Can you test for an incompetant cervix?

[TTCin2009]

I've been searching online but can't seem to find the answer for this - does anyone know whether there's a test to diagnose an incompetant cervix before you fall PG??

I have a very similar medical history to my mum - retroverted uterus & endo. Mum suffered 5 late m/c before she was eventually diagnosed with a weak cervix. DH and I are starting TTC in 3 weeks and I'm worried that I might have a higher chance of m/c.

[Chickadee]

I'm not an expert, but I was worried about IC due to previous cervical surgery.

I don't think you can predict whether your cervix will be a problem. An ob/gyn may be able to determine ahead of conception if it's shorter than usual, which would be a risk factor. But mainly you would simply be monitored more closely during pregnancy. The following is from http://www.sharedjourney.com/define/incomp.html


Causes for an Incompetent Cervix
Women who have one or more of the factors below are at an increased risk of having an incompetent cervix:

Previous cervical surgery
DES exposure
Trauma or damage to the cervix (maybe caused by a previous difficult birth or a D&C)
Abnormally shaped uterus or cervix (congenital defect)

Getting a Diagnosis
Since there are often no physical signs of an incompetent cervix, it is not always possible to have the problem diagnosed before a miscarriage occurs. However, women who have had multiple miscarriages in their second or third trimester or who suspect they may be at risk are more likely to have their health care provider monitor them for a weakened cervix. Determining whether a woman has an incompetent cervix is fairly simply. Incompetent cervix can be detected either through a manual pelvic exam or through an ultrasound (http://www.sharedjourney.com/define/ultra.html). An ultrasound can measure both the opening and length of your cervix, while a pelvic exam will determine whether your cervix is dilating. However, your cervix may begin to dilate prematurely for reasons other than an incompetent cervix. Therefore, if it is found that your cervix is beginning to open, your past history of miscarriages will also be taken into account.

Good luck on your TTC journey!