Incompetent cervix? Please help!

[paleandinteresting]

I'm currently 10 + 6 with DC1. My mum has an incompetent cervix and lost her first baby at 26 weeks. With my older sister, my mum had a stitch at 20 weeks to keep her cervix closed as it was already starting to thin and the rest of that pregnancy was fine although she was advised to do as little as possible. With me, she also had a stitch put in, but it slipped and she had to have complete bed rest for about the last 4 months of pregnancy. She is now scaring me witless as she's convinced I'll also probably have an incompetent cervix - I'm sure she's just trying to make sure I'm prepared in case, but I'm really worried! My older sister hasn't started trying to conceive yet.

I talked to the midwife about it at my booking-in appointment, but she brushed it off and I got the impression she didn't think it would be a problem. I've looked online and some places say that it isn't hereditary, whereas other places say that it is likely to run in families.

Has anyone had any experience with this, or had any advice/information from a midwife or doctor? Thanks!

you need your cervix measured on an ultrasound regularly, monthly or more. if it starts to shorten beyond a certain point, they'll put a stitch in.

but tbh, from what i understand of the nhs, they are v hands-off and won't do anything until you either lose a baby, or create such a shit storm that it's either call the police or get her a scan. not sure what you want to do, in that case.

i am not in the uk. am at risk of incompetent cervix though, and my OB had me scanned at 8, 12, 14 and 18 weeks with a cervical measurement, and she manually checks my cervix at each antenatal appt. no problems yet. am 19 weeks now.

she also told me that if my cervix is going to open, there's nothing i can do about it, so exercise and sex is fine and there's no need to take it extra easy iyswim.

hth

Hi pale I'm not sure about whether it's hereditary or not? But I thought that I'd let you know my experience to date.

I had a loop cone biopsy for precancerous cells about 6 years ago and wasn't told at the time that it might affect pregnancy in the future. When I got my BFP, I stumbled upon some information on it and realised that it may have compromised my cervix.

I had my booking in appt a few weeks ago and mentioned it to the midwife, she, like yours, just brushed it aside but I pushed her to refer me to a consultant.

I was seen this morning (I'm 14w6d), he measured my cervix (24mm) and has recommended that I have a stitch put in. I'm so pleased that I insisted!

I'd push your midwife for referral. They don't always know best, don't be worried about wasting their time, it may be nothing but I'd much rather go and be told it's fine than leave it and be unaware of a problem. You'll be able to relax then instead of spending the whole pregnancy worrying about every twinge and keeping your legs crossed

Hi pale I'm in a similar situation to kelbells as I had a cone biopsy back in 2004. The gynaecologist at the time had said that I might run the risk of an incompetent cervix.

My NHS trust have been brilliant. I mentioned it in passing as the booking in session and the midwife immediately booked me in with the consultant. I'm due to see him tomorrow in fact, so will be interested to see what he says.

Hello - I had tissue removed from my cervix last year (not a loop cone, a LETZ whatever that stands for). I was told there was a high chance I would have a compromised cervix if I got P. I am late 30's and I am P now. At 24 weeks, I had what i thought were contractions so went to the mat unit - turns out it was pre term labour but it was stopped. After an examination and scan, I was told i had a very short soft cervix and I would prob not carry full term, they gave me steroid injections for the baby's lung development just in case. I was in a real panic and really scared.

I am now 36 weeks and have no pain down below like i did with my first, I thought i would have but hey. I have a fab MW who has said it differs from woman to woman, and if I have held on this long, it is likely I will to the end.

If i were you I would speak to MW/Doc/Consultant who will keep an eye on you. I have always found the internet a dangerous place for diagnosis as there are so many differing opinions. Also, I would not listen to family members, unless they are medically qualified, what do they know? Be quite insistent about what you want with your MW/NHS, it's your body, your baby:) Perhaps the MW seemed to brush it aside as she does not consider it a risk?? Hope all goes well

Thank you for all your replies, I'm really happy to hear that everything is going well with your pregnancies. Next time I see the midwife I'll definitely be more insistent and try to get a referral (I'll also try not to get too worried about what my mum says!). Good luck for your appointment tomorrow londonlivvy!

If your midwife won't refer you, why not ask your gp?