How to Treat Incompetent Cervix

Dealing with Incompetent Cervix during pregnancy can be very challenging. In many cases Incompetent Cervix is diagnosed too late as the signs of an insufficient cervix are not visible. It is important to inform your doctor of your pregnancy history so that a decision to treat for Incompetent Cervix can be made.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bedrest
• Medication
• Cervical Cerclage
• Trendelenburg Treatment

1. 
   Funneling Cervix

   Incompetent Cervix is diagnosed when a woman has had subsequent losses during the second trimester of a pregnancy. Normally a cervix remains closed during a pregnancy until labor begins. In patients with Incompetent Cervix the cervix begins to open often without any signs after the 13th week of pregnancy. The membranes surrounding the baby will bulge into the cervix until they eventually break resulting in preterm labor. Spontaneous loss due to incompetent cervix accounts for 20%-25% of all second trimester losses. A loss due to Incompetent Cervix is different than a miscarriage which happens within the first 3 months (12 weeks) of pregnancy.

2. 
   Preterm Labor

   A woman can show signs of Incompetent Cervix even if the pregnancy did not result in a loss. Spontaneous opening or dilation of the cervix without contractions is a good indication that the condition is present. Infections in the amniotic fluid can be a sign of Incompetent Cervix. Every woman and every pregnancy is different! If you have had preterm labor or other complications you should discuss Incompetent Cervix with your doctor.

3. 
   Cervical Cerclage

   If Incompetent Cervix is diagnosed early in pregnancy a doctor will recommend cervical cerclage. A cervical cerclage is a suture placed around the cervix to prevent the cervix from opening. A cervical cerclage is similar to a purse string as it is drawn in a way to close the cervix completely. It is later removed around 36 weeks to allow labor to progress naturally. If the procedure is done before the 16th week of pregnancy it is most effective. In some cases an emergency cerclage can be placed later in pregnancy if the cervix has opened or shortened. Cervical cerclage is effective in preventing preterm labor in 85%-90% of cases.

4. 
   Trendelenburg Position

   In cases where Incompetent Cervix is diagnosed later in a pregnancy an emergent cerclage may be placed. This procedure is normally followed by bedrest in the Trendelenburg position and drugs to treat for infection or to stop contractions. The Trendelenburg position is used to allow gravity to pull the baby and membranes away from the cervix.

5. 
   Medication

   Incompetent Cervix can present symptoms on its on or with another underlying condition. Your doctor may send you home with medication to prevent further complications or keep you in the hospital on medication and constant monitoring of your condition. You may require magnesium sulfate therapy to prevent contractions or steroid injections to improve the babies chances in severe cases.

6. 
   Bedrest

   In cases where Incompetent Cervix is discovered early many women can receive treatment and resume most normal activities. Restrictions will be placed on what can be lifted and when you need to rest.

7. 
   IV Medication

   The severity of Incompetent Cervix is varied and requires different treatment. In cases where the membranes have ruptured or your cervix has dilated substantially a cervical cerclage cannot be placed. In conditions such as this the Trendelenburg therapy and medication will be used to prolong pregnancy until doctors can be sure the baby has a good chance of survival.

Tips & Warnings

• Follow All of your doctors instructions.
• Consider light duty work as an alternative to your normal working conditions.
• Rest with your legs elevated as much as possible.
• DON'T resume intercourse or sitting in bath water unless you get an okay from your doctor.
• Bleeding isn't associated with Incompetent Cervix you should seek medical attention immediately.