Incompetent Cervix During Pregnancy

The cervix is a part between the uterus and birth canal. In a normal delivery, cervix remains closed unless and until labor pains and expansion of cervix begins, but unfortunately one out of every one hundred women’s cervix is not able to support the pressure of baby growing inside and opens up early. This pregnancy complication is known as cervical incompetence or an incompetent cervix pregnancy. This problem during pregnancy can cause spontaneous pregnancy or loss of pregnancy. Incompetent cervix may be diagnosed before or during pregnancy. For example around week 12 of pregnancy, when a gynecologist will find that the cervix is dilated more than usual, then he/she may intervene surgically. The downfall of this is that it is very difficult to appreciate the success rate and some cases experience loss of pregnancy.

The surgery is performed to insert a stitch or suture known as cerclage to hold the baby until the time of pregnancy (ninth month). At the time of delivery, this suture is cut and a woman can have a normal delivery. Causes of incompetent cervix may be acquired or congenital. The reasons why this problem may be acquired are several, including:

1.      Multiple repeated abortions in last stages of pregnancy.

2.      Rapid removal of previous baby during delivery.

3.      Using forceps during pregnancy in an incorrect way.

4.      Birth trauma.

5.      Previous cervical neck surgery or trauma.

6.      Cervical accidents.

An incompetent cervix may also be a birth defect. If your gynecologist will detect weakness of cervix in the last stages of your pregnancy, he/she will probably advice to take complete bedrest and will closely monitor your pregnancy to avoid any complications. If a woman has suffered spontaneous loss of pregnancy previously, it is very important to consult an experienced gynecologist and explain the situation so that she can take necessary action for you before your getting pregnant again. After all, your and your baby’s health lies in your hand and you should not feel shy in consulting with your gynecologist regarding this problem to prevent complication because prevention is better than cure.