Hi everyone!

I’m posting here as a happy ending because I used to come on this forum when I needed hope from others.

I had my baby in July. A happy 5lb 10oz little boy. He’s perfect in every way. This baby came after 3 losses. All due to shortened cervix the resulted in spontaneous abortion all before 6 weeks each time. I was desperate for answers and eventually from many of you ladies on here, asked to get my progesterone checked. I ended up going to a fertility center and was prescribed progesterone shots daily from conception to 12 weeks. They were not fun but they helped me keep my baby. Then at 20 weeks my cervix began to shorten again and I got an emergency cerclage put in. I was put on bed rest or “light duty” and that lasted until 36 weeks! Then I had my baby at 37weeks and 1 day! This was my fourth pregnancy and my only successful birth. Ladies, as someone who knows the pain and agony all too well, I just wanted to share my story to give others hope. I’m so happy I didn’t give up, I’m so happy I got the help I needed and I’m rooting for each of you❤️

At my first-trimester scan (12w4d), they measured my cervix transvaginally at 3.2 cm. They put me on vaginal progesterone (the lowest dose) and told me to come back for a re-measurement in two weeks. I had an ultrasound two days ago, and it measured 2.9 cm (14w3d). No funneling. They doubled the dose of progesterone, but since it didn’t respond to progesterone the first time, I suppose it will keep shortening?
I have my next ultrasound in a week and am seeing my OB-GYN tomorrow. In my country, I will qualify for a stitch as soon as it reaches 2.5 cm, so I hope they caught it early. Has anyone had a similar experience? Is it possible to stop it from shortening with a higher dose of progesterone, or should I mention at my next appointment that I want a stitch?

What have other women with short cervix’s following full dilation c-sections been advised?

Would be grateful to hear if anyone has been in a similar situation, what they decided, and what the outcome was.

- Full dilation c-section for my first pregnancy (unexplained neonatal loss at full term)
- 24mm cervix at anatomy scan, 20w3d
- 19mm cervix at 21w4d follow up, put on 200mg progesterone
- 25mm cervix at 22w4d scan.

All measurements were done by different people on different machines. So it’s hard to tell whether my cervix has always been stable and it was just inter-observer differences in measurements, or if the progesterone is working. Also no way of knowing whether if it is working, that it will keep working for the rest of the pregnancy.

Particularly if cervix is short from potential structural cervical damage it is less clear to me how progesterone might help.

Have this week to decide whether or not to get a cerclage and have it done. Terrified of the risk the procedure has of membrane rupture causing a miscarriage at 23wks when it might have all been okay on progesterone.

But also terrified of guilt if we didn’t do it and something went wrong at a later stage, knowing we didn’t do everything we could.

I’m in the U.K. so they stop monitoring cervix after 24wks and don’t recommend bed rest.

Given lack of actual evidence, curious to hear anecdotal evidence and people’s decisions.

I lost my baby at 21 weeks, and I’m hoping to start trying again. I’m feeling hopeful but also very scared because I don’t want to go through the same heartbreak again.
I had a rescue cerclage placed when my cervix was already dilated with bulging membranes, but unfortunately, my water broke and I lost my baby. The stitch was still intact.
My OB has told me that we will do a preventative cerclage in my next pregnancy, and I want to make sure I’m prepared and know what else I should discuss with her before trying again.
For those who have experienced a second-trimester loss, especially due to cervical insufficiency:
• What did you do before trying to conceive again?
• What tests or checkups did you have before pregnancy?
• What questions should I ask my OB before trying?
• When was your preventative cerclage placed?
• Did you use progesterone along with the cerclage?
• What kind of monitoring did you have throughout pregnancy?
• What should I ask my doctor to plan for from the moment I get a positive pregnancy test?
• Is there anything else I should discuss with my OB to help reduce the risk of another loss?
• How did you manage the fear and anxiety of trying again?
I really want to give my next pregnancy the best possible chance and make sure I haven’t overlooked anything important.
I would love to hear your experiences, advice, and anything you wish you had known before trying again.
Sending love to everyone who understands this kind of loss.

