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If you are at very high-risk of premature labour and have a weak cervix, the most common treatment is a cervical stitch or cerclage. A cervical stitch is an operation where a stitch is placed around the cervix (neck of the womb). This may help to keep the cervix closed and reduce the risk of premature birth.
What are the treatment options for a weak cervix?
An incompetent cervix can be difficult to diagnose and treat. If your cervix begins to open early, or you have a history of cervical insufficiency, your doctor might recommend preventive medication during pregnancy, frequent ultrasounds or a procedure that closes the cervix with strong sutures (cervical cerclage).
How do you fix an incompetent cervix?
This is uncommon. A weak cervix is sometimes known as cervical incompetence or cervical insufficiency. These terms do not sound pleasant but try to remember they are medical terms. It does not describe you or your body. “I lost my first baby at 20 weeks due to an ‘incompetent cervix’.
Is it normal to have a weak cervix?
If your cervix begins to open early, or you have a history of cervical insufficiency, your doctor might recommend preventive medication during pregnancy, frequent ultrasounds or a procedure that closes the cervix with strong sutures (cervical cerclage).
What should I do if my cervix is open?
Why is my cervix incompetent?
Why does my cervix open so quickly?
What is an incompetent cervix?
Can you prevent an incompetent cervix?
Can a cervical tear cause cervical insufficiency?
Can an incompetent cervix be treated?
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How do you stop a weak cervix?
PreventionSeek regular prenatal care. Prenatal visits can help your doctor monitor your health and your baby's health. ... Eat a healthy diet. During pregnancy, you'll need more folic acid, calcium, iron and other essential nutrients. ... Gain weight wisely. ... Avoid risky substances.
How do you know if you have a weak cervix?
Your doctor might diagnose an incompetent cervix if you have: A history of painless cervical dilation and second trimester deliveries. Advanced cervical dilation and effacement before week 24 of pregnancy without painful contractions, vaginal bleeding, water breaking (ruptured membranes) or infection.
How can I make my cervix stronger naturally?
5 foods for a healthy cervixWinter squash. Squash is abundant in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that becomes vitamin A in the body; it makes the immune system strong and may lower the risk of cancer. ... Pink grapefruit. The key compound for cervical health here is lycopene. ... Broccoli. ... Bell peppers. ... Spinach.
How common is a weak cervix?
This pressure may cause the cervix to start to open before the baby is ready to be born. This condition is called incompetent cervix or weakened cervix, and it may lead to a miscarriage or premature delivery. However, an incompetent cervix happens in only about 1 out of 100 pregnancies.
What foods make your cervix stronger?
1. Vitamins for a Healthy CervixA healthy diet with these antioxidant vitamins can help maintain a healthy cervix.Vitamin A packed foods include Sweet potato, carrots, spinach, pumpkin, mangoes, and cantaloupe.More items...•
Can you have a normal pregnancy after incompetent cervix?
The University of Chicago Medicine offers hope to families struggling with an incompetent cervix diagnosis, also called cervical insufficiency. With treatment from our experts, it's possible for women with a history or high risk of recurrent pregnancy loss or preterm birth to carry and deliver healthy babies.
How can I increase my cervix health?
The following tips all support the health of your cervix.1) Observe annual exams and schedule pap smears. ... 2) Follow your doctor's recommendations. ... 3) Get the HPV vaccination. ... Quit smoking. ... Eat well and eliminate stress.
Is an incompetent cervix hereditary?
A:Incompetent cervix can be hereditary and occur in siblings - also if that is the case then other uterine abnormalities like a double / septate / arcuate uterus needs to be ruled out by an x-ray called a hysterosalpingography (to be done after pregnancy is over).
What are the symptoms of abnormal cervical cells?
The most common symptom is abnormal bleeding that starts and stops between regular menstrual periods, or that occurs after sexual intercourse, douching, or a pelvic exam. Other symptoms may include: Heavier menstrual bleeding, which may last longer than usual. Bleeding after menopause.
Will bed rest help incompetent cervix?
Conclusions: Therapeutic cerclage with bed rest reduces preterm delivery before 34 weeks of gestation and compound neonatal morbidity in women with risk factors and/or symptoms of cervical incompetence and a cervical length of <25 mm before 27 weeks of gestation.
Can incompetent cervix cause early miscarriage?
