What Is An Incompetent Cervix?
Also known as insufficient cervix, incompetent cervix is basically the condition wherein weak tissue of cervical contributes or leads loss or premature birth of a normal, healthy pregnancy.
Normally, prior being pregnant, the cervix is rigid and closed. As pregnancy advances and the mother prepare to deliver, the cervix slowly softens, reduces in its length and opens. However, in case of having incompetent cervix, the cervix starts to open very early, leading premature delivery.
Furthermore, the condition is hard to diagnose, which makes it difficult to treat. If the cervix starts to open before the due period, your doctor can suggest medication during your pregnancy. In addition to this, your doctor might recommend you the procedure used for closing the cervix through cervical cerclage or regular ultrasounds in order to avoid premature delivery.
What Are The Symptoms Of Incompetent Cervix?
Women with incompetent cervix hardly notice any symptoms in their early stage of pregnancy, though mild discomfort is a common complain. Beginning at week fifteen to twenty, you may experience the following signs and symptoms of incompetent cervix:
- Change in your vaginal discharge.
- Abdominal cramps.
- Vaginal bleeding.
- Sensation of pelvic pressure.
What Are The Risk Factors Of Incompetent Cervix?
A number of factors are considered responsible for raising the chances of incompetent cervix, such as:
- Obstetric trauma.
- Congenital conditions.
- Some cervical procedures.
- Dilation and curettage.
What Are The Potential Complications Of Incompetent Cervix?
Clearly, the condition raises the risks for an otherwise healthy pregnancy, especially in the second trimester, such as:
- Pregnancy loss.
- Premature birth.
In case premature birth occurs, the baby is more likely to have certain health concerns such as underdeveloped organs, breathing difficulties and birth weight etc.
How Is Incompetent Cervix Diagnosed?
The condition is hard to diagnose, and can only be detected, say diagnosed during pregnancy. Then again, diagnosing incompetent cervix in women carrying their first baby is difficult. However in order to detect the condition, your doctor will document the symptoms you have been noticing. He or she will also need details regarding your medical history. Few procedures and tests the doctor will suggest during your second trimester in order to diagnose incompetent cervix, include:
- Pelvic exam.
- Transvaginal ultrasound.
- Lab tests.
How Is Incompetent Cervix Treated?
Certain approaches or treatments the doctor can suggest in order to manage the condition may include
- Serial ultrasounds.
- Progesterone supplementation.
- Cervical cerclage.
In addition to this, you doctor may also suggest a device that is place inside your vagina. The device will help to hold your uterus in pessary (place).
Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to prevent the condition, however you can do a lot to maintain a full-term, healthy pregnancy, such as:
- Consume a healthy diet.
- Regular prenatal visits are very important.
- Avoid risky substances such as alcohol, smoking or illegal drugs.
- Wisely, gain weight.
By : Natural Health News
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