“Disclaimer: The names and certain personal details in this case study have been changed to protect patient privacy.”
The Beginning
Raghav and Renu had an arranged marriage. They conceived soon after their wedding and were over the moon. But their happiness didn’t last long.
At 20 weeks of pregnancy, Renu felt only a sense of heaviness and pressure in her lower abdomen — no pain, no bleeding.
By the time she reached the hospital, her cervix had silently opened, and she delivered a stillborn baby.
The Second Loss
Determined to avoid another tragedy, Renu’s first doctor advised her to opt for cervical stitches, a common treatment for cervical insufficiency. This involves stitching the cervix (the mouth of the uterus) to prevent premature opening.
She underwent the procedure, but despite it, at 26 weeks during her cervical length scan, her cervix opened again, and she lost the baby a second time.
These back-to-back pregnancy losses strongly pointed to cervical insufficiency, a condition in which the cervix is too weak to stay closed under pregnancy pressure.
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When Renu Came to Us
“We cannot go through this pain again,” Renu told her husband as they searched for answers. This time, Renu decided to do her research and consult a gynecologist before planning her pregnancy. That’s how she metDr. Deepthi Jammi.
After reviewing her history and measurements, Dr. Deepthi created a tailored plan. Since a vaginal cervical cerclage had failed previously, she recommended a transabdominal cerclage (TAC) instead.
She also advised Renu to take a 4–6 month break to improve her health, as she weighed around 125 kg.
Motivated by the advice, Renu lost 10–15 kg, became more active, and began planning her next pregnancy with renewed hope.
The Transabdominal Cerclage (TAC) Solution
For women with two failed vaginal stitches, TAC is the ideal option. This is a stronger stitch placed higher up, at the lower part of the uterus, anchoring the cervix from above.
It can be done via laparoscopy or open surgery. Mothers with TAC need a C-section, but the stitch can remain in place for future pregnancies.
We performed a laparoscopic TAC for Renu. She conceived within six months and stayed on modified bed rest. She gained only 6–8 kg throughout the pregnancy.
A Full-Term Delivery After Two Losses
At 37 weeks and 5 days, Renu delivered a healthy 2.9 kg baby girl. The sound of their daughter’s first cry erased years of heartbreak in a single moment.
Today, the little girl is 3 years old, full of life and giggles. After two back-to-back losses, Renu and Raghav were over the moon when they finally held their baby girl for the first time.
This case study highlights how the right guidance and timely medical intervention can save a baby’s life. We have managed multiple similar cases with equally positive outcomes.
Another Case: Catching Cervical Changes Early
Recently, a young mother came to Dr. Deepthi for her anomaly scan. As part of routine anomaly scans, we always check the cervical length, the length of the cervix (uterus mouth). A normal cervical length is over 3 cm.
Initially, the mother’s cervix measured 3 cm and appeared normal. However, Dr. Deepthi noticed something unusual: intermittent funneling, the cervix briefly opening and then closing again in fractions of a second.
Recognizing the risk, we used a pessary and cervical stitch to support the cervix. She continued the pregnancy safely, even after the stitch was removed at 37 weeks, and delivered a healthy baby boy at 39 weeks weighing 3 kg.
Conclusion
Awareness + Early Detection + Timely Action = Successful Pregnancy.
After two heartbreaking pregnancy losses, they finally held their healthy baby girl in their arms, all because they chose to act early, seek expert care, and trust the doctor and the process.
Important Lessons from This Case to Ensure the Best Outcome for Your Pregnancy
- A Short Cervix Often Shows No Symptoms
It is crucial not to miss your prenatal scans, as this condition can be easily diagnosed during a routine pregnancy ultrasound. - The Right Scan at the Right Time Makes All the Difference
At Jammi Scans, every scan is performed with intention, care, and clinical precision. We detect even the subtlest signs that others might miss. - One Size Doesn’t Fit All
While a cervical cerclage works for most expectant mothers with cervical insufficiency, some cases like Renu’s, require specialized care. That’s why Dr. Deepthi Jammi recommended a transabdominal cerclage. Choosing an expert fetal medicine specialist is essential, as they can act swiftly and provide customized solutions tailored to your needs. - Don’t Wait for a Crisis. Prepare Early.
Whether it’s your first pregnancy or not, it is important to attend all your prenatal scans and appointments to ensure the wellbeing of your baby.
Best Pregnancy Scan Centre in Chennai
If you’ve experienced pregnancy loss or have concerns about your cervix, book a pregnancy consultation with our fetal medicine specialist to discuss your options.
Dr. Deepthi Jammi is an expert in providing prenatal care for high-risk pregnancies and helps expectant mothers manage their pregnancies safely.
Call Jammi Scans at 7338771733 to schedule your pregnancy scan appointment today.