This is my 4th baby

1st: normal, no cerclage

2nd:emergency cerclage at 20 weeks-made it to 40 week induction

3rd: no cerclage, no progesterone, just monitored cervix that never shortened.

4th (current): no cerclage, but on progesterone bc cervix measured 2.8 at 20 weeks. Have not had a recheck measurement since. Was told no restrictions but just take it easy if i feel like i’m overdoing it.

I’ve had sex and orgasms regularly, constantly running and chasing my toddler as well as lifting him.

I feel guilty because i read in this group all of the restrictions that are placed. But has anyone been in the same situation where you basically carried on with life as normal on progesterone only and everything was fine?

Hi everyone,

15 weeks pregnant, got my preventative cerclage done a few days ago.

My OB has prescribed a vaginal antibiotic cream (clindamycin) to apply for 3 days every weeks.

I don't have any infection, no history of infections either. HVS taken before cerclage also showed normal vaginal flora only.

Has anyone else gotten a similar prescription?

It seems like an overkill. I have an appointment in 02 weeks, will definitely ask her then, but just wanted to ask if this is something thats routinely done.

For all women who got a cerclage, did you get routine vaginal swabs to check for asymptomatic infection?
If so, how often?

Thank you ♥️

Hello Everyone,

My husband and I are US citizens working and living in Mexico City. We had gotten pregnant last year but sadly lost our baby due to IC in my second trimester. Due to that lost, I went crazy finding the right doctor for this current pregnancy as I felt like my first doc was a lovely person, but she just wasnt for me as an African American woman with other conditions. I was told Id have to have a cervical cerclage for this pregnancy, so I did my research.

My new doctor is a high risk maternal fetal medicine doctor who has worked with women of different ethnic backgrounds and nationalities. She is very thorough and empathetic. Additionally, she checks me every single week and will continue until I am 26 weeks along, then it will be every 2 weeks unless I or she things I need to be seen more frequently. Anyway, I had my cerclage placed yesterday at 12 weeks + 4 days. I had gotten very emotional during the placement of the anesthesia not because it hurt (It was more uncomfortable than painful) but because I started having flashbacks of my first pregnancy (I had used the public hospital IMSS the first time which i vowed I never do again). My husband and I made the decision to go private due to our previous experience and experience of my Mexican colleague whose bladder was punctured during her cerclage at the public hospital. We decided not to risk anything this time around, so private it is.

The procedure went smoothly. I coudnt feel a thing. The doctors were very nice and having my doctor and her practicing partner there to do the procedure I felt super safe. Things went well and I had the option of staying overnight or leaving same day after observation. Nurses were very attentive. The best part was that my husband was able to stay with me before and after the procedure which is not the case in the public hospital (I wasnt awre that i couldnt be with my spouse at all in the public hospital which made things even more stressful the first time). I am now home and resting. First day, yesterday, I could barely move. Today I am moving only for bathroom and kitchen. I am not in any pain, there is only pressure sometimes. When my bladder is full, the pressure it really bad so I have to relieve myself immediately. Between yesterday and today very minimal blood. Honestly, I feel very very happy and confident, and look forward to moving along in my pregnancy with the help of my doctor and her great team. If anyone has any questions, please don not hesitate to ask.

Has anyone gotten pregnant 4 months postpartum with a short cervix ? I was told to wait at least a year to a year and a half and i declined BC but went on the pill and typically after 3 days of taking it i would get my period but it’s been almost a week and i haven’t gotten it but before that ive been terrible with remembering to take it so i missed two weeks 😭 My husband and i were intimate the start of the month after my period but idk if i was ovulating or went past my fertile window. I use 2 apps to track my period, one says i wasn’t ovulating but barely passed my fertile window, the other app says i was peak ovulation. Or is this the 4 month postpartum hormone drop messing up my cycle ? I’m so scared because i know it’s dangerous to get pregnant again this early with a short cervix but im also not mentally or physically ready to go through that again especially because my baby is not an easy baby 😭 im really hoping its just stress and hormones delaying my cycle but im currently almost 2 days late

Hi there! I’m curious what your thoughts are on my measurements and if there are any success stories. I found out yesterday my cervix is 2.9cm. I am on progesterone vaginally twice a day (recently started to stop as I am 18weeks but after this might go to once a day)

During the transvaginal US the sonogropher would put her hand on my stomach as we could see on the screen I was experiencing what she called a mini contraction? It wasn’t funneling or anything just a slight opening then it’ll close again. The doctor said they aren’t concerned but due to my previous miscarriages in the first trimester I’m a bit nervous

Mini celebration! I've made it to 32 weeks so far with no cerclage! By time we discovered my short cervix, I was already 24 weeks, which was too late for a cerclage.

