Cervical incompetence (CI) is defined as a painless dilation and shortening of the cervix in the absence of vaginal bleeding, uterine contraction and the preterm rupture of membranes, ending with either miscarriage or childbirth during the second trimester of pregnancy. CI is part of a broader concept of a short cervix. Short cervical length (SCL) should be defined as a CL less than 25 mm between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation. This definition of SCL is fully applicable for singleton pregnancies and is used in the treatment recommendations, but does not entirely apply towards twin pregnancies. A number of authors and medical associations suggest defining the short cervix as a cervical length below the 10th percentile for a given gestational age. In the pathogenesis of the short cervix, both congenital factors (e.g. anatomical anomalies) and acquired factors may play an important role, including: cervical surgery, cervical trauma and systemic diseases associated with collagen and elastin disorders, as well as excessive mechanical pressure exerted on the cervix. Cervical length evolves during pregnancy and diminishes with the duration of pregnancy. The dynamics and degree of these changes depend on the number of fetuses.
As the pregnancy progresses, the cervix gradually gets softer and decreases in length, and fully opens when the mother is ready to give birth. However, having a short cervix can cause this to happen prematurely.
Risk Factors
- History of cervical conizations or other surgeries involving the cervix
- History of cervical trauma due to accidents
- History of late miscarriage
Diagnosis
You can request your doctor to do an ultrasound to measure your cervical length if you experience signs and symptoms of preterm labour. These include regular or frequent contractions, a constant low, dull backache, a change in the type of vaginal discharge, or pelvic pressure.
- Ultrasound
- Pelvic Examination
Treatment
Short cervix induced miscarriages are completely preventable. Our doctors will secure 2 Antai Cervical Rings, using 3D-Laparoscopy, one in the lower orifice of the cervical neck, the other on the upper orifice. We will ensure at least 1-2cm distance apart between the rings, effectively extended to a healthy range. This significantly increased cervical integrity and secures a healthy pregnancy with no complications