Two and a half years ago, after dealing with infertility for several years, I conceived twins. The pregnancy went along smoothly, until at 19 weeks I leaked a little amniotic fluid. A couple days later, when my doctor examined me, she sent me immediately to the hospital, since I was dilated 3 cm and 75% effaced. I received a rescue cerclage and stayed in the hospital for 2-1/2 weeks, when I delivered my daughter and son, who both died shortly after delivery.
About a year ago, I conceived again (just one baby this time). I had a vaginal cerclage placed at 11-1/2 weeks. According to my doctor, my cervix is about half as long as most women's. The doctor that performed the cerclage actually pulled some of my uterus down with the cerclage to reinforce my cervix. I elected to have an epidural for the procedure, instead of general anesthesia. The recovery from the cerclage was much more painful than I expected it would be.
I was on different degrees of bedrest for the majority of my pregnancy. Beginning at around 18 weeks, I had to take terbutaline to stop contractions and was placed on strict bed est for the remainder of the pregnancy. My doctor took out the cerclage at 37 weeks; she expected me to go into labor immediately, but that didn't happen. My water broke exactly one week later, and 24 hours after my water broke, we had a beautiful, 8-pound 7-ounce little girl!
The main thing that helped us have a healthy, full-term baby was prayer! LOTS of prayer! Family, friends, and friends-of-friends prayed for us beginning from when we announced the pregnancy. God is good, and He blessed us with our beautiful daughter!
