Pregnancy with IC - Women's Health Message Board

bunny2 · 10-17-2004, 04:52 PM

I have a question and I hope someone can answer it for me. I have an incompetent cervix and have been pregnant 4 times. The first resulted in a loss at 20 weeks. The 2nd I received a cerclage at 18 weeks and was already open and the membanes showing. The 3rd I received a cerclage at 13 weeks and was already open and membranes showing. I am again pregnant and unsure what to do. I do not want to have an abortion, but am unsure I want to have another child at this time. I am going to make an appointment with my doctor, but I have to find a new one since the last 3 I had are no longer under my insurance. I really trusted my last doctors, but am reluctant with a new one. If i opt for not receiving a cerclage, will I definately lose this pregancy? I was wondering how long I really had to make up my mind since this is my 4th. The time intervals seem to be getting shorter each time. This first time I was in labor at the hospital for 4 hours, the 2nd time, 2 hours, the last time, I made it to the hospital with 20 minutes to spare befor I gave birth. I believe I am about 10-12 weeks pregnant so I need to decide soon, but how soon? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, I hope I don't offend anyone with this question, this is not my intention.

Summer Girl · 10-17-2004, 05:11 PM

You would need to go to a high risk doctor.

My sister had similar problems. (she had an incompetent cervix and had to be stitched up to not lose the pregnancy.)

good luck!!

HollyGoLightly · 10-17-2004, 05:26 PM

I think you misunderstood, she WANTS to lose the pregnancy, but doesn't want to have an abortion, so is hoping if she doesn't get the cerclage she will miscarry. Did I get it right? I don't want to put words in your mouth but that is how I read it.

It does seem like your cervix was failing earlier and earlier with each pregnancy, I think it's a tough call though as to what to do, tho. Only a doctor could tell you if you would definitely lose the pregnancy without the surgery, but if your cervix was already open each time you had it stitch I think you would have anyway. Why don't you wait until 20 weeks and see if you lose it naturally? If not, and you still don't want it, then you still have four more weeks to get an abortion. Good luck with your decision.

MandyAnne26 · 10-18-2004, 07:03 AM

I think that if you don't want this baby abortion would be the best way to go, by 20wks the baby will be moving etc, do you want to wait that long? It is a very hard choice to make, just put lots of thought into it, without the stitch it's hard to say how long your body will hold the pregnancy, but it's not a guarentee that you will lose it early either. Go see a doctor asap and do lots of thinking about what the best decision for you would be. Make sure you discuss birth control options with your doctor also, you don't want to be in the position to have to decide something like this again. If you were already on birth control make sure you discuss something that may be more effective for you in the future....

hillaryb · 10-18-2004, 08:49 AM

i had a miscarriage at 16weeks, I couldnt imagine doing that again. You are literally giving birth, having labor, and delivering a baby that is big enough to determine the sex and is fully-formed. Even if you dont want that baby, what a horrible, traumatic experience that is!!!! If you opt not to have the cerclage, you WILL miscarry. If that is what you want, so be it. But it will be a 2nd trimester miscarriage, which we both know is not the same as an early one (ive had both). That experience is more like a still birth. ITs awful. Im not trying to make you feel bad. Im concerned for your emotional well-being. I went through my late miscarriage during an unhappy time in which I wasnt exactly thrilled to be pregnant. I felt horribly guilty for feeling that way, and didnt know what to do about the baby I gave birth to. I agreed to see it (the day after I gave birth) and I felt so awful, I remember just crying and crying when I saw the baby. It was 7 inches long, a boy, and looked like our other child. that was 2 years ago, but I still think about it every day. And they think I have an IC too now. When I went into labor with the late miscarriage, I was already dialated and my water broke, so I had no choice as to whether or not to save the baby. I also got a horrible infection. Such an expereince is physically trying,emotionally trying, and I think you would feel better about the whole thing if you take charge of the situation. IF you want the baby, get a cerclage. If you dont, have an abortion. At least if you make that choice, you will feel more in control, and you dont risk having a baby that is more premature birth than miscarriage. The more you allow that baby to grow, the more complicated things get.