A condition where a woman's cervix, or opening between the uterus and vaginal tract, is not strong enough to remain closed during pregnancy. During a critical time period of growth, most often from about 16-22 weeks, the cervix may open and labor will begin prematurely. A cervical stitch can be used to help hold the cervix closed.
Weakness of the cervix of the uterus revealed during pregnancy, usually because of previous operations on it, but sometimes without prior injury, leading to miscarriage, typically in the second three months of the pregnancy. Diagnosed by examining the cervix during the pregnancy, repeatedly if necessary. Often causes no symptoms until the waters break (the pregnancy membranes from the gestational sac bulge through the opening cervix), when it's usually too late to treat. Treated before rupture of the membranes with a cervical ligature.
A condition in which the cervix begins to open before the pregnancy has come to term; a cause of miscarriage and preterm labor in the second and third trimesters
A history of passive and painless dilation (opening) of the cervix in the second trimester leading to preterm delivery. The cervix appears to be "short", with a length of less than 2 cm, on ultrasound examination.
Inability of the cervix to remain closed during pregnancy, which may result in miscarriage or premature delivery. To avoid premature delivery, the cervix may be stitched up or the mother may be confined to bed
A weakness of the neck of the uterus, which can lead to spontaneous abortion due to an inability to support the weight of the fetus.
Premature opening of the cervix (without contractions)
A condition in which the cervix opens too early in the pregnancy which may result in mid-pregnancy miscarriage. The cause is usually previous mid-pregnancy termination or damage to the cervix during previous labor. It can be treated by suturing the cervix closed during pregnancy.
A condition in which the cervix, under pressure from the growing uterus, opens before a pregnancy has reached term. Can cause miscarriage in the second trimester or preterm labor in the third, but can be treated by surgical reinforcement of the cervical muscle (called cerclage).
Cervix begins to dilate in the middle of pregnancy causing miscarriage or preterm labor.
Towards the end of pregnancy the cervix naturally softens and 'ripens' so that it can open up in preparation for birth, this is known as effacement. During the rest of pregnancy the cervix should remain closed and sealed with a mucus plug to protect the embryo. When the cervix softens and opens early the cervix is said to be incompetent and when undetected will lead to a miscarriage or premature birth. Incompetent cervix is thought to be responsible for between 20 and 25% or second term miscarriages. When detected early, the cervix can be supported for the rest of the pregnancy through a simple procedure.
Abnormal weakness of the cervix.
A condition in which the cervix will not stay closed during pregnancy. This can cause a miscarriage but if detected early enough, the cervix can be surgically sealed in an attempt to prolong the pregnancy.
In medicine, cervical incompetence is a condition in which a pregnant woman's cervix begins to dilate (widen) and efface (thin) before her pregnancy has reached term. Cervical incompetence is a cause of miscarriage and preterm birth in the second and third trimesters.
