These archives contain posts from the UK Midwives and Consumers email list, a discussion group for people interested in midwifery in the UK. All are welcome to join the group. Posts in these archives express the views of the individual authors, and not those of the Association of Radical Midwives.
Hello Everyone,
I have recently registered on this site after searching on the net for any info
on pregnancy after laser treatment on the cervix. I am 12 weeks pregnant and
have previously had 2lots of cone laser treatment on my cervix for abnormal
cells. I have read that this treatment can weaken the cervix and cause problems
during
pregnancy. I have worked my self in to a state of worry about whether my cervix
will be strong to support my growing baby.Has anyone out there had a similar
experience or can offer me any advice?
I would be extremely grateful!
Katherine.
H Katherine,
can't say I ever heard anything about that. I have had one laser-loop cone biopsy
and had no problems in my last pg nor in this one, so, I might just be lucky
of course, but it has never been mentioned to me that it could be a problem,
I mean, by my m/w's or anything.
LOL
Kerstin
Katherine
I had a laser cone biopsy prior to my two pregnancies both pregnancies were
completely uncomplicated and beautiful births. It is more than possible but
the evidence suggests a slightly increased chance of preterm birth and indicates
that babies born to mothers who have had cone biopsy tend to be slightly smaller
(almost protecting the pregnancy).
Shelly
My sister in New Zealand has had the loop and conebiopsy for cervical cancer
and has been told that should she choose to have children she *has* to have
a c-section as the scar tissue *may not* dilate. I suggested that if it may
not dilate, it also may and an elective c-section seemed premature! The classic
response of course, was "ohhh, I didn't know I would have a choice".
<sigh>. I guess it depends on the consutlant/country/NHS trust you are
in.
Georgina
Please tell me that this was from a consultant and not a midwife....PLEASE!!!!
Have already attended several women who have had this kind of treatment who
have birthed just fine and I'm not even finished my training yet!
Annemarie
A client of mine who had had a cone biopsy in the past laboured at home for five days (well supported by her midwives) before being transferred for a CS because she did not dilate. She struggled with the decision but chose an elective CS with her next baby. So this can happen - but clearly not always.
Alex
*Of course* it was a consultant who said she *had* tohave a c-section. She's never been pregnant so subseqently never seen a midwife. Interestingly a dear friend of mine birthed by c-section recently (in Wellington) after being "stuck" at 7cm for 12 hours,she has had identical surgery to my sister. I figure that that means the surgery may have an affect on some women labours, but, judging by some of the experiences on this list, not on others.
xxGeorgina
HI, another one here who has cone biopsy amongst other treatments. I transferred from a HB about 18 months after it but still gave birth with no problems after 28 hours, then just had a very fast 1 hour HB 8 weeks ago...... My CM's didn't seem at all phased by it saying that you never know till you try... I think i was more worried than they were!
Carrie-Anne x
Scar tissue can be "broken up" during a VE. Just massage firmly and the cervix will dilate very quickly. What a tragedy for a women to suffer so long when just a small intercession would have helped!
You can tell this is the problem when the cervix effaces completely but will
not dilate. Can be so thinned that it feels like a piece if paper with a hole
punched in it on top of another piece of paper.
Warmest Regards,
Angela C.
Updated LW February 22, 2006