Cervical insufficiency, formerly called "incompetent cervix," means that a woman's cervix shortens, weakens, and begins dilating and opening too early in the pregnancy. This may lead to miscarriage.
What does a soft cervix feel like?
A soft cervix is what it sounds like — it feels soft to the touch. When firm, your cervix will feel like an unripe piece of fruit. When it gets soft, it feels more like ripe fruit. You might also hear that a firm cervix feels like the tip of your nose and a soft cervix feels like your lips.
How can I check my cervix at home?
Use one hand to separate your labia and your dominant hand to insert one finger into the vagina. Your middle finger or pointer finger are typically the best fingers to check your cervix with, according to Dr. Evans. “You can use water-based lubricant or coconut oil if needed,” she adds.
What does a soft cervix feel like?
A soft cervix is what it sounds like — it feels soft to the touch. When firm, your cervix will feel like an unripe piece of fruit. When it gets soft, it feels more like ripe fruit. You might also hear that a firm cervix feels like the tip of your nose and a soft cervix feels like your lips.
What causes damage to the cervix?
Pregnancy, labor, and delivery commonly cause irritation and trauma to the cervix. Extra blood is sent to tissues around the cervix during pregnancy, making it more sensitive. Also, your growing baby puts your pelvic organs and cervix under increased pressure.
How can I increase my cervix health?
The following tips all support the health of your cervix.1) Observe annual exams and schedule pap smears. ... 2) Follow your doctor's recommendations. ... 3) Get the HPV vaccination. ... Quit smoking. ... Eat well and eliminate stress.
What Is an Incompetent Cervix?
The cervix is a long, narrow passage at the lower end of the uterus. In a healthy pregnancy, the cervix will maintain its shape until late in the t...
What Causes an Incompetent Cervix?
Physicians must take a thorough history of the mother in order to identify risk factors for an incompetent cervix and premature birth. Factors that...
What Is a Short Cervix, and How Is It Related to Cervical Insufficiency?
Short cervix (where the cervical tissue does not stay closed due to insufficient tissue length) is often synonymous with incompetent cervix. Althou...
What Are Signs and Symptoms of an Incompetent Cervix?
Incompetent cervix is often asymptomatic (which is why it is so important for doctors to consider risk factors), although some women experience mil...
How Is an Incompetent Cervix Diagnosed?
If any of the risk factors for an incompetent cervix are present, the physician should review the woman’s history and perform a physical exam and u...
How Is an Incompetent Cervix Treated?
There are two important treatments for incompetent cervix – cervical cerclage and progesterone: nCervical cerclagenA cervical cerclage is a type of...
Why Is It Important to Prevent Premature Birth?
Babies who are born prematurely are at higher risk of birth injuries and subsequent disabilities because of their underdeveloped organs and low bir...
What Are Signs of Incompetent Cervix? - MedicineNet
Incompetent cervix or cervical insufficiency frequently presents with no symptoms. During the second trimester of pregnancy, the most common sign of an incompetent cervix is painless cervical dilation and bulging fetal membranes.Expectant mothers, on the other hand, are often unable to feel this at all.
Incompetent Cervix: Causes, Treatments & Tests - Cleveland Clinic
During pregnancy, the cervix is closed at the lower end. It thins and opens before childbirth. When it opens too early in a pregnancy, it is called incompetent cervix (also known as cervical insufficiency).
Incompetent Cervix: What Causes It, and How It's Treated - WebMD
Incompetent cervix is a condition where your cervix opens too early during pregnancy. It's also called cervical insufficiency. This can cause you to have a miscarriage or to give birth too early ...
What Causes An Incompetent Cervix? - PregWorld
What Is Cervical Incompetence? Cervical insufficiency or incompetence is a pathology associated with pregnancy in which the cervix opens before the pregnancy reaches the term or in the absence of labor. The effects of a cervical insufficiency are noticed during the second and third trimester of pregnancy, when the internal cervix opens, followed the premature rupture of the membranes and ...
Incompetent Cervix - What to Expect
Luckily, there is a relatively minor procedure called cervical cerclage that can help. Done somewhere between 12 to 22 weeks of pregnancy, cerclage involves placing drawstring-like sutures around or through the cervix to fasten it closed.
What does it mean when your cervix is insufficiency?
