My Cervix Wasn’t Cooperating: What I Learned About Effacement, Ehlers-Danlos, and the Cervical Stitch

Pregnancy

I never thought much about my cervix—until pregnancy made it the main character in my story. Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), hypermobility type, I knew my connective tissue was different. What I didn’t expect was for it to affect the integrity of my cervix—and nearly cost me my pregnancy.

Effacement and Early Dilation: When the Cervix Softens Too Soon

From early on in my second pregnancy, I started noticing subtle symptoms: a low, dragging pressure in my pelvis, some tightening cramps, and eventually, light bloody discharge. I was reassured it might be normal, but something didn’t feel right.

A routine scan at 17 weeks confirmed my instincts—my cervix was shorter than it should be and already beginning to efface (thin out). My heart sank. I knew that it was always a possibility due to my first being early, but I did not anticipate it shortening as early as 17 weeks - I was barely out of my first trimester.

Effacement and dilation typically happen in late pregnancy or early labour. In my case, they were happening far too soon. The reason? Weakened connective tissue, likely linked to my EDS. The cervix, a complex structure made of collagen fibres, smooth muscle, and elastin, simply wasn't strong enough to hold the increasing weight and pressure from my growing baby.

The Cervix as a Structural Gatekeeper

The cervix isn’t just a passive barrier—it’s a dynamic, load-bearing part of pregnancy. It has to remain firm and closed under pressure, yet soft and stretchy at just the right time. For people with EDS, where collagen is often disorganised or overly elastic, this balance is disrupted. The tissue may be too soft, too soon—leading to early shortening, effacement, and sometimes cervical insufficiency.

The Cervical Stitch (Cerclage): Holding the Line

To prevent preterm labour or loss, my consultant recommended a cervical cerclage—a procedure where a strong stitch is placed around the cervix to help it stay closed. It’s like reinforcing a soft seam that’s starting to unravel.

It sounded simple. But emotionally? It was a whirlwind:

• The anxiety of premature birth and the procedure itself

• The helplessness of something happening inside my own body without warning

• The guilt of blaming my body for being “too soft” in the wrong ways

Supporting My Cervix from the Inside Out

The procedure went well, and I was put on modified bed rest. I listened to the doctors but I also wanted to have a bit of control and feel like I was being proactive.

Here’s what I focused on:

1. Nutrition for Collagen Support

• I added collagen peptides to smoothies and soups (cleared by my midwife)

• Upped my intake of vitamin C, zinc, and amino acids—all vital for collagen synthesis

• Ate bone broth, leafy greens, citrus, and eggs—whole food sources to support connective tissue strength

2. Hydration

• Fascia and connective tissue need hydration to stay resilient

• I aimed for consistent, mineral-rich water intake throughout the day

3. Gentle Movement + Alignment

• Pelvic tilts, breath-led movement, and mindful rest positions helped reduce pressure on my cervix. I consulted my obstetrician and midwives in regards to what I was allowed to do.

4. Nervous System Regulation

• Managing stress meant less systemic inflammation

• I practised breathwork, meditation, and used heat packs for comfort

Why We Need to Talk About Cervical Insufficiency—Especially with Hypermobility

Too often, cervical insufficiency (a term I detest) is dismissed until it's urgent. And for those with connective tissue conditions like EDS, it can be silent—until it’s nearly too late.

I share this because:

• Cervical changes can be invisible—advocate for scans and cervical length checks

• Symptoms like pelvic pressure, bloody discharge, or cramp-like pain at any stage of your pregnancy are important to discuss with your medical team. Do not dismiss them.

• Nutritional and lifestyle support isn’t a cure—but it’s part of the whole picture

Final Thoughts

If you have hypermobility or EDS and are pregnant, ask early about cervical screening. Understand how your unique tissue might behave. And support your body where you can—from rest to nutrition to emotional grounding.

A stitch saved my pregnancy. But listening to my body—and giving it the nourishment and support it needed—helped me feel more in control and carry with more confidence.