Cervical Insufficiency / Incompetent Cervix

Cervical insufficiency (CI) is a weakened cervix that leads to the cervix opening before a pregnancy reaches full term and without labor. (Read about "Healthy Pregnancy" "Childbirth") This is also called "incompetent cervix." It can result in a miscarriage or early (premature) delivery. (Read about "Preterm Labor")

The cervix is the opening at the base of the uterus. During normal pregnancies, the cervix stays firm and closed until late in the third trimester. When the cervix is shorter or softer and weaker than normal, the growing weight of the baby can cause the cervix to start opening (dilating) before labor starts. Generally, there are no symptoms of an insufficient cervix so few women realize they have the condition until they experience a miscarriage or preterm delivery. The exact cause of the condition is unknown although the March of Dimes (MOD) lists some possible risk factors:

• damage to the cervix during surgery
• injury during a previous birth
• exposure to certain drugs
• cervical length

Doctors have no reliable way to routinely check for cervical insufficiently. But if a woman has a history of mid-term miscarriages, the doctor may order a vaginal ultrasound. (Read about "Ultrasound Imaging")

According to MOD, healthcare providers continue to struggle to find effective treatments for preventing miscarriage caused by a short or weakened cervix. Doctors sometimes recommend:

• bed rest
• pelvic rest (no sex, douching or tampons)
• cerclage - A stitch in the cervix that's intended to keep it from opening too early. The stitch is removed before delivery.

Related Information:

    Pregnancy Resource Center