Your doctor will examine your cervix to see if the amniotic sac has begun to protrude through the opening (prolapsed fetal membranes). If the fetal membranes are in your cervical canal or vagina, this indicates cervical insufficiency. Your doctor will also check for contractions and, if necessary, monitor them.
When do you remove stitches from a cervical cervix?
Typically, the stitches are removed during the last month of pregnancy.
How to prevent premature birth?
If you are less than 24 weeks pregnant or have a history of early premature birth and an ultrasound shows that your cervix is opening, a surgical procedure known as cervical cerclage might help prevent premature birth. During this procedure, the cervix is stitched closed with strong sutures.
How to diagnose incompetent cervix?
Tests and procedures to help diagnose an incompetent cervix during the second trimester include: Transvaginal ultrasound. Your doctor may use transvaginal ultrasound to evaluate the length of your cervix and to check if membranes are protruding through the cervix. During this type of ultrasound, a slender transducer is placed in your vagina ...
What to ask your doctor about a pregnancy?
Your doctor will ask about any symptoms you're having and your medical history. Be sure to let your doctor know if you've had a pregnancy loss during the second trimester or if you had a procedure on your cervix. Your doctor might diagnose an incompetent cervix if you have: A history of painless cervical dilation and second trimester deliveries. ...
What is the risk factor for cervical insufficiency?
Tanner LD, et al. Maternal race/ethnicity as a risk factor for cervical insufficiency. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology. 2018;221:156.
When to remove cervical sutures?
The sutures will be removed during the last month of pregnancy or during labor. If you have a history of premature births that are likely due to cervical insufficiency, your doctor might also recommend cervical cerclage before your cervix begins to open (prophylactic cerclage).
What does it mean when your cervix is weak?
A weak cervix is when there is a structural problem with the cervix. If you have a weak cervix, it can shorten and open in the second or early in the third trimester, without any symptoms of labour. This can sometimes lead to a late miscarriage or premature labour. This is uncommon.
When is a woman at risk for a weak cervix?
You are at higher risk of having a weak cervix if you have had one or more premature births or miscarriages that happened during the second or early third trimester (generally at 34 weeks or earlier).
What is the treatment for cervical cancer?
These treatments include trachelectomy (surgical removal of the cervix), LLETZ procedures or cone biopsy. In some of these procedures, a significant amount of cervix may have been removed. Your healthcare professional may need to monitor your cervix during pregnancy if more than 1cm of tissue is removed.
How much cervix has been removed?
In some cases, quite a lot of cervix may have been removed and it is a good idea to ask your gynaecologist whether more than 1 cm of tissue was removed. You may have experienced previous obstetric cervical trauma, such as cervical tearing during labour or prior dilation and curettage (D&C).
When does the cervix shorten?
When the cervix shortens and opens in the second trimester (16 to 24 weeks) or early in the third trimester without any other symptoms of labour it may be referred to as cervical incompetence or cervical insufficiency. Home PregnancyHub Pregnancy complications Cervical incompetence. The cervix is the canal at the base of the womb (uterus) ...
What to do if you think you are in early labour?
Call your midwife or hospital maternity unit straight away if you think you are in early labour. It may be a false alarm, but it’s best to get checked out. Find out more about the symptoms of premature labour.
Can cervix opening cause premature labor?
The cervix opening early can cause premature labour, so it’s important to know the signs, including:
What is shortness of cervix?
Short cervix (where the cervical tissue does not stay closed due to insufficient tissue length ) is often synonymous with incompetent cervix. Although a certain degree of shortness can be caused by normal biological variance, it is usually the result of incompetent cervix. Management for these two conditions is very similar (4).
What is it called when your cervix is short?
However, some pregnant women experience a condition called incompetent cervix (also known as insufficient cervix or cervical insufficiency). This means that their cervix begins to shorten or dilate before the baby is ready to be born, putting the pregnancy at risk for miscarriage or premature birth (1). Medical professionals should know the risk ...
How to tell if cervix is incompetent?
Incompetent cervix is often asymptomatic (which is why it is so important for doctors to consider risk factors), although some women experience mild symptoms. These typically appear between weeks 14 and 20 of pregnancy, and include the following (1, 5): 1 A sensation of pelvic pressure 2 A backache 3 Abdominal cramps 4 A change in vaginal discharge (volume, color, or consistency) 5 Light vaginal bleeding/spotting 6 Braxton-Hicks-like contractions
Why does my cervix open?
