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Pregnancy Health -
Questions
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Incompetent Cervix.A woman I met at my doctor's office told me she had an incompetent cervix with her last pregnancy. What is that?
An incompetent cervix is a condition in which a woman has painless premature stretching (dilatation) of the cervix. It is usually unnoticed by the woman. Membranes may rupture without any warning, and it usually results in premature delivery of the baby.
How will I know if this is happening to me?
The problem is not usually diagnosed until after one or more deliveries of a premature infant without any pain before delivery. If it's your first pregnancy, there is no way for you to know if you have an incompetent cervix.
What causes an incompetent cervix?
Some researchers believe it occurs because of previous trauma to the cervix, such as a D&C (dilatation and curettage) for an abortion or a miscarriage. It may also occur if surgery has been performed on the cervix.
If this problem occurs, is there any treatment for it?
Treatment is usually surgical. Sewing the cervix shut can reinforce a weak cervix. When the woman goes into labor, the suture is opened and the baby can be born normally.
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