An incompetent cervix is a condition that can occur during pregnancy. That means that your cervix has become weak and may have dilated (or opened), increasing your risk of miscarriage. Fortunately, there are things you can do to support the health of your cervix and your developing baby. Scroll to Step 1 to learn more.
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Method 1 of 4: Working with Doctors to Prevent This Condition
Step 1. Understand what an incompetent cervix is
Incompetent cervix can also be referred to as cervical insufficiency (cervical insufficiency). That means that your cervix has shortened, funnel-shaped, or dilated by the time of your second trimester of pregnancy. If the shape of the cervix changes, there is a potential for miscarriage. Your cervix can change for a variety of reasons, including (among other reasons):
- History of cervical surgery and trauma.
- History of cervical laceration with vaginal delivery.
- Congenital defects (anatomical abnormalities).
Step 2. Know the symptoms of an incompetent cervix
If you are afraid that you may be at risk of developing this condition and are experiencing health problems, it is important to know what to look out for when it comes to determining whether or not you have an incompetent cervix. While it's different for every woman, the symptoms to look out for include:
- Abdominal cramps and lower back pain.
- Vaginal discharge.
- Vaginal bleeding.
Step 3. Provide your doctor with your complete medical history
You will need to be completely honest and open about your medical history, including any abortion history you may have had. This information can play a big role in determining whether or not you are at risk for an incompetent cervix. The information you will have to provide includes:
- Surgical procedure.
- A history of abortion (either in the first or second trimester).
- Premature labour.
Step 4. Schedule a meeting for inspection
Examination is the only way to determine whether or not you have an incompetent cervix, or whether or not you are at risk for it. If you are concerned that you may have this condition, schedule a transvaginal sonography at your 14th to 16th week of pregnancy. Your doctor will be able to see if the cervix is abnormally dilated (or opened) or not.
- At weeks 18 to 22, you can have an ultrasound to measure your cervix.
- If you are not pregnant, but are concerned that you may have an incompetent cervix and are worried about your future children, you can undergo a physical examination, where your cervix will be examined and measured to determine whether your cervix is at risk or not.
Step 5. Discuss cervical suturing (cerclage) with the doctor
A cervical suture is a type of suture that is performed below the internal opening of the cervix, and the cervix is secured with circular sutures (meaning that the cervix is stretched so that it cannot be dilated-or opened-wider than it should be). This is actually the best way to prevent an incompetent cervix so if you are at high risk of developing this condition, talk to your doctor about the procedure.
The sutures are performed at 12 to 14 weeks of gestation and removed at approximately 36 to 38 weeks of gestation
Method 2 of 4: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Avoid intense exercise
You should avoid all sports that put stress on the body. This type of exercise can affect the strength of the cervix and can cause you to have an incompetent cervix. One sport that is definitely safe to do is yoga. You should practice yoga with a certified instructor who teaches pregnancy yoga classes. You should avoid:
Running, gymnastics and any sport that moves your body up and down
Step 2. Get plenty of rest
Feeling stressed or doing physical work can cause you to have an incompetent cervix, especially if your service is already a little weak. Stress plays a major role in blood pressure and glucose levels, both of which can affect the health of the baby and the strength of the cervix. Allow yourself to rest and relax during your pregnancy to prevent any complications.
- Do breathing exercises to keep yourself calm.
- Do meditation every day to stay relaxed.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects and most other physical work.
Step 3. Avoid toxic substances such as alcohol and cigarettes
These substances are known to be bad for your baby, so you should avoid them no matter whether you have a weak cervix or not. Regarding an incompetent cervix, substances such as alcohol and drugs are known to alter your decision-making, which can lead to injury and an incompetent cervix. Stay away from:
- Alcohol.
- Tobacco of any kind.
- Drugs that can be abused.
- Caffeine.
Step 4. Avoid using certain medications
You should avoid tocogenic drugs. Tocogenic is a term that describes the stimulation of uterine contractions. In particular, try to avoid the following medications (unless instructed otherwise by your doctor):
- Misoprostol (Citotec).
- Dinoprostone (Cervidil).
- Methylergometrine (trademark Methergine).
- Ergotamine (Ergomar).
- Oxytocin.
Step 5. Schedule a monthly check-up with your obstetrician
If you are concerned that you may be at risk for an incompetent cervix, you should see your obstetrician at least once a month (if not more often) to make sure your pregnancy is going smoothly.
Method 3 of 4: Enrich Your Diet
Step 1. Increase the amount of folic acid you consume each day
Folic acid (also known as vitamin B) is especially important during pregnancy as it stimulates cell division and growth.
You can get plenty of folic acid by taking a prenatal multivitamin containing 0.5 mg of folic acid twice daily, or as directed by your doctor
Step 2. Increase the amount of calcium you consume each day
Calcium plays a role in the development of your baby's teeth, bones, blood vessels and muscles. Calcium will also keep the cervix strong. You can take calcium supplements but you can also increase your intake of calcium-rich foods, such as:
- Milk and other dairy products such as yogurt and cheese.
- Vegetables such as broccoli, curly cabbage, bendi, and chickpeas.
- Nuts such as almonds, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, and sesame seeds.
- Fruits such as apricots, figs and currants.
Step 3. Increase your magnesium intake
Several recent studies have shown that magnesium can reduce your chances of having premature uterine contractions (these contractions can cause an incompetent cervix). Good sources of magnesium include:
- Spinach and Swiss chard.
- Pumpkin seeds, soybeans, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds.
- black beans, quinoa, navy beans, and soybeans.
Step 4. Consume enough vitamin D
It is important to have healthy levels of vitamin D during pregnancy and right after delivery as it helps to regulate the levels of phosphate and calcium in the body. You should aim to consume 10 micrograms of vitamin D every day. You can take supplements or eat foods rich in vitamin D such as:
- Wild salmon.
- Mackerel.
- Mold.
- Milk, yogurt and cheese.
- Egg yolk.
Method 4 of 4: Resolving an Incompetent Cervix
Step 1. Know that your baby can still be born healthy
It is important to remember not to panic if you are diagnosed with an incompetent cervix. You can still give birth to a happy and healthy baby but you must follow the doctor's instructions. There are two approaches to treating an incompetent cervix: the medical approach and the surgical approach.
Step 2. Talk to your doctor about a medical approach
If your incompetent cervix isn't too severe (meaning it hasn't dilated too widely), you may want to consider a medical approach. That means bed rest most of the time, stopping all sexual activity, and taking medication. The drug is indomethacin.
Indomethacin: This drug is also referred to by its trademark, namely Indocin, Indocin SR, and Tivorbex. This drug is an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that lowers the risk of preterm labor in patients who experience a shorter cervix before 24 weeks of gestation. The dose used is 100 mg once, followed by 50 mg every 6 hours for 48 hours, or as directed by a doctor. This treatment should only be given by a specialist
Step 3. Discuss the surgical approach with the doctor
Cervical suturing was discussed in Method 1 as a way to prevent an incompetent cervix, but it is also a way to treat the condition. As mentioned above, sutures are placed on the cervical opening, thus keeping the opening closed to prevent miscarriage. Before delivery, the stitches will be removed so you can give birth naturally.
