What Comes Next After an Incompetent Cervix Diagnosis
After the loss of my baby boy due to an incompetent cervix, I went to visit my OB (obstetrician) for my postpartum checkup. An OB is the doctor who provides care for you and your baby during pregnancy, and in many cases, delivers your baby. I had to have this appointment to make sure I was healing properly. During a postpartum visit, your doctor also checks your cervix to ensure that it is shrinking back to its normal size.
During my appointment, we discussed my diagnosis of an incompetent cervix. My OB explained that everything looked great as far as my pregnancy itself—my baby had been completely healthy. I didn’t have any infections, which was important because infections during pregnancy can cause the membranes (the sac your baby is in) to rupture prematurely. Since there were no infections or other complications, the only explanation was that my cervix had begun shortening far too early.
What Next?
So, what now?
Can we get pregnant again?
Will we ever be able to have children?
The answer was yes.
My OB told me that having an incompetent cervix is treatable. The next time I become pregnant, I would need to have a preventative cerclage placed between 12 and 15 weeks. A cerclage is a tough, non-stretchy band that is stitched around the bottom of the cervix to help keep it closed throughout pregnancy. In addition to the cerclage, I would also need to take Makena shots (P17 injections) starting at 16 weeks, which help provide extra support and strength to the cervix.
After hearing all of the statistics and success rates surrounding a preventative cerclage, I began to feel relieved—and even a little hopeful. In my mind, I kept thinking, wow, my babies will have a better chance at survival.
After leaving my doctor’s appointment, I started doing my own research. I also began receiving several DMs on my Instagram from women who had experienced losses due to an incompetent cervix. Many of them encouraged me to join a group called AbbyLoopers. I decided to join their Facebook group, and it turned out to be an incredible resource for women with an incompetent cervix.
If you are looking for support after a loss due to incompetent cervix, you can find information about AbbyLoopers on my Resources page, located under my About Me tab.
Transabdominal Cerclage vs. Preventative Cerclage
While reading through discussions in the group, I learned about a more permanent option called a Transabdominal Cerclage (TAC). This type of cerclage is placed while under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. It can be done laparoscopically or surgically through a C-section–style incision. The main goal of a TAC is that it does not get removed, meaning it can be used for all future pregnancies.
At first glance, this seemed like the better option since the procedure only has to be done once. With a preventative cerclage, it must be placed during each pregnancy and then removed around 36 or 37 weeks. The main downside of a TAC is that you must deliver your baby by C-section. You cannot labor with a TAC because it is placed at the top of the cervix inside the body. Half of the cervix is visible in the vagina, while the other half is internal—and the TAC sits at that internal portion.
What Do You Think?
After doing my research, I’m leaning more toward the permanent solution. Who really cares if you have to have a C-section? It seems like it’s becoming the norm anyway. I never imagined having a C-section and honestly never wanted one. However, if it allows me to bring my precious bundles of joy home, then I’ll take it—hands down.
I’ve seen so many women try a preventative cerclage only for it to fail. Many of them ended up losing another pregnancy in the second trimester. I cannot go through another loss. When I was pregnant, it felt like it took forever to make it to the second trimester. I was so relieved to get past the first trimester, knowing that’s when most miscarriages happen. Unfortunately, my incompetent cervix got the best of me.
But I won’t allow that to happen again.
I am going to do whatever it takes.
Thanks for reading,
Morgan Goodwin
