Question for those who have had a d&c or d&e

smiles1123 · September 2010

Does anyone know if it is true that having a d&c puts you at a higher risk of having IC(incompetent cervix)? I ask because I am 12 weeks pregnant and I had a d&e done in March for a missed miscarriage that was diagnosed at my 12 week appointment (the baby stopped growing around 8 weeks).

Now that I have passed the 12 week mark, Of course I have to start worring about other things:)

I forgot to ask at my 12 week appointment, How do you know that your cervix is long and not shortening and does having one previous d&c put you at a higher risk for IC? thanks!

Shemico · September 2010

I asked my RE that same question because I had read something about IC and past D&Cs.

What RE said was that one D&C would not cause an IC. That being said I'm still going to raise the concern at my next ob apt (just had my first ob apt at 13 w after being transfered).

TravelinMama · September 2010

This is the first time I've heard this. I've had 2 d/c.

thebubble09 · September 2010

my ob has assured- and reassured and reassured! me that my d&c would have no long term effects for me physically.

EJonesey · September 2010

MarieGranados:
This is the first time I've heard this. I've had 2 d/c.

ditto

BAM_2780 · September 2010

I had a D&C last August at 23 weeks. I got pregnant in December. Before the D&C, I was told there would be no difference in me being induced and delivering and having a D&C in terms of long-term effects. I chose the D&C. When I got pg this time, they said there was a slight increase in chance of having an IC. I had appts every 2 weeks and they did vaginal exams to monitor the length of my cervix. I was completely disgusted that this wasn't mentioned to me last summer, but it was too late to do anything. Anyway, as it turned out I had no problems with IC.

Best of luck to you!

Heidisean · September 2010

I had 3 D & E's and was told they are totally safe and would not harm another pregnancy. I am over 30 weeks pregnant and due to having my cervix torn when I gave birth to my dd I had extra US's at 16 and 24 weeks specifically to look at my cervix length. It has been wonderful and long. Anything less than 2.5 is a concern and mine has been over a 3.5 my entire pregnancy. You will have your big US and they will look at it then and if there is any concern they will note it. No worries about this!

vflipo · September 2010

I've never heard of this!

jesmckenna · September 2010

I have never heard of that happening, either. I had a d&c in Dec and am now almost 30 weeks into a perfectly normal pregnancy. Best of luck to you!

SweetieD21 · September 2010

I had a D&E done after my IC was discovered. My IC wasn't caused by any previous surgery.

Erin RN · September 2010

I had a D&C in Nov and I was told that it wouldn't cause any cervical problems. While here in the hospital they asked about any surgeries, but didn't seem too concerned about it. I would talk with your OB if you are really worried about it.

smiles1123 · September 2010

Thanks so much for all your responses! Since my ob did my d&e, I will also ask her as well and hopefully she can give me the same positive reassurance.