Factors that may cause the cervix to open or shorten in early pregnancy include anything that can cause cervical weakness (i.e. the cervix is not strong enough to withstand the weight of the growing baby). Specifically, risk factors for incompetent cervix include the following (1, 2, 3): Short cervical length. Prior miscarriage.
How many weeks do you have to be pregnant to get a cerclage?
According to the American College for Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), eligibility for cerclage can be based off of the following factors: A history of incompetent cervix (typically, these women would have a cerclage placed between approximately 13 and 14 weeks of pregnancy)
How do you know if you have an incompetent cervix?
These typically appear between weeks 14 and 20 of pregnancy, and include the following (1, 5): A sensation of pelvic pressure. A backache. Abdominal cramps.
When to do pelvic exam for incompetent cervix?
Physical exam: During the second or third trimester, a pelvic exam to check for incompetent cervix can reveal the partial opening of the cervix (dilation) with shortening and thinning of the vaginal part of the cervix (effacement), which would indicate a weak cervix.
Why Does an Incompetent Cervix Cause Problems?
Your cervix is the bottom part of your uterus, which opens into your vagina. It's normally closed and firm. When you're pregnant and getting close to delivery, it softens, gets shorter, and opens so your baby can be born. When you have cervical insufficiency, your cervix may be high and soft before it's time for your baby to be born. If this happens, your baby may be born too soon.
What is it called when your cervix opens too early?
Incompetent cervix is a condition where your cervix opens too early during pregnancy. It's also called cervical insufficiency. This can cause you to have a miscarriage or to give birth too early. If your doctor knows you have an incompetent cervix, it can be treated early in your pregnancy.
How long does it take for a cervix stitch to be removed?
It's usually done between 12 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. The stitch will be removed around 27 weeks of pregnancy . If you're pregnant with twins or multiples your doctor won't do a cerclage because it hasn't been shown to help in those cases.
When do you know if you have an incompetent cervix?
Your doctor may diagnose you with an incompetent cervix if you have a history of delivering during your second trimester, or if your cervix opens and thins before you're 24 weeks pregnant.
Can you prevent an incompetent cervix?
There's no way to prevent an incompetent cervix. There are many things you can do to make your pregnancy as healthy as possible, including:
How to remove cervix?
There are several ways the cervix and other relevant matter can be removed: Via the vagina in a procedure called a radical vaginal trachelectomy. Via the abdomen in a surgery called radical abdominal trachelectomy. Laparoscopically (called a laparoscopic radical trachelectomy). This involves making a small incision in the abdomen ...
Why do women have to have a cervix removed?
Reasons for cervix removal. The primary reason for undergoing RT is cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer deaths among women and one of the most common cancers affecting the female reproductive tract. Many cervical cancers stem from infection with the human papillomavirus ...
What is the cervix?
Overview. The cervix is part of the female reproductive tract that lies between the uterus and the vagina. It’s a narrow, short, cone-shaped organ that’s sometimes referred to as the mouth of the uterus. Check out an interactive diagram of the cervix. Surgical removal of the cervix is called a radical trachelectomy (RT), or a cervicectomy.
How long does it take for HPV to clear up?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Trusted Source. , 9 out of 10 HPV infections clear up on their own within two years, which means you don’t have to resort to a radical trachelectomy to treat an HPV infection.
What is the stitch between the vagina and uterus called?
Most doctors will place a stitch (called a cerclage) between the vagina and uterus to keep the area partially closed in an attempt to support a growing fetus. However, many women who receive RT and become pregnant deliver prematurely (before 37 weeks). There’s also a greater risk of miscarriage.
Can cervical cancer go undetected?
You smoke. You have a sexually transmitted disease. Early-stage cervical cancer often goes undetected due to lack of symptoms. When it’s discovered, it’s typically during a routine Pap smear.
Is RT better than hysterectomy?
One of the biggest pros of RT versus hysterectomy is that the procedure preserves the uterus, and thus a woman’s ability to become pregnant. Research has indicated that 41 to 79 percent of women who attempted to become pregnant after RT were able to conceive.
Why is my cervix short?
Causes of a short cervix. The main cause of a short cervix is cervical insufficiency, also called incompetent cervix. This can be caused by previous: trauma to the cervix area (such as during a procedure like a dilation and curettage — but note, this is rare) damage to the cervix during a difficult birth.
