Overview

An cervix , also called a cervical insufficiency, occurs when weak cervical tissue causes or contributes to premature birth or the loss of an otherwise healthy pregnancy.

Before pregnancy, your cervix — the lower a part of the uterus that opens to the vagina — is generally closed and firm. As pregnancy progresses and you prepare to offer birth, the cervix gradually softens, decreases long (effaces) and opens (dilates). If you've got an cervix, your cervix might begin to open timely — causing you to offer birth too early.

An cervix are often difficult to diagnose and treat. If your cervix begins to open early, otherwise you have a history of cervical insufficiency; your doctor might recommend preventive medication during pregnancy, frequent ultrasounds or a procedure that closes the cervix with strong sutures (cervical cerclage).

Symptoms

If you've got an cervix, you'll not have any signs or symptoms during early pregnancy. Some women have mild discomfort or spotting over the course of several days or weeks starting between 14 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Be on the lookout for:

Ø  A sensation of pelvic pressure

Ø  A new backache

Ø  Mild abdominal cramps

Ø  A change in vaginal discharge

Ø  Light vaginal bleeding

Risk factors

Many women don't have a known risk factor. Risk factors for cervical insufficiency include:

Ø     Cervical trauma - Some surgical procedures wont to treat cervical abnormalities related to an abnormal cervical smear may result in cervical insufficiency. Other surgical procedures like a D&C could even be related to cervical insufficiency. Rarely, a cervical tear during a previous labor and delivery might be related to an cervix.

Ø     Race - Black women seem to have a higher risk of developing cervical insufficiency. It isn't clear why.

Ø     Congenital conditions - Uterine abnormalities and genetic disorders affecting a fibrous sort of protein that creates up your body's connective tissues (collagen) might cause an cervix . Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES), an artificial sort of the hormone estrogen, before birth also has been linked to cervical insufficiency.

Prevention

You can't prevent an cervix — but there's much you'll do to market a healthy, full-term pregnancy. For example:

Ø     Seek regular prenatal care. Prenatal visits can help your doctor monitor your health and your baby's health. Mention any signs or symptoms that concern you, albeit they appear silly or unimportant.

Ø     Eat a healthy diet. During pregnancy, you will need more vitamin Bc , calcium, iron and other essential nutrients. A daily prenatal vitamin — ideally starting a couple of months before conception — can help fill any dietary gaps.

Ø     Gain weight wisely. Gaining the proper amount of weight can support your baby's health. A weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds (about 11 to 16 kilograms) is usually recommended for ladies who have a healthy weight before pregnancy.

Ø     Avoid risky substances. If you smoke, quit. Alcohol and illegal drugs are off-limits, too. In addition, get your doctor's OK before taking any medications or supplements — even those available over-the-counter.

If you've had an cervix during one pregnacy, you're in danger of premature birth or pregnancy loss in later pregnancies. If you're considering getting pregnant again, talk together with your doctor to know the risks and what you'll do to market a healthy pregnancy.

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