With an incompetent cervix, there may be no signs or symptoms during early pregnancy. Some women have mild discomfort or spotting before the diagnosis. Often, this occurs before 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Be on the lookout for:

• A feeling of pelvic pressure.
• A new backache.
• Mild stomach cramps.
• A change in vaginal discharge.
• Light vaginal bleeding.

Many women don't have a known risk factor. Risk factors for an incompetent cervix include:

• Cervical trauma. A previous procedure or surgery on the cervix could lead to an incompetent cervix. This includes surgery to treat a cervical problem found during a Pap test. A procedure called a dilation and curettage (D&C) also could be associated with an incompetent cervix. Rarely, a cervical tear during a previous labor and delivery could be a risk factor for an incompetent cervix.
• A condition you're born with. This is called a congenital condition. Certain uterine conditions might cause an incompetent cervix. Genetic problems affecting a type of protein that makes up your body's connective tissues, called collagen, might cause an incompetent cervix.

An incompetent cervix may be risky for your pregnancy. Possible complications include:

• Premature birth.
• Pregnancy loss.

You can't prevent an incompetent cervix. But there's a lot you can do to have a healthy, full-term pregnancy. For example:

• Seek regular prenatal care. Regular checkups during pregnancy can help your care team monitor your health and your baby's health. Tell your doctor about any signs or problems that worry you, even if they seem silly or not important.
• Eat a healthy diet. During pregnancy, you'll need more folic acid, calcium, iron and other essential nutrients. Taking a daily prenatal vitamin can help if you're not eating enough healthy foods. Prenatal vitamins can be started a few months before conception and continued throughout your pregnancy.
• Gain weight wisely. Gaining the right amount of weight can support your baby's health. A weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds, or about 11 to 16 kilograms, is often the target if you are at a healthy weight before pregnancy.
• Avoid risky substances. If you smoke, quit. Alcohol and illegal drugs are off-limits too. Get your doctor's OK before taking any medicines or supplements, even those available without a prescription.

If you've had an incompetent cervix during one pregnancy, you're at risk of premature birth or pregnancy loss in later pregnancies. If you're considering getting pregnant again, talk with your doctor to understand the risks and what you can do to promote a healthy pregnancy.

If you have an incompetent cervix, your doctor might suggest limiting sexual activity or avoiding certain other physical activities. This advice will depend on your individual situation.

It may be difficult to learn that you have an incompetent cervix. It may make you feel anxious about your pregnancy and afraid to think about the future. Ask your care team for suggestions on safe ways to relax.

Having a premature birth might make you feel that you did something to cause it. Or that you could have done more to stop it from happening. If you're struggling with these feelings, talk to your partner and loved ones, as well as your doctor. Try to focus your energy on caring for and getting to know your baby.

Tell your doctor about any risk factors you may have for an incompetent cervix. Also tell your doctor if you have any symptoms during your second trimester that might mean you have an incompetent cervix. Depending on the situation, you might need immediate medical care.

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, as well as what to expect from your health care provider.

What you can do

If there's time before your appointment, you might want to:

• Find a loved one or friend who can join you for your appointment. Worry and anxiety might make it hard to pay attention to what your doctor says. Take someone along who can help you remember what you talked about during your appointment.
• Write down questions to ask your health care team. That way, you won't forget anything important that you want to ask. This can help you make the most of your time with your doctor.

Basic questions to ask your doctor about problems with the cervix during pregnancy include:

• Has my cervix begun to open? If so, how much?
• Is there anything I can do to help continue my pregnancy?
• Are there any treatments that can make my pregnancy last longer or help the baby?
• Do I need to be on bed rest? If so, for how long? What kinds of things will I be able to do? Will I need to be in the hospital?
• What warning signs should make me call you?
• What warning signs should make me to go to the hospital?
• If my baby is born now, what can I expect?

Feel free to ask any other questions that occur to you.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as:

• When did your symptoms start?
• Have you had any contractions?
• Have you noticed changes in vaginal discharge?
• Have you had any earlier pregnancies, miscarriages or cervical surgeries that you haven't mentioned?
• How long would it take you to get to the hospital in an emergency, including time to arrange child care or a ride to the hospital?
• Do you have friends or family nearby who could care for you if you need bed rest?