After experiencing a late-term pregnancy loss in October 2023, Maya Haggerty was diagnosed with an incompetent cervix. Her maternal fetal medicine specialist suggested a transabdominal cervical cerclage, which is considered more advanced and durable than the traditional transvaginal approach that had previously failed.
Maya initially hesitated to undergo the procedure due to her previous experience. “Losing our son was traumatic,” she said. “Because the first cerclage failed, I had a lot of fear that it would happen again.” With encouragement from her husband and reassurance about the higher success rate of this alternative procedure, she decided to proceed.
The surgery was performed by Dr. Olga Muldoon at AdventHealth Porter. Dr. Muldoon is one of only a few providers in Colorado offering robotic transabdominal cerclage and is noted for using a needleless technique. She explained, “The needle technique is more blind, and you’re hoping it’s not trapping the uterine artery.” Dr. Muldoon’s method uses a tool to create a canal between the uterine arteries and cervix for stitch placement, which she believes makes the procedure safer and more precise.
Maya spoke positively about her experience with Dr. Muldoon’s team: “There were many times during our journey when I felt truly supported by Dr. Muldoon and her team,” she said. “They explained everything in detail and answered all my questions. Knowing this wasn’t an experimental procedure, but one with a track record of success, helped me stay positive.”
A few weeks after surgery, Maya became pregnant again and described feeling both anxious and hopeful: “I had a flood of emotions—relief, excitement, and anxiety. But I was hopeful that I might have a chance at a full-term pregnancy.” Her pregnancy was closely monitored through regular ultrasounds and specialist visits until delivery.
National data shows that 20% of second-trimester pregnancies are lost due to insufficient cervixes; overall losses attributed to this condition range from 10-25%. Dr. Muldoon highlighted these statistics: “It’s heartbreaking seeing these women lose their babies at 21 or 22 weeks—so close to viability.”
Dr. Muldoon emphasized awareness around available treatments: “Many women don’t realize this option exists,” she said. She noted that vaginal cerclages can fail up to 46% of the time compared to abdominal cerclages’ reported success rates as high as 90%, especially when performed before pregnancy; however, outcomes depend on provider training.
Her advice for patients considering their options: “Talk with your doctor about what’s right for you. And if you choose to move forward with a cerclage, do your research and find a provider who is well-trained and experienced.”
Maya offered words of encouragement for others facing similar challenges: “Get the cerclage. Keep the faith, even when you feel like giving up. Your story is unique, and it’s hard—but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Trust the stitch.” She also expressed gratitude toward Dr. Muldoon’s team: “There are no words to express how thankful I am. They gave me hope—and helped bring my baby into the world.”
AdventHealth Orlando is located in Orlando, Florida, where it has served patients since its founding in 1908 under current president Terry Shaw; it operates as both a pediatric hospital and training facility.
