Cleveland Birth Injury Attorneys Take a Stand Against Negligent Providers

Mothers who have a short or incompetent cervix need extra monitoring during pregnancy

The cervix plays an important role during pregnancy. It is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Prior to pregnancy, the cervix is closed and hard. Throughout pregnancy, the cervix will become softer. It will also become shorter, which is known as effacement, and will begin to open, or dilate, as birth approaches. Should the cervix begin to open too soon, a baby could be born prematurely. At The Eisen Law Firm, our Cleveland birth injury attorneys have represented mothers whose pregnancies were significantly shortened or lost due to improper medical care.

Cervical incompetence refers to weak cervical tissue. Women with a short or incompetent cervix may experience a premature birth or even miscarriage. However, with proper treatment, a woman with a short or incompetent cervix greatly increases her chances of having a healthy pregnancy.

What factors affect cervical length?

The length of the cervix is affected by a number of factors. These include:

• Over-distended uterus (a term meaning that the uterus has been stretched too far)
• Bleeding during pregnancy
• Inflamed uterine lining
• Biological differences between women
• Certain infections
• Incompetent cervix

Any of these conditions may affect cervical length.

Who is at risk of having an incompetent cervix?

Cervical tissue may be weakened by the following factors:

• Congenital conditions that impact the connective tissues
• Trauma to the cervix
• A previous dilation and curettage (a “D&C”), which may damage the cervix

A physician should be aware of any of these conditions.

Preterm labor

Women who have a short or incompetent cervix are at risk of preterm labor. The signs of preterm labor include:

• Regular or frequent contractions
• A dull, low backache that does not go away
• Spotting
• Pelvic pressure
• Mild abdominal cramps
• Changes in vaginal discharge

If a woman experiences any of these symptoms prior to her due date, her physician should perform a pelvic exam to determine if the cervix has started opening. Ultrasounds may also be ordered to check the length of the cervix.

Depending on how far along the pregnancy is, the physician may suggest various options. For example, there are treatments and some medications that may stop or delay preterm labor. If a woman is not in active labor, a cervical cerclage may be an option. The physician will stitch the cervix closed in this procedure. Regardless of the route the woman and her physician decide to take, all of the risks and benefits should be thoroughly discussed.

If you miscarried or went into early labor, contact our Ohio birth injury attorneys today

The Ohio birth injury attorneys at The Eisen Law Firm have represented many mothers whose physicians failed to provide them with adequate care. If you or a loved one suffered a miscarriage, or if your child was born prematurely during preterm labor, contact our medical negligence attorneys today to set up a free consultation to discuss your legal options. Call 216-687-0900 or contact us online.