Incompetent Cervix

Incompetent cervix occurs when your cervix opens, weakens or shortens too early in pregnancy. It’s also known as cervical insufficiency. It can cause problems including miscarriage (loss of the pregnancy) and premature birth (being born before 37 weeks of pregnancy).

If you’re at risk for an incompetent cervix or your cervix shows signs of opening too soon, your pregnancy care provider may recommend preventative treatment to avoid pregnancy complications.

Why does an incompetent cervix cause problems?

Your cervix is at the lower end of your uterus. It opens to your vagina. Before pregnancy, your cervix is closed and firm. As you near your due date, your cervix softens, shortens (effaces) and opens (dilates) so your baby can be born through your vagina.

With cervical insufficiency, your cervix may soften, open or shorten before the fetus is old enough to be born. This puts the fetus at risk for being born too soon — before their organs are fully developed.

How common is incompetent cervix?

Incompetent cervix occurs in about 1 in 100 pregnancies.

Who is at risk for incompetent cervix?

Anyone can develop an incompetent cervix. However, you may be at higher risk if you have:

• An irregularly shaped cervix or uterus.
• Experienced a premature birth or miscarriage in the second trimester of pregnancy.
• Injured your cervix or uterus during a previous pregnancy or childbirth.
• Had surgery on your cervix.
• A genetic disorder like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome which may cause cervical weakness and can lead to cervical insufficiency.

Studies have also shown that people who are Black and people expecting multiples (twins, triplets, etc.) are more likely to develop this condition during pregnancy.