Incompetent Cervix | 5 Ordinary Symptoms

When a healthy pregnancy reaches full term (from 37 weeks) the cervix begins to thin and open (efface and dilate) so the baby can be born. 

When the cervix begins to open early without contractions in the second trimester, this is known as cervical insufficiency (also known as an incompetent cervix or cervical incompetency). 

It can lead to late-term miscarriage or premature birth.

Hearing you have a weak or incompetent cervix can leave you feeling as though your body isn’t working, and lead to feelings of failure.

If you’ve been diagnosed with cervical insufficiency, understanding this condition can help you cope.

Is a short cervix the same as an incompetent cervix?

The term ‘short cervix’ is used when the length of the cervix measures shorter than normal. This can only be detected during an ultrasound. Usually, if the length of the cervix measures 2.5 mm or less, a short cervix is diagnosed. The main cause of a short cervix is cervical insufficiency. 

If you have had a previous preterm birth, or have had a short cervix or cervical insufficiency diagnosed before, your care provider may want to do regular ultrasounds (sometimes from 14 weeks) to assess any changes to the cervix. 

A short cervix can’t be changed to become longer again, but treatment and regular prenatal care can help you to have a healthy pregnancy, and reduce the chances of having a premature birth.

Who is at risk for an incompetent cervix?

Cervical insufficiency occurs in about 1 in every 100 pregnancies and is responsible for about 20% of all second trimester losses (the loss of an otherwise healthy baby after 28 weeks of pregnancy). 

Women who experience this condition want to know what causes it and how to avoid it in future pregnancies.

For some women, there is no known reason for cervical insufficiency. For others, it could be connected with one of the following risk factors:

• Damage to the cervix during a difficult birth
• Previous cervical surgery, such as cervical cone biopsy
• Trauma to the cervix from a previous D&C (dilation and curettage)
• Exposure to Diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic form of the hormone estrogen, used from 1938 to the early 1980s to prevent miscarriage and pregnancy complications. Up to 30% of the daughters of women who took DES during pregnancy have reproductive tract problems
• One or more previous second trimester pregnancy loss with no known cause
• Uterine abnormalities or cervical malformations
• Previous diagnosis of an incompetent cervix
• Previous preterm labour/premature birth.

What are the signs or symptoms of an incompetent cervix?

Many women are either not aware of any changes to their cervix or might dismiss mild symptoms of an incompetent cervix as being related to normal pregnancy. Women may experience mild symptoms of cervical incompetence between 14 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. Symptoms may include:

1. Backache
2. Pelvic pressure
3. Mild cramps, similar to period pain
4. Changes in vaginal discharge, which increases in amount or becomes watery
5. Light vaginal bleeding.

If you experience any of these symptoms, immediately contact your care provider, who will suggest a vaginal examination (pelvic exam), and possibly an ultrasound, if it is suspected your cervix is changing.

It is difficult to screen for an incompetent cervix, but if you are at risk for it, your care provider might advise regular ultrasounds beginning at 16 weeks. These ultrasounds measure the length of your cervix and check for any signs it is beginning to thin and open. 

Sometimes a transvaginal ultrasound may be recommended for women, to gain a better image of the cervix, particularly in earlier weeks of pregnancy. These scans are usually done every two weeks until you are into the second trimester. If your cervix changes significantly, you are at high risk for premature birth and your care provider will recommend treatment.

How is an incompetent cervix treated?

The treatment usually recommended for women who have signs or symptoms of an incompetent cervix is a procedure called a cerclage or cervical suture. This is a special stitch, which is put around your cervix, to keep it closed, and reduce the risk of premature birth. 

The procedure can be done either through the vagina (transvaginal, known as TVC) or through the abdomen (transabdominally, known as TAC).

There are several different types of stitch:

• The McDonald stitch: this is the most commonly used stitch. It is woven in and out of the cervix, pulled tightly, and tied. Usually, it is easily removed in the third trimester and allows women to give birth naturally.
• The Shirodkar stitch: this stitch can be removed near full term, or is permanent, requiring birth by c-section. The stitch begins at the 12 o’clock position, is worked through the cervix to the 6 o’clock position, and ends back at the 12 o’clock position on the other side of the cervix. The suture is pulled tightly and tied, to keep the cervix closed.
• An abdominal stitch: this is used when there is not enough cervix to work with. The upper and lower parts of the cervix are stitched together, and a c-section is required.
• The Hefner cerclage: this stitch is commonly used when cervical insufficiency is diagnosed late in pregnancy. This cerclage is removed closer to term.
• The Lash cerclage: this stitch is the only type put in place before pregnancy. This stitch is used when there has been extensive cervical trauma or where there is a physical defect. The stitch is permanent and a c-section is required.

Once the cerclage is put in place, you will be told to rest for a few days. You could have some cramping and light bleeding in the days after the procedure. You will have to refrain from exercise and from having sex for some time, or for the duration of your pregnancy. 

Contact your care provider immediately if you experience any of the following signs of infection after your cervical cerclage:

• Fever
• Burning sensation
• Increased discharge with a smell
• Heavy bleeding
• Itching. 

Cervical cerclage can usually be performed in pregnancy without affecting your baby’s health. Many women then go on to have an otherwise healthy pregnancy, with the risk of premature birth greatly reduced.

Can I have a cerclage?

Most women who have a cerclage in place are able to carry their babies to full term. In rare cases, the stitch doesn’t prevent miscarriage or preterm birth.

There are women who can’t have a cerclage put in place, for the following reasons:

• Cervix has already dilated 4cm
• Membranes have already ruptured
• There is increased irritation of the cervix
• It is usually avoided after 24 weeks, due to increased risk of complications.

There are risks in having a cervical cerclage. While rare, complications include:

• Uterine rupture
• Bladder rupture
• Cervical laceration
• Maternal haemorrhage
• Preterm labour
• Premature rupture of membranes
• Premature birth.

Your feelings about incompetent cervix can be frightening to find out you have cervical insufficiency. It might make you feel anxious about your pregnancy, and worried your body is failing you, especially if your care provider uses the term ‘incompetent cervix’, which can make you feel as though your body is to blame for not cooperating.

If you give birth prematurely, you might feel guilty, or wonder whether you could have done anything to prevent it happening. It is important to remember that many cases of cervical insufficiency have no known cause. Talking to your care provider, partner or trusted friends might help you cope with your feelings.

Recommended Reading: Baby In The NICU? 17 Coping Tips For Parents.