Also known as Incompetent cervix or Cervical Insufficiency.

ABOUT THE DISEASE

During pregnancy, as the baby grows and gets heavier, it presses on the cervix. If the cervix is weak, it is not able to hold the fetus inside the uterus. This pressure may cause the cervix to start to open before the baby is ready to be born and the membranes around the fetus will often balloon down into the birth canal i.e the vagina. This condition is called incompetent cervix or weakened cervix, and it may lead to a miscarriage or premature delivery.

SYMPTOMS

Mostly occurs in the 2nd and early 3rd trimester of pregnancy, would cause some of the following symptoms:

• • Spotting or bleeding from the vagina.
• • Feeling pressure in the vagina.

CAUSES

A weakened cervix can be caused by one or more of the following conditions:
- Previous surgery on the cervix
- Damage during a difficult birth
- Malformed cervix or uterus from a birth defect
- Previous trauma to the cervix, such as a D&C (dilation and curettage)
- Exposure to DES (Diethylstilbestrol) during pregnancy
- Shorter cervix than normal.

DIAGNOSIS

In most cases, the diagnosis is not made until after the pregnancy is lost in the 2nd or third trimester.

Diagnosis can be done by:
- Pelvic examination
- Ultrasound, to measure the cervical opening or the length of the cervix.

TREATMENT METHODS

When the problem is identified in time, the treatment is a procedure called Cervical Encerclage/Shirodkar`s suture. This gives the cervix added support. This is usually done between 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. The cerclage helps carry the baby to term. The cerclage suture may be removed when labor begins or at term before labor begins (36-38 weeks). The suture can also be left in place for future pregnancies. If left in place, the baby is delivered by Cesarean section.

You may also like to learn about:

Miscarriage
Pregnancy
Cesarean section
Cervical cancer
Cervicitis
Vaginal bleeding