeks, I finally felt a huge sense of relief and started to truly believe I might make it to term with this baby.

Two days ago, we hit 36 weeks and the cerclage was taken out successfully. The procedure was about five minutes and was uncomfortable but bearable. Now we just are patiently awaiting the arrival of our baby.

If you’re early in this journey and scared, I know how overwhelming it feels. I remember searching constantly for hopeful stories, so I hope this can be one for someone else too.

TW: So on Monday evening, I reached 20 weeks and 2 days, after dinner when to bathroom and there was bright red blood. My husband rushed me to labor and delivery..the staff was very thorough and found out I had a short cervix. 2.1..they referred me to a high risk specialist..which I go Tuesday. I have been take progesterone vaginally since. They said they were not concerned at the moment which is why they put me on that and if anything changes they might recommend the cerclage. I am scared to death honestly. My husband and I have been trying for five years. I had three miscarriages all in the first trimester.

My first born with an abusive a^^^>le, he pushed me down the stairs and I gave birth to my daughter at 34 weeks. I had a fourth degree tear. That was 14 years ago. So my question is what does everyone recommend in their experience. Like I said I’m scared to lose my baby. In this state I haven’t had much success with caring doctors. This last one was the first to care which is how I found this out. I am Open to anything. Thank you. Should I request the cerclage? Should I just wait. My anxiety is through the roof.

I had an emergency cerclage at 22+5, I am 27+1 now, and have been working from home ever since the cerclage. Im trying to find a home office setup that is comfortable for me. Of course I lay down and work from the couch when I feel I need to, but other times I need to be at my desk where I have multiple monitors. Ive found that instead of sitting on a chair, it's much more comfortable to sit on a large yoga ball. Im just wondering if there's any concerns with that? What are your thoughts/gut feeling about it?

I think maybe Im second guessing this because I associate sitting on a yoga ball as something that pregnant women do when they want to dilate their cervix and go into labor, or to speed up labor, so I obviously dont want to do it if it's going to in any way affect my cervical length or anything.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and for any insights! I will be asking my OB at my upcoming appointment on Friday (and I'll come back to let you know what she says), just wanted to out out feelers beforehand.

As title says, I’ve been having lighting crotch/bum cramps, I feel baby moving really in lower tummy when this happens.

I noticed when I feel kicks/moves a lil bit up in the tummy, these lighting crotch pains are not as frequent or intense and sometimes even get resolved.

Should I be going to triage or is it really baby punching and kicking in the cerclage that’s causing it?

I’m only 17w today but have been feeling baby move for few days now.

Anyone with similar experience please share your story ❤️

I wanted to share more details about what happened because I still carry so much fear about trying again.
During my pregnancy, I was diagnosed with cervical insufficiency and needed an emergency cerclage at 20 weeks. At that time, I was already dilated, and before the procedure I felt a very uncomfortable pressure in my vagina, almost like a tampon or cotton placed incorrectly. It constantly felt like something was there.

Even after the cerclage, there was still funneling, although things seemed stable afterward for some time. Then suddenly, I went into labor at 28 weeks. We still don’t know exactly what caused it. There was a possibility of infection, but there were never completely clear answers.
My baby developed an infection and also suffered a pneumothorax. He passed away three days later.

Since then, I’ve been terrified of going through the same experience again. I keep wondering if there is any way to prevent this from happening in another pregnancy, or if I could lose another baby despite doing everything possible.

The fear has stayed with me ever since. 🤍👀

I’m 30 + 5 and my cervix is measuring 7mm (down 6 mm from my last appointment 2 weeks ago). I don’t have a cerclage, but I have been on 200mg progesterone since 23 weeks when they discovered my short cervix.

I’ve been nervous this whole pregnancy that I wouldn’t know I’m in labor, and at my appointment yesterday, the doctor seemed to confirm these fears (I asked if I’ll know I’m in labor after being told to watch out for signs of preterm labor and his response was “no, not necessarily).

