"Incompetent cervix" is a condition in which a woman's cervix begins to dilate prematurely during pregnancy, leading to preterm labor and delivery. The spelling of this word is broken down using IPA phonetic transcription: /ɪnˈkɑːmpɪtənt sərˈvɪks/. The stress is placed on the second syllable of "incompetent" and the first syllable of "cervix." The pronunciation of the "t" in "incompetent" is softened to a glottal stop, and the "v" sound in "cervix" is represented by the letter "v," rather than "f." This condition requires careful monitoring and medical intervention to prevent the loss of the pregnancy.
Incompetent cervix, also known as cervical insufficiency, refers to a medical condition in which the cervix, the lower narrow part of the uterus, is unable to retain a pregnancy. The cervix is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity and stability of the uterus during pregnancy. An incompetent cervix is characterized by a weakness or structural defect in the cervix that leads to it becoming prematurely dilated or effaced (thinning of the cervix) without contractions or labor.
This condition typically occurs during the second trimester of pregnancy. The weakened cervix is unable to support the increasing weight and pressure from the growing fetus, resulting in the gradual dilation and opening of the cervix. This can lead to a spontaneous late miscarriage or preterm birth, usually between 16 to 24 weeks of gestation.
Signs and symptoms of incompetent cervix may include painless vaginal discharge, pelvic pressure or a sensation of the baby moving downward, a change in the shape or length of the cervix as detected during prenatal examinations, or the absence of contractions.
Treatment for incompetent cervix may involve cerclage, a surgical procedure in which a stitch is placed around the cervix to provide support and strengthen it. Other interventions such as bed rest, progesterone supplements, or medications to suppress contractions may also be recommended.
Early detection and timely management of an incompetent cervix are crucial to prevent the loss of the pregnancy and improve the chances of carrying the baby to full term. Regular prenatal care and close monitoring are essential for women with a history of incompetent cervix.
The term "incompetent cervix" is a medical term used to refer to a condition called cervical insufficiency, which is a structural defect in the cervix that leads to its premature dilation during pregnancy. The etymology of the term can be broken down as follows:
1. Incompetent: The term "incompetent" in this context means "not capable" or "not able to perform its function adequately". It comes from the Latin word "incompetens", which is derived from "in-" (meaning "not") and "competens" (meaning "capable" or "competent").
2. Cervix: The term "cervix" refers to the narrow neck-like portion of the uterus that connects it to the vagina. It comes from the Latin word "cervix", which means "neck".