Pune docs help woman deliver baby after five unsuccessful pregnancies in 9 yrs 

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Pregnancies can be a stressful time for a lot of couples, and especially the mother, and more so if there has been an unsuccessful attempt in the past. In a heartwarming tale, doctors in Pune have helped a 34-year-old pregnant woman successfully deliver her baby after years of recurrent pregnancy losses caused by cervical insufficiency and a partial septate uterus. 

Married for nine years, the woman had experienced multiple pregnancy losses, including miscarriages, an ectopic pregnancy, and the heartbreaking loss of premature twins despite undergoing two previous transvaginal cervical cerclages. Following advanced preconception management that included laparoscopic transabdominal cerclage (LTAC) and hysteroscopic septal resection, she conceived naturally within a month and went on to deliver a healthy baby boy weighing 2.8 kg at 37 weeks through a planned caesarean section.

Five unsuccessful pregnancies in nine years

The couple had a dream to embrace parenthood but faced many hurdles along the way. For nearly a decade, the woman, a resident of Pimple Saudagar in Pune, and IT professional, had carried the emotional burden of repeated pregnancy loss. Her first pregnancy ended as a biochemical pregnancy, followed by a first-trimester miscarriage. In her third pregnancy, she developed cervical insufficiency at just over 17 weeks and underwent an emergency transvaginal cervical cerclage. Despite the procedure, she went into preterm labour and lost the baby during the second trimester. Her next pregnancy was complicated by an ectopic pregnancy, requiring laparoscopic removal of her right fallopian tube. Just when hope seemed to return, she conceived spontaneous twins in 2023. 

However, despite a preventive transvaginal cervical cerclage placed at 14 weeks, she again developed preterm labour and delivered the twins at just 24 weeks. Both babies were admitted to the NICU but sadly could not survive due to extreme prematurity.

The repeated losses left the couple emotionally shattered. Every positive pregnancy test filled them with hope, only to end in grief and unanswered questions. They struggled with fear, anxiety, and the pain of watching their dreams of becoming parents slip away time and again. Yet, despite the heartbreak, they refused to give up. Determined to find a solution that would one day help them welcome a healthy baby into their lives, they sought expert care from Dr Deepali Nirawane at Ankura Hospital for Women and Child.

Dr Nirawane, who is a consultant obstetrician and gynecologist at the hospital in Aundh, said, “The patient had cervical insufficiency, a condition where the cervix begins to open too early during pregnancy without pain or contractions, leading to recurrent miscarriages or extremely preterm births. Cervical insufficiency is usually caused by a weak or damaged cervix due to congenital conditions, previous cervical surgeries or procedures, trauma during childbirth, or structural abnormalities of the uterus, although in some women the exact cause remains unknown. She had already undergone two transvaginal cervical cerclages in previous pregnancies, but unfortunately both had failed. Further evaluation also revealed a partial septate uterus, a congenital condition in which a partition inside the uterus can interfere with normal fetal development and increase the risk of recurrent miscarriages, preterm birth, cervical insufficiency, abnormal foetal position (breech baby), and poor pregnancy outcomes. Considering her obstetric history, we recommended a preconception laparoscopic transabdominal cerclage along with hysteroscopic septal resection. Unlike the conventional vaginal cerclage, an abdominal cerclage is placed much higher around the cervix and offers stronger support in women where previous cerclages have failed. Performing the procedure before conception provided the best chance for a successful pregnancy.”

Dr Nirawane further added, “The patient conceived naturally within one month after surgery, which itself was encouraging. Throughout the pregnancy, there were no signs of cervical shortening, threatened miscarriage, or preterm labour. She did not require prolonged bed rest or activity restriction and her antenatal scans remained reassuring throughout. Since an abdominal cerclage cannot be removed during pregnancy, a planned caesarean section was performed at 37 weeks, resulting in the birth of a healthy baby boy weighing 2.8 kg. After years of repeated pregnancy losses and emotional trauma, helping this family finally take home a healthy baby was deeply rewarding. This case highlights the importance of identifying the exact cause of recurrent pregnancy loss and selecting the right surgical approach for women with cervical insufficiency.”

Recurrent pregnancy loss is often emotionally and physically exhausting for couples. “However, not every pregnancy loss has the same cause. Conditions such as cervical insufficiency, uterine abnormalities, hormonal disorders, or genetic factors require detailed evaluation before planning the next pregnancy. Advanced procedures like laparoscopic transabdominal cerclage can offer renewed hope to women who have experienced repeated failures with conventional treatment. Early diagnosis, individualized care, and timely intervention can significantly improve the chances of carrying a pregnancy safely to term,” said Dr Nirawane.

Sharing her happiness, the new mother said, “There were times when I wondered if I would ever become a mother. Every pregnancy brought new hope, but every loss left us completely shattered. Losing my premature twins was the most painful experience of our lives, and it became difficult to gather the courage to try again. When we came to Ankura Hospital, the doctors patiently explained why my previous pregnancies had failed and gave us confidence that there was still hope. Every appointment, every scan, and every reassuring word helped us move forward. The day I held my baby boy in my arms after nine years of waiting, I felt that all the pain, tears, and prayers had finally found their answer. My family and I will always remain grateful to the entire team for giving us the greatest gift of our lives.”