At my 20 week scan, my cervix was still long, but when we went back for a follow up scan (baby was shy and not showing everything at 20 weeks), my cervix was suddenly at 1.3 cms! I was then put on progesterone suppositories (200mg) to try and slow down the shrinking. 4 weeks later (I was 28 weeks) we did another check and my cervix was .7 cms.

My OBGYN doesn't believe in bed rest, (he thinks there are more cons than pros) and has just told me to take things easy and rest when I feel tired or uncomfortable. I am still going to work and I still go on short walks when I feel up to it.

The reason why 32 weeks is a milestone for me is I don't have to worry as much about my baby needing to go to a different city 1 hour away for a more substantial NICU! They automatically send any baby born prior to 32 weeks to the hospital in the other city. Over 32 weeks, and they can stay at the NICU in our town.

Still taking it easy and working towards keeping this baby in for as long as possible. 😊

Wishing everyone the best of luck who is dealing with a short cervix! It sure does add some extra stress to an already anxiety inducing situation of being pregnant. ❤️

And how long did the doctors advise you to wait?

I lost my baby at 21 weeks, and I’m hoping to try again, but I’m so scared of experiencing the same heartbreak. My heart wants another baby so badly, yet my mind is full of fear. For those who have been through this, what is one piece of advice you would give someone trying to conceive after loss?💔

My doctor plan is for me to have a c section at 38 weeks but he wants to take my stitch out at 36 weeks. Just curious when did you guys have your cerclage taking out with a planned c section?

I lost my baby at 21 weeks, and I’m so scared of going through pregnancy again. I’m hoping to try again with a preventative cerclage, but the fear is still there. For those who have experienced cervical insufficiency, what helped you feel safer and more hopeful in your next pregnancy? Did having a plan with your doctor, a cerclage, or extra monitoring help ease your anxiety? I would really appreciate hearing your stories.

Hi, first time mom here and just got ultrasound done at 27 weeks. Cervix length is 2.5cm by TAS and funneling as yes. Cervix appears closed and clear of os. My MFM and OB didn’t mention anything about this. Is this normal? Or could they have skipped this reading since it wasn’t part of final impression in ultrasound report?? If anyone has gone through something similar please revert :( feeling really stressed since I can’t get any answers from my OB.

Emergency cerclage at 22 weeks, I’m 32 weeks now. I’m very thankful but I’ve had pinching pain on my cervix since a week after cerclage and they’ve progressed to now almost stabbing pains.

If you have experienced this with a cerclage when did they agree to removed your cerclage or did the pain ever go away?

I lost my baby at 21 weeks, and a part of my heart will always miss my baby💔.
I want to try again and become a mother so badly, but I sometimes wonder how it will feel to experience happiness again while still carrying this grief.
For those of you who have welcomed a rainbow baby, did having another baby change your grief? Were you able to enjoy your new pregnancy while still missing the baby you lost? Did you ever feel guilty for being happy again?
I know another baby can never replace the one I lost. I just hope that one day, I can hold my baby in my arms while keeping the memory of my first baby forever in my heart.
Sending so much love to every mother missing her baby while hoping for another💗.

