What Is An Incompetent Cervix
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Symptoms of an incompetent cervix
Call your healthcare provider should you have any of these symptoms:- A mucousy or watery vaginal discharge
- Vaginal spotting or bleeding
- Menstrual-like cramping
- Pelvic pressure or “heaviness”
Who is at higher risk?
You will have a greater risk of developing this if:- You or family members have a history of second trimester miscarriages
- You have a history of unexplained preterm labor
- You have had a cone biopsy or LEEP done on your cervix
- Your cervix was injured during a previous birth
- You have a short cervix
Is there treatment for an incompetent cervix?
One of the most common treatments, and perhaps one of the most controversial as well, is cerclage. This is a procedure where your healthcare provider stitches your cervix to try and help reinforce it and is carried out if your pregnancy is less than 24 weeks. Why is this method so controversial? There has been some research which questions the effectiveness of cerclage preventing miscarriage. The actual procedure itself can expose you to a number of complications such as: preterm delivery, uterine infection, ruptured membranes and uterine “irritation” leading to contractions. Some healthcare providers may prescribe bedrest instead, or even in addition to cerclage. There is no evidence that bedrest alone may be effective, but the idea is that bedrest will allow you to take as much weight off the cervix as possible. Your healthcare provider may ask you to refrain from any sexual activity.Incompetent Cervix