1. American Pregnancy defines this as the premature opening up of the cervix as the baby grows larger putting more pressure on the cervix, which leads to premature birth or miscarriage.
2. Some risk factors, as listed by Mayo Clinic, include uterine abnormalities, genetic disposition, exposure to diethylstilbestrol (synthetic estrogen), trauma from a previous difficult birth, or trauma from a previous D&C.
3. According to the Baby Center, some people show no symptoms, while others may have pelvic pressure, cramping, backache, vaginal discharge that changes in volume and color, and spotting.
4. Testing done to diagnose an incompetent cervix includes transvaginal ultrasound, a pelvic exam to determine if the sac is protruding,