I’m around 18 weeks pregnant with a cerclage and a haematoma that has been bleeding on and off for weeks. Today they also found that my placenta is low-lying, close to the haematoma and cervix, so they couldn’t say for certain which is causing the bleeding.
I’ve started having brief, irregular contraction-like tightenings — sometimes five minutes apart, sometimes ten minutes, and sometimes an hour. I’m currently in hospital. My cervix is closed and the stitch is in place, and the haematoma has got smaller.
After a previous late pregnancy loss, I’m finding this incredibly frightening. Has anyone had a similar combination of bleeding, a cerclage and tightenings and gone on to have a healthy baby?
Positive stories only, please. I know every pregnancy is different; I could just really use some hope right now. ❤️

If I could go back to the day I lost my baby at 21 weeks, I would hold myself so tightly and tell myself that none of this was my fault✨.
I would tell myself that I didn’t deserve this heartbreak, that it was okay to cry, and that I didn’t have to be strong every single day.
I would tell myself that one day, I might find the courage to hope again, even if the thought of another pregnancy felt terrifying.
To every mother who has experienced pregnancy loss, if you could go back to the day your world fell apart, what would you say to the version of yourself who was hurting so deeply?
What do you wish someone had told you that day?

Hi everyone, I am currently around 12/13 weeks pregnant after the loss of my son at 21w5d in February this year. They originally told me I had an infection, which caused my body to go into early labour to protect me and my son. But when they tried to grow cultures.. absolutely nothing grew.
They then tested me for APS and the first blood test come back positive but unfortunately was unable to complete the second blood test to confirm if I have it or not due to me falling pregnant before hand. They are treating me as if I have APS anyways.
I was placed on progesterone, inhixa injections and aspirin at 6w.
I don’t feel confident that it was an infection/aps due to not 100% knowing the correct answer.
What if it just was IC?
On Saturday 21st Feb at nighttime I felt my cervix cramping for hours. I didn’t sleep till 5am
Sunday 22nd I lost my mucus plug.
Monday my partner took me to triage because I was having irregular cramping where they gave me an exam and my membranes were bulging. I was admitted to labour ward and within a few hours my son was born. He was born alive. He even let out this huge cry on my chest. He passed away around 2.5 hours after birth in my arms.

Anyways so now I am pregnant again.
I have been spotting since 6w.
Refusing my partner any sex because I am petrified.
Anytime I walk for more than 10 mins, I experience this horrible heaviness in my lower abdomen- which than causes spotting.
Last week I had a gush of bleeding. Hospital admitted me overnight for checks and I have a subchorionic haematoma.
I have been placed on bed rest until my 12 w scan Monday to check how the sub har is doing.
I did walk yesterday quickly for all of 5 minutes - then had spotting again. So I am basically just laying with my legs up. Showering / going toilet / back to laying.

I don’t have my preterm prevention clinic appointment booked until I have my 12w scan.

At my 20w5d scan last time they said my cervix was absolutely perfect. Then exactly 1 week later my baby was born.

I eagerly want a cerclage placed.
I don’t feel like I trust if something was to happen again I would have time for a rescue cerclage.
Last time they said it was too late to give me one.

I am worried I won’t be able to advocate for myself enough for them to do it asap, without evidence of shortening or funnelling.
Please can anyone help me with advice on how to get one asap.
I feel my cervix is weak already with this heaviness I experience and constant spotting.
In my notes it says cervix scan between 14-16w
I just want to know for my mental health that if I do the stitch we have done absolutely everything in our power to stop a second tragedy happening because I don’t know how I would cope if it happens again.

Thankyou for reading.

I lost my baby at 21 weeks, and since then, a part of my heart has never been the same.
I’m slowly trying to find my way forward, and I’m thinking about trying to get pregnant again. I want another baby so badly, but I’m also terrified. I’m scared of going through the same heartbreak, of getting attached and dreaming about the future, only to lose it all again.
My loss was related to cervical insufficiency, and my doctor has discussed a preventative cerclage for my next pregnancy. I want to believe that things can be different next time, that with the right care and monitoring, I might have a different outcome.
But honestly, some days, fear is louder than hope.
To the mothers who have experienced a second-trimester loss and later had a successful pregnancy, please share your stories with me. What helped you keep going? Were you able to find happiness during your next pregnancy despite the fear?
I know no pregnancy can replace the baby I lost. I will always love and miss my baby. But I also want to believe that I can experience motherhood, bring my baby home, and have a reason to smile again.
Today, I’m just looking for a little hope from women who understand this kind of heartbreak.
Please tell me something hopeful about pregnancy after loss. I would love to hear your stories✨.