Worried - incompetent cervix

[Lolly85x]

Hi ladies, I'm just new to this Internet forum thing and really just looking for some advise from someone who knows a bit more about pregnancy than me.

So here goes... I'm 21 weeks pregnant with my 1st baby. I have had 4 previous m/c which resulted in me have 4 d&c procedures. I have never gotten to this far in my pregnancy and all seem to be going well... But basically I have scared myself stupid and gotten myself really worried that because of these previous d&cs that I may have an in competent cervix... I have spoken to my midwife who is useless, and my gp who says they do not routinely check the cervix unless you have suffered a late term loss. Which is understandable... Basically I think I just need some reassurance that just because iv had these procedures that it doesn't mean this will happen to me. Has anyone gone through this and not had an incompetent cervix... I'm just a bit of a worrier! Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Bella83]

Hi iv not had those procedures but have had previous surgeries. I was given a cervical scan at 16wks to check the length of the cervix and also an internal exam to check it. I have another cervical scan at 22wks to check it hasn't shortened. Do u have a consultant? Or just midwife care? I live in Kent so it may be different here but your GP or midwife should be able to refer you for a cervical scan.

 

[TORino]

I wouldn't worry yourself too much hun.

I don't think an incompetent cervix is a common complication of having a d&c. There are LOTS of women on here who have had d&cs and went on to carry full term without any problems.

Complications from d&cs are usually related to perforation and scarring of the uterus and ashermans syndrome which can prevent implantation of embryos if they occur. You haven't experienced this as you have conceived and reached 21 weeks.

I think they check your cervix at the 20 week scan too, so any potential problems would have been spotted then.

Congrats on your pregnancy Hun x

 

[Lolly85x]

Thank you so much for replying, I guess I'm just worrying for nothing. I do have a consultant, but not had any appointments with them. I live in Scotland. I think that they don't really tell you enough about these things then I worry! Thanks again for replying!!! Much appreciated!xx

 

[TORino]

Pregnancy is a scary period especially after a miscarriage. It's easy to read things on the Internet and then convince yourself that they are going to happen to you. I've done it loads because I am so paranoid that things are going to go wrong again.

Have faith in your body sweetie. I'm sure it will all come good this time xx

 

[Kirsty.Y.84]

Hmm, it seems odd that they haven't checked the length of your cervix as they did mine at my 20 week scan (and I think the 12 week one too) although I also live in Kent so it could be a local thing.

Are you worried that the reason you have miscarried is because you have an incompetent cervix? I don't know much about it but I know people who have lost babies due to this, but they didn't lose them until around 20 weeks. I also know people who have managed to carry full term and have healthy babies despite having an incompetent cervix. Normally they offer to fit you with a cap or stitch to stop the cervix from dilating, but obviously they need to diagnose this first!

Have you got any more scans booked? Or could you ask to have one booked in? x

 

[Lolly85x]

See that's the thing, no-one has mentioned an incompetent cervix to me at all... It's just been me reading up on things online - bad I know!!! But it's just because iv had these procedures. My previous doctor didn't mention that I'd lost my babies due to an incomplet cervix. I think I'm always just looking for something to go wrong as I expect it will. I also read that's it s not till later on that the baby puts pressure on the cervix which makes you had a late term loss. I had my 20 week scan on Monday, and was only a stomach scan. An I thought to check the cervix it was internal. There was no concerns at my scan. And I dont have another scan booked in as far as I'm aware. Another 3 weeks till my next midwife appointment.

 

[Lolly85x]

Kirsty maybe they did check my cervix, and I just havnt realised. It's not on my notes or anything. I'm wondering if it's different because I'm in Scotland. I was told they only check cervix if you've suffered a late term loss...

 

[Bella83]

To check your cervix they do an internal scan. Have you had one of these?

 

[Lolly85x]

Iv definetly never had an internal scan!

 

[FirstBabyEek]

Sorry to chip in but just wanted to share my last scan. They checked my cervix with a abdominal scan at 15 weeks. I saw it on the screen, the sonographer talked me through what she could see with my cervix there and then but only because they initially thought that there might be a problem with it.

I think that they do routinely check it but prob don't mention anything to you unless they see a problem.

Xxx

 

[Nurse 26]

Hey hun, ive had 3 D&C also and now 1 week away form my due date, never had any cervix scans or anything but not had any problems, its natural to worry but i'm sure everything will be fine, As Tor said its not a common complication of the procedure. xx

 

[Lolly85x]

Thanks nurse 26!! Wow!! Not long to go so exciting!!! You all ready xx