Why does the cervix get longer?
During pregnancy, the cervix gets longer, putting a more protective distance between your baby and the outside of your body.
How do you know if you have cervical insufficiency?
During your second trimester, tell your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms of incompetent cervix: unusual cramping. pelvic pain or pressure.
How long is the cervix?
When you’re not pregnant, it’s generally pretty short — about 25 millimeters (mm) on average — and closed. During pregnancy, the cervix gets longer, putting a more protective distance between your baby and the outside of your body.
How to tell if cervix is incompetent?
During your second trimester, tell your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms of incompetent cervix: 1 unusual cramping 2 pelvic pain or pressure 3 light bleeding (of course, report any bleeding during pregnancy) 4 backache 5 vaginal discharge changes
Can you have a short cervix while pregnant?
A short cervix is something you may have without knowing it, and it generally won’t be an issue outside of pregnancy. But if you’re pregnant, getting a short cervix diagnosed is crucial so you can get the right treatment. As always, talk to your doctor openly about your concerns.
Does the cervix shorten during pregnancy?
But as pregnancy progresses, the cervix does start to shorten again in preparation for delivery. In fact, it’s the shortening, opening, thinning, and softening of the cervix that allows for baby to travel through the birth canal and be born.
Why does my cervix change shape?
If the shape of the cervix changes, it creates a potential for miscarriage or preterm birth. Your cervix can change for many reasons, including (among other reasons) : A history of cervical surgery and trauma, such as LEEPs, cervical cones, dilation of the cervix for pregnancy terminations, or D&C.
When to remove cervix sutures?
The sutures are put in 12 to 14 weeks into your pregnancy and removed around the 36 to 38 week mark of your pregnancy .
What is cerclage in a doctor?
Something called a "cervical cerclage" is a type of suture that is placed below the internal opening of the cervix, and the cervix is tightened with sutures in a circular fashion (which means that the cervix is tightened up so that it can’t dilate—or open up—further than it should). This is actually the best way to prevent an incompetent cervix so if you have a high risk of developing this condition, talk to your doctor about this procedure.
What is an incompetent cervix?
Understand what an incompetent cervix is. An incompetent cervix can also be referred to as a cervical insufficiency. This means that your cervix is found to have shortened, funneled, or dilated during your second trimester of your pregnancy. If the shape of the cervix changes, it creates a potential for miscarriage or preterm birth.
What does it mean when your cervix is incompetent?
It means that your cervix has become weak and may have dilated (or opened up), increasing your risk for miscarriage or preterm birth. Luckily, there are things you can do to support your cervix and to protect the wellbeing of your developing baby.
How to know if your cervix is dilated?
4. Receive a transvaginal ultrasound. Using this technology, the doctor will be able to see if your cervix has dilated (or opened) in an abnormal way. At 18 to 22 weeks, you can have an ultrasound done to measure your cervix.
How long does it take for a cervix to show symptoms?
If you do have symptoms, they will most often present between 14 to 20 weeks gestation.
How to prolong pregnancy after having an incompetent cervix?
While being diagnosed with an incompetent cervix can feel scary, there are ways to prolong your pregnancy. Once your doctor diagnoses you, discuss treatment options, including a cerclage, which entails suturing the cervix closed. This common treatment allows many women to successfully carry a baby to term. You can also talk to your doctor about having a pessary, which raises and reinforces the cervix, put in place. A pessary can be used in conjunction with a cerclage or on its own, depending on your specific case. Whether you have these procedures or not, you'll also want to ask your doctor if bed rest would help prolong your pregnancy. Bed rest can range from not doing any heavy lifting or exercise to spending nearly all of your time reclined. For more tips from our Medical co-author, including how to take care of yourself during the remainder of your pregnancy, keep reading!
When to disclose cervical insufficiency?
1. Know if you are at risk. Women who have previously had miscarriages in the second trimester (between weeks 14 and 27 ) are the most likely to have a cervical insufficiency, so it is important to disclose any prior pregnancy complications or miscarriages to your doctor.
What is the most common treatment for miscarriage?
Keep in mind that a cerclage (suturing the cervix closed) is by far the most common treatment, and allows many women with previous histories of miscarriage to successfully carry a baby to term. A pessary, similar to the outer ring of a diaphragm, changes the angle of the cervix and reinforces it. [5]
What is a stitch around the cervix?
