Incompetent Cervix
What is incompetent cervix?
Wothout knowing what an incompetent cervix is most women will go through their pregnancies . Put simply, the growth of the baby's weight cannot be supported by cervix
, the pressure causes the placenta to rupture and the mother
goes into premature labour.
Is it serious?
Incompetent cervis is a serious condition. Average weights of babies in the womb become too heavy at a stage where they
would not normally be able to survive outside of the uterus — usually well before 24 weeks. This means that, usually,
you'll have a miscarriage, though there have been cases of premature babies surviving this young.
Is it my fault?
Incompetent cervix is nobody's fault, it's one of those things that can just happen, however sad and traumatic it is.
Sometimes the cervix is just weak, sometimes it's been damaged by a previous delivery or even by an abortion or D&C
following a miscarriage. Whatever the cause, nobody can be blamed for incompetent cervix occurring.
Can anything be done to help prevent this?
For most women, incompetent cervixshows no sign until they are pregnant and they experience this
trauma.
Doctors are likely to offer "cerclage" for subsequent pregnancies, which is a surgical stitch that helps to support the
cervix in place. This is normally done towards the end of the first trimester, or at the doctor's discretion, and removed
a couple of weeks before your baby is due. Some doctors are reluctant to undertake this procedure where there is any
doubt, as it can in some rare cases induce a miscarriage.
your doctor may also prescribe bed rest to minimise any further risk before and after cerclage, and until the baby is born abstain yourself from sex.
|