Cervical incompetence

Definitions & Key takeaways

Cervical incompetence is when the cervix (the lower, narrow end of the uterus that opens into the vagina) opens prematurely and fails to retain pregnancy during the second trimester, leading to abortion or premature birth. The cause of cervical incompetence is well unknown, but it may be related to trauma, genetics, or abnormalities in the tissues of the cervix.