A cerclage is a procedure in which a stitch is placed around the cervix and tightened to keep the cervix closed. There are five types of cerclage that can be performed, and your doctor will determine which type is best for your situation depending upon how far along you are in your pregnancy.
How long does it take for a cervix to be incompetent?
These would typically occur between 14 and 22 weeks of pregnancy and include backache, discharge or warm liquid felt within the vagina, and pelvic pressure. [3]
When is cervical insufficiency diagnosed?
An incompetent cervix or cervical insufficiency is most frequently diagnosed early on in the second trimester, but can present as late as the beginning of the third trimester. Diagnosis may be made during an internal exam by your doctor or through an ultrasound. [1]
Can you still have a pregnancy if you have a cerclage?
Expert Answer. Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer. Yes, if you have a cerclage placed during your pregnancy you can still have other pregnancies. However, you will usually have a cerclage placed in future pregnancies around pregnancy weeks 14 to 16.
What are the complications of cervical cerclage?
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.
How will I know if I have an 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.
What happens if a baby is too heavy to open?
During pregnancy, as the baby grows and gets heavier, it presses on the cervix. This pressure may cause the cervix to start to open before the baby is ready to be born. This condition is called incompetent cervix or weakened cervix, and it may lead to a miscarriage or premature delivery. However, an incompetent cervix happens in only about 1 out of 100 pregnancies.
Can you prevent an incompetent cervix?
You can’t prevent an incompetent cervix — but the experts at the Mayo Clinic suggest the following tips to help promote a healthy, full-term pregnancy.
Why is my cervix incompetent?
Uterine abnormalities and genetic disorders affecting a fibrous type of protein that makes up your body's connective tissues (collagen) might cause an incompetent cervix. Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic form of the hormone estrogen, before birth also has been linked to cervical insufficiency.
Why does my cervix open so quickly?
As pregnancy progresses and you prepare to give birth, the cervix gradually softens, decreases in length (effaces) and opens (dilates). If you have an incompetent cervix, your cervix might begin to open too soon — causing you to give birth too early. An incompetent cervix can be difficult to diagnose and treat.
What is an incompetent cervix?
An incompetent cervix, also called a cervical insufficiency, occurs when weak cervical tissue causes or contributes to premature birth or the loss of an otherwise healthy pregnancy. Before pregnancy, your cervix — the lower part of the uterus that opens to the vagina — is normally closed and firm.
Can you prevent an incompetent cervix?
You can't prevent an incompetent cervix — but there's much you can do to promote a healthy, full-term pregnancy. For example: Seek regular prenatal care. Prenatal visits can help your doctor monitor your health and your baby's health. Mention any signs or symptoms that concern you, even if they seem silly or unimportant.
Can a cervical tear cause cervical insufficiency?
Cervical trauma. Some surgical procedures used to treat cervical abnormalities associated with an abnormal Pap smear can result in cervical insufficiency. Other surgical procedures such as a D&C could also be associated with cervical insufficiency. Rarely, a cervical tear during a previous labor and delivery could be associated with an incompetent cervix.
Can an incompetent cervix be treated?
An incompetent cervix can be difficult to diagnose and treat. If your cervix begins to open early, or you have a history of cervical insufficiency, your doctor might recommend preventive medication during pregnancy, frequent ultrasounds or a procedure that closes the cervix with strong sutures (cervical cerclage).

Diagnosis
Treatment
- Treatments for or approaches to managing an incompetent cervix might include: 1. Progesterone supplementation.If you have a history of premature birth, your doctor might suggest weekly shots of a form of the hormone progesterone called hydroxyprogesterone caproate (Makena) during your second and third trimester. However, further research is needed ...
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- If you have an incompetent cervix, your doctor might recommend restricting sexual activity or limiting certain physical activities.
Coping and Support
- It can be difficult to learn that you have an incompetent cervix. It may make you feel anxious about your pregnancy and afraid to think about the future. Ask your doctor for suggestions on safe ways to relax. If you give birth prematurely, you might also feel that you did something to cause the premature birth or that you could have done more to prevent it. If you're experiencing f…
Preparing For Your Appointment
- If you're pregnant and have any risk factors for an incompetent cervix or you experience any symptoms during your second trimester that indicate you might have an incompetent cervix, consult your doctor right away. Depending on the circumstances, you might need immediate medical care. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, as well as wh…