A small number of pregnant women have an incompetent (weak) cervix, so they are at high risk of premature delivery or miscarriage if left untreated. Incompetent or weak cervix can generally be diagnosed early, namely in the second trimester, but it can also appear at the beginning of the third trimester. Diagnosis can be made during an internal examination by a doctor or by ultrasound.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Diagnosing an Incompetent Cervix
Step 1. Find out if you are at risk of an incompetent cervix
Women who have previously miscarried in the second trimester (between weeks 14 and 27) are more likely to have an incompetent cervix. So you should find out the cause of complications or miscarriages in previous pregnancies to the doctor. The diagnosis of an incompetent cervix in a woman cannot be known until they are proven to have it or have a miscarriage at an older gestational age. Check the possibility of this condition first so that the doctor can monitor your condition more carefully from the beginning of pregnancy. By knowing the results of early detection of a weak cervix, you can have a higher chance of maintaining the pregnancy until delivery. Cervical surgery that you've had can also increase your risk, including dilation and curettage surgery, cervical cones, or the Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP).
Step 2. Watch for possible symptoms
Although incompetent cervix can appear without any previous symptoms, but in some cases, this condition shows symptoms to watch out for. Symptoms usually appear between weeks 14 and 22 of pregnancy, including back pain, a warm discharge in the vagina, and pressure in the pelvis.
Step 3. Call your ob/gyn doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms
Even if it turns out that these symptoms are not at all related to an incompetent cervix, you better be careful and let the doctor do a complete examination to find out the problem. This examination may include ultrasound. Please note, the diagnosis of an incompetent cervix is based on a previous medical history, in the form of miscarriage in the second trimester. If indeed you have an incompetent cervix, there are several medical options for dealing with it.
Method 2 of 3: Performing Medical Treatment
Step 1. Discuss treatment options with your doctor
He or she can describe several possible options-cerclage (stitches to cover the cervix), pessary (a cone-shaped device that is inserted into the vagina), and bed rest-and tell you which one is best for you. Please note, by far cerclage is the most common treatment. Cerclage helps many women who have a history of previous miscarriages to get pregnant again until they give birth on time. The pessary, similar to the outer ring on diaphragmatic contraceptives, changes the angle of the cervix and strengthens it.
Step 2. Consult with your doctor whether a series of ultrasound examinations can be a useful first step
With an ultrasound every two weeks during the second trimester of pregnancy, doctors can monitor the risk of an incompetent cervix. If he sees any worrying signs, you can do a cerclage.
Step 3. Perform minor surgery for cerclage
Once you are diagnosed with an incompetent cervix, your doctor will likely suggest a cerclage. A cerclage is a procedure of stitching around the cervix to strengthen and close the cervix. There are five types of cerclage that can be done and the doctor will determine which type is best for your condition, depending on the gestational age.
- The cerclage is usually opened towards the end of pregnancy to allow for a normal delivery.
- Depending on the conditions that occur during pregnancy, sometimes the cerclage is left in place and the mother will undergo a cesarean section to deliver the baby.
Step 4. Talk to your doctor about using a pessary
A pessary is a device that is placed inside the vagina to help lift and strengthen the cervix. This device can be used as a replacement or used in conjunction with a cerclage.
Step 5. Ask if bed rest or pelvic rest (avoiding sexual activity) might help
Bed rest can be prescribed by a doctor for people with an incompetent cervix. Restrictions on bed rest can vary, from avoiding heavy lifting or doing household chores, to total bed rest that requires you to stay in a lying position at all times, including bathing and bathroom work. Ask your doctor which option is right for your condition.
You should also most likely avoid sexual activity during periods of bed rest and pelvic rest
Method 3 of 3: Taking Care of Yourself
Step 1. Get enough rest
Even if you don't need bed rest, make sure you get enough rest. Get plenty of sleep and don't overdo it.
Step 2. Ask your doctor about vigorous exercise
Most likely the doctor will forbid you to do strenuous exercise and sexual intercourse. Because your cervix is weak, exercise can make the condition worse.
Step 3. Do Kegels
Kegel exercises can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Make sure you're doing it right: when you pee, close your muscles to stop the flow of urine, then release it to let it flow. That's what Kegel exercises feel like. While it's not yet confirmed that kegels can prevent cervical incompetence, there are real benefits from these exercises, including increasing sexual pleasure, assisting normal labor, helping to prevent incontinence (the inability to hold back urine), and speeding up postpartum healing.
