Incompetent cervix is a rare condition in which the uterus will dilate painlessly. It occurs during the second trimester or early third trimester (most freqently during the third or fourth month) and in most cases the mother is unaware of the condition.
As the uterus stretches the amniotic sacA membrane that surrounds the amniotic cavity, covering the fetal side of the placenta and the outer surface of the umbilical cord. It also becomes the outermost layer of skin on the developing fetus.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. containing the fetus will descend into the vagina causing the membranes to rupture. Depending on the stage of pregnancy the result unfortunately may be a miscarriage.
Unfortunately there is no way to accurately diagnose an incompetent cervix until after a premature delivery without any pain has occured.
The incidence of incompetent cervix averages about 0.28% (3 in 1,000) although figures from the Centers for Disease Control show that the risk rises with age from 0.14% (1.4 in 1,000) at age twenty to 0.44% (4.4 in 1,000) at age fifty.
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Many researchers believe that multiple dilation and curettages, miscarriages, or cervical conization procedures are contributory factors of an incompetent cervix. Others argue that the incompetent cervix may have been the cause of the miscarriage itself.
It is currently impossible for doctors to predict an incompetent cervix in a first time pregnancy, but if it is suspected as a cause of a previous miscarriage surgical treatment will be performed.
If an incompetent cervix is suspected your doctor will perform a McDonald cerclageA term used to describe a surgical procedure performed on an incompetent cervix. A suture in the form of a drawstring is used to hold the cervical opening closed during pregnancy.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. procedure during the early part of the second trimester. This procedure consists of a suture around the cervix to support it and hold it closed. Non-disolving thread is used and it will usually be removed about seven to ten days before your estimated due date.
Your doctor will probably remove the thread in the labor and delivery room since approximately one third (1 in 3) of all patients will immediately enter labor. The success rate for the procedure, in this case a delivery at term, is approximately seventy five percent (3 in 4).
There are few complications of the cerclage procedure and problems such infection or bleeding are rare. The procedure itself may trigger premature labor although it can be controlled with tocolytic medications.
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