Given I’m supposed to be looking out for signs of preterm labor, I’d love to know how you all knew you were in it? I’m specifically worried about knowing if I’m having contractions, since my stomach is pretty much always hard and tight and I’ve had a lifetime of stomach issues that renders me mostly unaware of any pain in my stomach at this point. For context, I had the stomach flu around 26 weeks and was contracting as a result and had no idea until it was confirmed in the hospital.

Anyway…terrified of going to the hospital too late and wondering what I should be looking out for

Ive lost my son yesterday at 21 weeks +1. it was my first pregnancy.

No one has noticed anything going wrong during my screenings and appointments. Moreover everything seemed perfect on paper, and then my cervix opened suddenly, sac in vagina and nothing could be done at the moment.

i am diagnosed with ocd and fear of that exact situation followed me during my whole pregnancy. And here I am with my child gone on 21st week.

No idea if I’ll be able to repeat it all again trying for a new pregnancy. Could you give me any advices how to carry on and heal?

ps. as English is not my first language, sorry for all the mistakes made

Hello everyone, I have sat for hours last night reading though the posts on this sub. I'm surprised I haven't come across here before, but what an amazing, supportive place 🩷

I was looking to get advice on a preventative cerclage and feel like here is the only sub with people who have had this experience. However, my story is slightly different.

I was pregnant with my daughter in 2023, everything was going well until I was 24+4 and drove 6 hours south to visit friends. I had some mild pelvic pain the night before, then was uncomfortable in the car down. I couldn't sleep that night for pain so I went to Mat Triage in the morning. They done a cervix check and said it was closed, gave me pain meds and said it was symphasis pubis dysplasia and I was to get physio back home. I was agony all that night and into the next day, with the pain ramping up. I was sitting in the bath and start to bleed so called an ambulance and took me back to the hospital over 24 hours later. I gave birth to my daughter pretty much straight away (notes said cervix 2cm membranes bulging on arrival). Robyn was very sick and passed away after 11 days in NICU.

We never found a cause. My CRP was raised when they took bloods, indicating that I perhaps had an infection. My placenta result came back find, only point was accelerated villi, which could mean anything. I never had any cervix checks before I went to triage, and it seems like my cervix was closed and no mention of shortening but that doctor also incorrectly missed by labour.

So why I'm here. I'm currently 17 weeks pregnant and my consultant has given me 3 options.

1. Regular cervix checks.

2. Progesterone and monitor.

3. Cerclage.

My cervix is currently measuring 5.3cm, which is very reassuring. My labour the last time, from reading everyone's shorted cervix stories, doesn't appear to take the same pain pattern as those of you with a cervix that's shortening? So I am maybe leaning more toward progesterone and monitor. But things change so quickly and I really don't know what happened last time, so would a cerclage give me that peace of mind? But the risk really scare me and wpuld i be introducing these risk for no reason ?

I understand most people here will have cerclage on shortened cervix history, so maybe the choice was more straightforward, but I don't really know where else to turn as my pregnancy groups have no idea what I am talking about, and I don't really like talking about my baby that didnt make it when everyone is pregnant. I'm sure you'll all understand how isolating pregnancy loss is.

Thank you 🩷

Hi everyone.

Found this subreddit after a disappointing OB check-in yesterday. Last Friday I noticed some light pink spotting — nothing since, but I decided to go in on Monday for a check-in. Doctor said all looked good initially, but it was me that actually brought up my cervix (due to reading on reddit some women mentioning it), and she went back to check that - then told me it was a little shorter than "she liked to see". (Thank god I mentioned it!!!).

She told me no exercise, no gym, no sex, and asked when my next appointment was (June 5). She didn't bat an eye at that and said we'll check it next time, but now I'm spiralling that it isn't soon enough.

I have health anxiety so this has completely consumed me, and I've basically put myself on bed rest. She didn't tell me what my measurement was at my appointment, but I wish she did. I feel pressure down there currently, but I can't tell if it's real or if i'm just hyper aware of that area due to the anxiety. I've asked for an earlier appointment, but am just really struggling and terrified. FTM and so, so scared.

