Incomplete Cervix worry

[kymanne]

My name is Kimberly, I am 38 year old mother of 1 adult son, and a little over 15 weeks pregnant.  So far the pregnancy has gone ok, but I have been feeling a heavy lower pressure in my uterus and am starting to worry.  I have not had any cervical issues/surgeries(even minor ones)or any of the risk associated with an incomplete cervix so I should have no valid reason to suspect one other than the pressure.  How common is this condition, and does it usually happen even after you had a normal pregnancy? I was wondering if your cervix weakens over age.
I am going to see the doctor tomorrow, and she has not done a pelvic exam or a trans-vaginal (I have had abdominal ones).
Is this something I can ask her to do? Also...I had a miscarriage at 11.5 weeks(blight ovum) and had both a transvag, and a pelvic. Would they have picked up an I.C then?

Sorry for the bombardment of questions, this pregnancy has me a nervous wreck!

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
Incompetent cervix is very rare.  Feeling a lot of pressure with the pregnancy is extremely common!  If you had a normal pregnancy with your son and delivered him at term, there is an excellent chance that your cervix will "hold up" for this pregnancy too.
Especially if you have not had any procedures such as biopsies etc in the meantime.

Almost every doctor does a pelvic exam early in the pregnancy, so this would certainly not be an unusual request.  Also, a transvaginal ultrasound can be used to measure your cervix and might give you some reassurance that all is well.

38 is actually quite young for motherhood in this day and age, so relax!  I'll bet you are going to do just great!

Good luck!
Dr B

[kymanne]

I meant incompetent cervix,not incomplete!