Cervical Incompetence: Expectant Mothers' ConCern

Cervical incompetence is a main cause of several miscarriage or preterm delivery in pregnant women, influencing on fetal health and future. Good understanding of etiology helps mothers being more proactive in protection of maternal and fetal health. Let’s learn about cervical incompetence

► Cervical incompetence is a condition that the cervix is weak and unable to retain a viable intrauterine pregnancy. Symptoms of cervical incompetence is quite unclear, there may be asymptomatic initially . Some symptoms can occur in 14th -20th week of gestation as follows:

• Mild uterine contractions
• Feeling of compression pressure in the pelvic region
• Backache, abdominal pain
• Possible vaginal bleeding
• Vaginal discharge colour change

► Causes of cervical incompetence:

• Congenital short cervix.
• Structural destruction of internal orifice triggered by cervical dilation
• Cervical laceration during pregnancy
• Cervical conization or partial cervical excision

► Who is at risk of cervical incompetence:

• Miscarriage occurs in the 2nd trimester with unspecified cause
• History of preterm delivery History of recurrent miscarriage, preterm delivery ( at least twice) characterised as quick, no pain.
• Transvaginal intrauterine interventions: cervical dilation for abortion, rupture of cervix, loop electrosurgical excision procedure…
• Uterine abnormalities such as bicornuate uterus.

► How to prevent cervical incompetence in expectant mothers?

• Mothers should perform prenatal care as soon as they are aware of pregnancy
• Develop a healthy diet pattern
• Apply safe contraceptive methods, unintended pregnancy prevention
• Restrict intervention of cervical invasive surgeries, procedures
• Cervical length measurement by transvaginal ultrasonography for early detecting incompetent cervix

According to Dr. Quach Van – OB-GYN specialist level 1, cervical incompetence is extremely dangerous because it is a main cause of miscarriage and preterm delivery. Thus, mothers-to-be should fully visit a doctor before and during pregnancy as per doctor instructions. Unfortunately, if incompetent cervix or other problems are diagnosed, doctors will give an appropriate treatment plan creating a premise for a healthy pregnancy.

In AIH Clinic, physicians and nutritionists will monitor and provide specific recommendations for individual parturient in order to create the best care plans for parturients and babies .