Any advice? Do I go to the ER about the vaginal pressure (again, I'm not entirely sure if its all in my head). Ugh. I'm so beside myself.

Those who are taking weekly injection on buttocks after cerclage is getting the shot from clinic or self at home like insulin ( i mean taking self at home)

Hi, I'm 19+3 days pregnant today with recurring yeast infections since my preventative cerclage at 12 weeks. I had various course of 3 days treatment for yeast with antifungal as well as antibiotic vaginal medications. But from what I've noticed so far, I could have relief for only 4 to 5 days. Again the infection slowly comes up as itchy & sticky white discharge.

My question is, is it safe to apply this treatment once in every 2 weeks? Has anyone had treated these infections that frequently and it didnt cause any irritation to your cervix/cerclage?

I’m 16 weeks, I had my first baby at 25 weeks. Im upset that no doctor mentioned a preventative cerclage.

Hi there - currently 28 weeks with 3.91 cm post cerclage (week 22). I have to have a C-section since my first came that way and it is currently scheduled for 39 weeks. My MFM wants to do the cerclage removal during C-section and bump the procedure up to weeks 36 or 37. I’d love to have my baby cook for a few extra weeks, if possible.

Has anyone had their OB or MFM do an outpatient DTS during weeks 36 or 37 and kept the baby in a few more weeks? I’m trying to see if I can DTS in my OB’s office and keep the C-section planned for week 39. My OB and MFMs concerns are that I’ll dilate as soon as they take the switch out.

Did anyone else get checked in the span of 1-2 weeks?? I’m having some pressure & my ob wants to check me often but i know it can introduce infection I have been doing good so far everything is negative & swabbed when something seems off

Did you have to go through cervical length check after cerclage? Is there still a chance of cervix insufficiency at this stage after cerclage and progesterone?

Hi! Last year I experienced a second tri loss at 16.5 weeks. Doctors said it couldn’t be IC because I had painful contractions… but I posed the hypothesis that I could’ve been painlessly dilating for days before my body decided to go into labor. They said not likely but next pregnancy they’ll do close follow up + progesterone

I asked for cerclage and they said no because it didn’t seem like I had IC. Anyway, last month I had an ultrasound at 14 weeks showing 5.5cm long closed cervix. 2 days later, I was 0.5cm with bulging membranes lol. Needless to say.. NOW they want to diagnose me with IC.

Now they’re recommending TVC. I don’t really have anymore losses to give so I felt compelled to jump straight to TAC. I have a surgery scheduled in a couple weeks, despite most OBs saying I should trial TVC first.

My jump to TAC was mainly because IC presenting so aggressively and early (at 14 weeks) just feels to me like the integrity of my cervix just isn’t good at all. I fear with a TVC I could have funneling and failure… plus I worry that i’ll be heavily restricted during pregnancy.

I met with an MFM that all OBs recommend and apparently he places the BEST transvaginal cerclages and now I’m wondering if I should give him a shot😔 Apparently his technique is amazing. And after all, TAC comes with mandatory C section for the rest of my future pregnancies.

Ugh! i’m so lost. What would you do in my case?

So my July baby became a May baby!

I’d been in hospital for a week with my 40mm > 24mm > 17mm > 11mm short cervix (this was my 4th admission with varying discharge issues) and threat of early labour. Thursday at 6pm my waters broke and by 957pm he was here!

Ethan Ashton. Born 9:57pm on May 14 weighing 1.35kg at 29 weeks.

He’s doing incredibly well and is breathing on his own. Already squeezing mum and dad’s hands and letting us know he has lungs! He’s only been on the improve since being in NICU and is their most stable patient!

Water breaking to birth in 3 hours with nothing but gas is no joke but we’re sooo over joyed he’s here!

Happy for people to ask any questions about a fast, no drug birth or NICU if they have them!

I’m in Sydney Australia for reference.