It may also occur after cervical surgeries. Usually the cervix doesn't dilate like this before the 16th week of pregnancy. Before this time, the products of conception are not large enough to cause the cervix to dilate and to thin out. A pregnancy that is lost from an incompetent cervix is completely different from a miscarriage. A miscarriage during the first trimester is common.
Incompetent cervix is a relatively rare complication early in pregnancy.
Treatment for an incompetent cervix is usually surgical. The weak cervix is reinforced with a suture that sews the cervix shut. If this is your first pregnancy, there is no way you can know whether you have an incompetent cervix. If you have had problems in the past or have had premature deliveries and have been told you might have an incompetent cervix, share this important information with your doctor. Many pregnant women share a common concern related to eating out.