PREMATURE CERVICAL DILATION

cervical insufficiency (premature cervical dilation)

when he cervix dilates too early during pregnancy, often painlessly,

pregnancy loss around 20 weeks, when the fetus is too immature to survive

RISK/ PREDISPOSING FACTORS

increased maternal age

congenital structural defects of the cervix or uterus

trauma to the cervix, such as

cone biopsy

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

pink stained vaginal discharge or increased pelvic pressure

followed by rupture of the membranes and discharge of the amniotic fluid

uterine contractions begin

after a short labor, the fetus is born

prevention

prenatal care

healthy diet (folic acid, calcium, and iron)

weight gain

avoid risky substances (don’t smoke, drink alcohol, or illegal drugs)

manage stress (find ways to reduce)

space pregnancies (12 to 18 months)

complications

miscarriage

preterm birth

recurrent pregnancy loss

infection

amniotic sac prolapse

preterm premature rupture of membranes

fetal death

shirodkar technique

sterile tape is threaded in a purse string manner under the submucous layer of the cervix and sutured in place to achieve a closed cervix

THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT/TREATMENT)

cervical cerclage

McDonald procedure

emotional support

medications

lifestyle changes

follow up care

cervical cerclage

performed to prevent premature cervical dilation from happening in a second time

McDonald procedure

suture serves to strengthen the cervic and prevent it from dilating until the end of pregnancy

Medications

give medications as prescribed, like drugs to stop contractions or steroids to help the baby lungs to develop if early delivery might happen