Cervical incompetence is defined as a condition where the cervix (the area at the bottom of the uterus at the vaginal opening) begins to open (dilate) and thin (efface) due to pressures of the growing fetus and uterus. The opening of the cervix is a leading cause of premature delivery and miscarriage.
Less than 1% of all pregnancies will experience problems due to an incompetent cervix. However, it is believed to cause as many as 25% of all miscarriages in the second trimester.
Not all women who experience cervical incompetence can attribute the problem to any specific cause. However, the following are a few of the possible reasons it may occur:
Often, cervical incompetence is not diagnosed until a woman is having problems with a pregnancy or after a miscarriage.
Cervical incompetence symptoms usually begin around the 16th and 17th week and progress as the fetus and amniotic fluid put more and more pressure on the cervix. One of the main differences is that there is no pain due to contractions or cramping. The specific symptoms are as follows:
Alert your obstetrician to any of the symptoms mentioned above, especially if you have had a previous miscarriage.
If an incompetent cervix has been detected, certain procedures can be performed to protect a current pregnancy or future pregnancies; they are as follows:
Even with a procedure such as a cerclage, there is no guarantee that it will totally prevent premature delivery or miscarriage. Regular check-ups and close observation through ultrasounds is highly recommended throughout pregnancy when dealing with cervical incompetence.
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