Cervical incompetence is basically a cervix that is too weak to stay closed during a pregnancy.
Therefore resulting in a preterm birth and possibly the loss of the baby, because of the shortened gestational length.
It is believed that cervical incompetence is the cause of 20 - 25 % of all second trimester losses.
This incompetence generally shows up in the early part of the second trimester, but possibly as late as the early third trimester.
It is generally categorized as premature opening of the cervix without labor or contractions.
Diagnosis can be made either manually or with ultrasonography.
The use of ultrasonography has been very helpful with the diagnosis, and is made when the cervical os (opening) is greater than 2.5 cm, or the length has shortened to less than 20 mm.
Sometimes funneling is also seen, this is where the internal portion of the cervix, internal os (portion of the cervix closer to the baby) has begun to efface.
The external os will be unaffected if diagnosed in time. Factors that increase the likelihood of suffering from an incompetent cervix are:
DES exposure
Cervical Trauma
Hormonal influences
Congenitally short cervix
Forced D & C
Uterine anomalies
While these procedures are life-saving, they also have potential risks: Premature rupture of membranes (1-9%) Chorioamnionitis (Infection of the amniotic sac, 1-7%) (This risk increases as the pregnancy progresses and is at 30% for a cervix that is dilated more than 3 cms.) Preterm Labor Cervical laceration or amputation (This can be at the procedure or at the delivery, from scar tissue that forms on the cervix.) Bladder Injury (rare) Maternal hemorrhage Cervical dystocia Uterine rupture The procedure is generally to observe the patient for 24 hours before performing the cerclage. During this time she will be observed for preterm labor and screened for infection. Generally this is done with the patient in the Trendelenburg position, feet above your head. Spinal anesthesia is used to prevent pain and maternal straining during the cerclage. Your bladder will be filled to try and move your membranes away from the os. You will be given antibiotics to help stave off infection, and Indocin to help your body ignore the prostaglandins released during the procedure. Post-operatively you will be on bed rest for the next 24 hours, possibly in the Trendelenburg position. And monitored for uterine activity. Once released from the hospital you will be on pelvic rest (no sex) for the remainder of the pregnancy. You will need to have periods of rest each day and decreased physical activity. You will be seen in the office at least once weekly until the birth. You will also be monitored for preterm labor. If you have any contractions you should contact your doctor right away. Cerclage seems to be a very effective treatment for incompetent cervix. The success rates can be very high (80-90%), particularly when done earlier in a pregnancy. If you have concerns about your prenatal history or suspect an incompetent cervix ask your practitioner to examine you. Robin Elise Weiss
