Incompetent cervix is a medical term that describes a cervix that is either too thin (effaced) or has dilated prematurely. In most cases the cause is unknown. In other cases cervical incompetence may be caused by prior cervical dilation, for example during a D&C or other surgery, or from treatment of very abnormal Pap smears, for example a LEEP (LLETZ) procedure or a cold knife conization. Regardless, once diagnosed by internal exam or ultrasound, the treatment is either cervical cerclage (pronounced "sir-klahj"), which is a stitch around the cervix, or by strict bedrest. Incompetent cervix can be a devastating condition that may lead to delivery of a baby that is far too small to survive outside the mother's body. Thus, early diagnosis and treatment is critical.
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