Expert advice Q&A
 What causes an incompetent cervix?
 Cervical incompetence is a condition which causes rupture of the membranes and painless dilatation of the cervix in the second trimester (between the 12th and the 24th week), leading to miscarriage. Although cervical incompetence may be related to traumatic damage to the cervix, in many cases no cause is identified. The condition is usually diagnosed when the woman has had a history of such miscarriages, or preterm deliveries.
A cervical stitch is inserted if a woman has a history of late miscarriages diagnosed as being due to an incompetent cervix. The best time for the cervix to be stitched is early in the second trimester. It is relatively successful in holding a baby to at least a gestation that is viable. The main complications are accidentally breaking the waters and introducing infection during stitch insertion. The stitch must be removed before labour commences as if it is in place once labour has started, there is a high risk of it causing cervical damage as the cervix dilates.
Answer provided by Dr Jo Lee
|
