What is an incompetent cervix?

callmepoppy · Aug 15th, 2009, 07:44 AM

can anyone explain to me what this is and how you know you have it?

I'd never heard of it!

Bam · Aug 15th, 2009, 07:49 AM

It's basically a weak cervix, usually cause by a birth defect or some kind of injury. You can't really tell if you have one without examination and ultrasound to specifically look for it.

Here's some more info: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pre...entcervix.html

mwttc · Aug 15th, 2009, 09:26 AM

Basically it is not fun at all! I have one due to multiple surgeries for pre cancerous cells in my cervix.

With IC your cervix can dilate and funnel and open AT ANY TIME. Meaning many women have 2nd tri miscarriages-- thus finding out they have an IC. I am one of the lucky ones who knew before getting pregnant my cervix was Incompetent due to the surgeries I have had. I had a cerclage at 14 weeks (stitch the cervix shut to hopefully prevent dilation). I have vaginal ultrasounds every two weeks to measure my cervical length and I am on modified bedrest to keep pressure/weight off my cervix. The more pressure/weight on cervix the better the chance of it dilating too soon.

The goal with my perinatologist is to make it to 36 weeks. I will do anything to keep baby safe and cozy in there until it is time to come out. I just hope the cerclage helps me out!

trish4 · Aug 15th, 2009, 10:09 AM

Well i have an incompetent cervix and it basically means that as my pregnancy gets bigger my cervix opens sending me into labour.For me it was diagnosed when i had 2 late M/c at 22weeks and 19 weeks when i my waters broke and i went into labour.In order for a pregnancy to progress you would need your cervix to remain tightly closed throughout the pregnancy.

Tyra86 · Aug 15th, 2009, 16:12 PM

really sorry to hear about ur losses trish. i am worried about this because my mum had IC. how do you know when it occurs? i have browsed the net for signs n warnings that it may be about to happen but its quite vague. im not trying to scare myself....i just like to be informed n prepared. my doc said there was no reason to check me, but just how common is it??

callmepoppy · Aug 16th, 2009, 17:15 PM

I am worried too. no idea how common it is... Can it happen to anyone or just cetain people?

Aug 15th, 2009, 07:44 AM	#1
callmepoppy Pregnant (Expecting) Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: scotland Posts: 384	What is an incompetent cervix? can anyone explain to me what this is and how you know you have it? I'd never heard of it!

Status: Offline

Aug 15th, 2009, 07:49 AM	#2
Bam Pregnant (Expecting) Active BnB Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: TN, USA Posts: 804	It's basically a weak cervix, usually cause by a birth defect or some kind of injury. You can't really tell if you have one without examination and ultrasound to specifically look for it. Here's some more info: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pre...entcervix.html

Status: Offline

Aug 15th, 2009, 09:26 AM	#3
mwttc Pregnant (Expecting) Active BnB Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Virginia Posts: 245	Basically it is not fun at all! I have one due to multiple surgeries for pre cancerous cells in my cervix. With IC your cervix can dilate and funnel and open AT ANY TIME. Meaning many women have 2nd tri miscarriages-- thus finding out they have an IC. I am one of the lucky ones who knew before getting pregnant my cervix was Incompetent due to the surgeries I have had. I had a cerclage at 14 weeks (stitch the cervix shut to hopefully prevent dilation). I have vaginal ultrasounds every two weeks to measure my cervical length and I am on modified bedrest to keep pressure/weight off my cervix. The more pressure/weight on cervix the better the chance of it dilating too soon. The goal with my perinatologist is to make it to 36 weeks. I will do anything to keep baby safe and cozy in there until it is time to come out. I just hope the cerclage helps me out!

Status: Offline

Aug 15th, 2009, 10:09 AM	#4
trish4 Other Active BnB Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 111	Well i have an incompetent cervix and it basically means that as my pregnancy gets bigger my cervix opens sending me into labour.For me it was diagnosed when i had 2 late M/c at 22weeks and 19 weeks when i my waters broke and i went into labour.In order for a pregnancy to progress you would need your cervix to remain tightly closed throughout the pregnancy.

Status: Offline

Aug 15th, 2009, 16:12 PM	#5
Tyra86 Pregnant (Expecting) Active BnB Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 213	really sorry to hear about ur losses trish. i am worried about this because my mum had IC. how do you know when it occurs? i have browsed the net for signs n warnings that it may be about to happen but its quite vague. im not trying to scare myself....i just like to be informed n prepared. my doc said there was no reason to check me, but just how common is it??

Status: Offline

Aug 16th, 2009, 17:15 PM	#6
callmepoppy Pregnant (Expecting) Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: scotland Posts: 384	I am worried too. no idea how common it is... Can it happen to anyone or just cetain people?

Status: Offline

Similar Threads
Incompetent Cervix? Worried	Pregnancy - Second Trimester
Short/incompetent cervix after laser treatment	Gestational Complications
If i had an incompetent cervix would i know by now?	Pregnancy - Second Trimester
Can a MW notice an Incompetent Cervix?	Gestational Complications
Can I demand to get my cervix checked for incompetent cervix?	Pregnancy - Second Trimester

User Name		Remember Me?
Password