i was told i had incompetant cervix as well

i was dialeting very early without contractions and they put me at risk for preterm labor
my daughter made it full term but was born at 37 weeks 5 days

heres some more info for you!

A weakened cervix can be caused by one or more of the following conditions:

Previous surgery on the cervix
Damage during a difficult birth
Malformed cervix or uterus from a birth defect
Previous trauma to the cervix, such as a D&C (dilation and curettage) from a termination or a miscarriage
DES (Diethylstilbestrol) exposure

Incompetent cervix is not routinely checked for during pregnancy and therefore is not usually diagnosed until after a second or third trimester miscarriage has occurred.

Women can be evaluated before pregnancy, or in early pregnancy by ultrasound, if they have any of the factors that are potential causes of incompetent cervix. Diagnosis can be made by your physician though a pelvic exam or by an ultrasound. The ultrasound would be used to measure the cervical opening or the length of the cervix.


The treatment for an incompetent or weakened cervix is a procedure that sews the cervix closed to reinforce the weak cervix. This procedure is called a cerclage and is usually performed between week 14-16 of pregnancy. These sutures will be removed between 36-38 weeks to prevent any problems when you go into labor. Removal of the cerclage does not result in spontaneous delivery of the baby. A woman would not be eligible for a cerclage if:

There is increased irritation of the cervix
The cervix has dilated 4cm
Membranes have ruptured
Possible complications of cervical cerclage include uterine rupture, maternal hemorrhage, bladder rupture, cervical laceration, preterm labor and premature rupture of the membranes. The likelihood of these risks is very minimal, and most health care providers feel that a cerclage is a life saving procedure that is worth the possible risks involved.

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy complications/incompetentcervix.html

Thank you so much !!! you have been quite informative on this issue, I was quite confused as to what might happen and one of the doctors I spoke to sounded so negative on the procedure, my prenancy was fine until week 20 I guess when I noticed this discharge and I guess that week when I also went for my ultra sound the nurse noticed the problem but it was too late, found out that it was actually the membrane discharging, so I will be classed as high risk and probably have to take bredrest for the next one. Thnak you again for the info.

im so sorry for your loss

your welcome!!!!! and i hope your next pregnancy goes well!!!!!