Cervical Insufficiency (Sometimes called incompetent cervix)

What is cervical insufficiency? 

The cervix is a fibrous tissue at the bottom of the uterus that serves as the eventual birth canal for the baby. This weakness can result in premature delivery that can threaten fetal survival.

What causes cervical insufficiency?

Some women have either naturally occurring weakness of this fibrous tissue or weakness due to prior traumatic injury (birth lacerations) or surgical removal of portions of the cervix.

What are the symptoms of cervical insufficiency?

Mild discomfort or spotting over the course of several days or weeks are possible symptoms you may experience. However, you might not experience any signs or symptoms.

How is cervical insufficiency diagnosed?

Please contact your doctor if suspect you are in cervical insufficiency.

What is the treatment for cervical insufficiency?

In recent years, two strategies have emerged that offer alternatives for care. The first (and oldest) of these strategies is the elective surgical placement of a suture (stitch) in the cervix to keep it closed until a pregnancy has reached full term (also known as cerclage). This suture is commonly placed at approximately 13 to 14 weeks of pregnancy.

The second strategy is frequently used when the diagnosis of cervical insufficiency is suspected but has not been proven. Ultrasound is used to measure the length of the cervix, offering suture of the cervix only to those women whose cervix is noted to be shortening. This approach allows some women to avoid surgery.

Outcomes with either approach have been similarly successful. The most important thing is to identify those women at risk so that intervention can occur before a repeat early delivery occurs.

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