Hi girls

I read recently about the issue of miscarriage in the 2nd tri due to an incometent cervix. Last year I had an abnormal pap smear and ended up having to have a colposcopy/biopsy and then the LEETZ procedure to remove the abnormal cells. Now that I had read that this is a factor for an incompetent cervix and that it is often not revealed you have one until after a miscarriage! I am really worried. Is there any way to check how well my cervix is holding up? Is there anything my doc can actually do or is it just a case of hope like hell?

Any experiences with this?

Thanks

Kaz x

I am really not sure honey. You would think they can tell as some have had their's stitched.

I had a cervical cancer scare and had the biopsy done as well. Mine has the opposite problem. It left scar tissue and, as a result, why I've had C-sections.

I went to a seminar on this a few months back (don't ask!) I thnk its possible to measure your cervical length (to see how much the operation took away) and use that to calculate your risk of miscarriage, although from what I remember this isn't usually routinely done unless you have problems. I do remember that they said it was really RARE to have a miscarriage though because of it.

If I were you I'd go and talk to your doc and explain how worried you are and ask what can be done to reassure you. Sorry if thats not much help

I had the same thing done, and got pg very soon afterwards. I never had any problems. I was told that the cells in your cervix regenerate very rapidly, and it really isn't something to worry about unless you had other problems along with having the procedure done.

hi guys im new here hope ur all well, i just wanna let u guyz know bit bout me i was 17 wen i lost my baby boy at 22 weeks due to a incompetent cervix, doctor did some checks and said i will only be able to have 2 or 3 kids max and its 70% success rate with suture, so next pregnancy in 1990 i had stitch put in to keep it closed put in around 13-14 weeks very stressful pregnancy as every little twinge was a major panic i didnt enjoy pregnancy till 36 weeks wen stitch came out, had my little angel at 38 weeks,lol,next pregnancy had stitch in at 16 weeks as i came back from holiday from middle east anxious pregnancy again started to relax at 36 weeks, anyway i went on to have 4 sons(single births)and two beautiful daughters all born at 38 and 39 weeks respectively, all with stitch in .... im 39,eldest is now 21 but i will always remember my first born who would of been 23 on 13th sept 1988,just wanna reasure u ladies that sutures do work and any advice i were to giv would be to bed rest as much as possible i think for me that was key in carrying full term good luck and i would lov to see that doctor now who said i would only be able to hav 2 children.

They can check cervix length with an internal scan. I think generally anything shorter than 25mm could be cause for concern, and less than 20mm usually requires intervention. If it was in the low range they would probably monitor it every couple of weeks. It's possible to keep it under control with bed rest but sometimes they put a little stitch in to hold it closed. Also even if it's on the lower end of the scale it doesn't mean you definitely have an incompetent cervix, it could just naturally be shorter, and it changes length day by day during pregnancy depending on what you're doing anyway.

If you are worried I would try to get an internal scan and take it from there. In the UK they won't do it on the NHS unless you have a history of IC/ptl so I paid for a private scan to get mine checked. I'm sure you are fine tho

Hi,
I also had colposcopy and loop incision due to abnormal cells. I had this done in 2000 + 2007..... When I had my midwife appointment I told her about this treatment...... I was also concerned it would make my cervix incompetent and possibly cause premature labour..... I think as standard if you have had treatment of this kind you are reffered to see a consultant..... I had my cervix measured at both 12 and 22 week scan.... I had my consultant app at around 16 weeks..... I was basically told that the treatment I had does not make the cervix incompetant...... It's possible, due to the scarring that when in labour I may not dilate properly.. However, there is only a small chance of this..... Many years ago the loop incision / colposcopy was alot different... Now days they only take away a very small amount...... Unless you have had something called coning when they take alot away.......
If your concerned, then make sure you speak with your Dr / Midwife - Ask for your cervix to be measured at your scan......
It's worth it if it puts your mind at rest.................. But from what I read you have nothing to worry about... ;-)

Hey hon, there's a long thread on IC on gestational complications, as there are many of us with a cerclage. Here it is:

Incompetent Cervix - stitch/cerclage - threatened labour

I had a preventative cerclage placed @ 13 weeks as there was a small opening on my cervix. Mine was discovered during my HSG as the dye kept leaking out before it had time to travel to my tubes. Then my doctor performed a transvaginal u/s and measured my cervix' length and its opening.