Incompetent cervix worries

[Barb20]

hello,

I am worrying again! This time about incompetent cervix. I am 21 weeks tomorrow. Had 2 previous losses and no successful pregnancies. My second loss was at 11 weeks and had to have a procedure to remove the pregnancy with a speculum and forceps which is why I’m worried about this now.

I’ve had quite a lot of watery discharge some days over the last few weeks, which I know can be normal. I also feel pressure in my lower abdomen/lower back especially if I’ve been on my feet a while or walking around a lot as I have been today.

Has anyone got any experience with this? At my 20 week scan (which was actually at 18+3) I was told I have low lying placenta and they did see my cervix (I saw it on the screen) but didn’t measure it, I’m kicking myself for not asking them to. I did ask if it looked ok and he said yes it looks fine, but it was a flippant response as he was more concerned with the position of the placenta so I don’t think they were checking the cervix.

I’m scared to go in and get seen as I know they will want to do a transvaginal scan or a speculum exam, both of which I don’t want to do as I don’t want anything going up there and potentially irritating my cervix causing it to open.

Just looking for reassurance/opinions/advice x

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@Barb20 I am a similar gestation to you and have had the same anxieties due to previous loss.

I would say bite the bullet and go get checked because I don't think you will settle otherwise. I am in hospital for other reasons but felt reassured after they did a cervical check.

I know how hard it is - you have all my sympathy 💐

Speculums do not irritate the cervix. Please go and have a discussion with the team in the hospital to see what has happened - watery loss could be concerning and you need to be checked.

You poor thing, pregnancy anxiety is awful. I'm assuming the procedure you had when you experienced the miscarriage was a D&C. I've had this done too and I've not ever heard of it causing damage to the cervix. I had two biopsies last year after an abnormal smear test and I was also worried about my cervix being damaged but it's very good at repairing itself, for obvious reasons.

The pressure you are describing is normal, especially after walking/being on your feet a lot so don't worry about this, but you mention watery discharge so I would consider getting this looked at. It's probably nothing but at least it will put your mind at ease. As pp explained, a vaginal examination will not harm your cervix. Think how many women have vaginal swabs/cervical checks during pregnancy to look for exactly the same thing, they don't then suddenly go into labour.

It wasn’t a d&c, It happened in A&E and I was fully conscious with no pain relief as it all happened very fast- they basically ‘helped’ it out but it was very painful and makes me worry there was damage to my cervix. I know having had a d&c or late miscarriage are risk factors for weak cervix. I have read that the discharge can be totally normal or can be a symptom of incompetent cervix so don’t know what to think there. It’s not clear but milky white, just lots of it and very thin.

I have really struggled so far with this pregnancy, constantly thinking something is wrong or that I’m going to imminently lose the baby. It’s been the toughest year of my life for sure!

@Barb20 If you were likely to have an incompetent cervix / your medical history indicated this might be the case, this would have been picked up already and additional scans to measure your cervix offered. Hope this helps with the reassurance

Definitely get it checked for your peace of mind. Let them know you’re worried about internal scans and tell them your history, they will understand and make sure they reassure you.

also I am 21 weeks myself and this is my second baby, I had 2 mcs before my first baby. I too have had bouts of lower back pain and bump pain (low down) I can’t really remember if I had it last time but I find if I worry about it it makes it worse. I try not to think about if (and I’m busy chasing a toddler too!) but whenever I’ve researched it it seems to be just due to your body changing - it can be round ligament pain and just the body growing so fast and having to accommodate it all. There are loads of aches and pains in pregnancy but if you’re worried get it checked and tell them what you’re not comfortable with x

@Barb20 sorry I've just picked up the reply you sent to me last night. Milky white discharge is completely normal in pregnancy. Are you in the UK? There's private scan clinics that can do a cervical length scan for you for less than £100, is that an option? I know you said you don't want a TV scan but if there was an issue you will know either way.

Also, it does sound a lot like you an experiencing pregnancy related anxiety. Have you been referred to the peri mental health team? I was referred to them this pregnancy due to previous birth trauma and they were really helpful for me.

@Barb20 I got checked out at EOU last week due to watery discharge with white within it, had the speculum cervix check and a few swabs done.

They said it was quite normal to have increasing discharge going into 2nd and 3rd trimester (my was due to slight thrush). But absolutely go and get checked out if it'll ease your mind, it definitely settled mine.

@readyforroundthree thank you- yes, I was referred after my 16 week appointment and have my first mental health appointment this Thursday so it was quite a long wait! I’m interested to see what they say but yes I definitely think I have pregnancy anxiety, it is horrible. I did look into private scans briefly but talked myself out of it due to TV scanning… I know it’s better to know and put my mind at rest so I still might do it.

First of all, i had the same symptoms you're describe at 20 weeks and I'm 34 weeks now (and they're worse.)

Secondly, it they were worried about your cervix you would have been referred to prem prevention and they would have scanned your cervix at 16 weeks and again at 20. If you're worried, maybe call midwife tomorrow and request this?

Thirdly, if you are referer they do not use a speculum, just a transvaginal scan which is completely painless and does not irritate cervix.

Hope that helps.