How Medical Malpractice Can Lead to Cervical Insufficiency

Cervical insufficiency, or cervical incompetence, is a medical problem that can develop during pregnancy. The cervix is supposed to open/dilate and thin out when a woman has carried the baby to term and it is time to deliver. Unfortunately, cervical incompetence involves the cervix starting to both dilate (open) and efface (become thinner) prior to the time when the baby is due.

When a woman experiences cervical incompetence, she may experience a loss of her child. If this loss occurs during the second or third trimester, she may experience a pre-term (premature) birth. The condition, while relatively rare, may be responsible for as many as a quarter of all second-trimester premature deliveries that occur.

Unfortunately, in certain cases, treatments or procedures performed by doctors can create a risk of cervical insufficiency. For instance, a doctor’s failure to properly monitor a patient who has risk factors for cervical insufficiency can lead to miscarriage or complications.
 
There are many potential risk factors for cervical insufficiency, including having cervical incompetence in a prior pregnancy. If a doctor is aware of risk factors and does not adequately monitor the patient and provide treatment, then the doctor may be responsible for the injury to the fetus resulting from the cervical insufficiency and premature delivery. Cervical insufficiency can generally be treated, if treatment is needed, through a procedure medication, proper surveillance and/or with a procedure called cervical cerclage to reinforce the cervix.

Getting Help for Cervical Insufficiency

If you had a premature child because of cervical insufficiency, it is important to consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney for advice. The attorneys at Ross Feller Casey may be able to help. Contact our firm today.