An incompetent cervix is a cervix that opens prematurely during pregnancy. The pressure of the growing uterus combined with complications of the cervix or other factors may cause this to occur. Some women will not be diagnosed with an incompetent cervix until after a pre-term delivery or after a late miscarriage. Once it has been diagnosed, procedures can be performed to help the cervix stay closed and possibly prevent pre-term labor or a late miscarriage.

If you have been diagnosed with an incompetent cervix and you are pregnant now, your doctor may perform a technique called cerclage. This is where the doctor will put in a few stitches (sutures) in the cervix to help keep it closed for the duration of your pregnancy. Cerclage is usually performed between 12 and 16 weeks and may stay in place until delivery or a few weeks before delivery.