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What Causes an Incompetent Cervix?

By Tracee Cornforth, About.com

Created: June 25, 2004

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Question: What Causes an Incompetent Cervix?
Answer: While the exact cause of cervical incompetence is unclear, it is known to be associated with certain risk factors including:

  • cervical trauma from previous child birth during which the cerix was torn
  • Cone biopsy
  • repeated or late-term abortion

Women who have an abnormally formed cervix, often caused by prenatal DES exposure, are also at risk for incompetent cervix during pregnancy.

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